HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I am lookin to order some salt to mix for substrate and to use for drinking water as well. Comparing the two the reef salt has additional "reef elements" compared to just sea salt. There is about a $3 difference in price between the two. Reef is more expensive.

Does anyone think there are any benefits on getting the reef over the sea? Unfortunately I do not know what the what the differences are between the two.

Thanks again for all of the answers I get on her. Everyone is so helpful and usually every answer I get leads me to two more question. Lol

The additional "reef elements" is a marketing ploy.

Instant Ocean in the white and purple box, for setting up saltwater fish tanks, is just fine and provides them with all the essential elements they would be getting from ocean water.



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I think the reef salt has extra calcium for coral. I have used both products - I think the regular instant ocean is fine


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It's not a marketing ploy, it's designed for specifically for reef tanks which have different needs. IO for fish, RC for invertebrates because they absorb more of certain elements and can run short otherwise. Some reef keepers choose to dose these elements separately, or in addition to RC.

Either is safe for hermits, but there is no need to spend extra. I've used both depending on what I've found on sale.

That is exactly what I was thinking about the extra elements. I figured it may have some benefits but not worth the additional cost unless you are in a pinch and the reef is the only kind available. I will stick with the Ocean Salt mix in the purple box.

Thanks again for all the insightful information.