Anyone mix salts?

[Mark_C]

Running Red Sea Coral Pro since I started, then recently bought a big container of Reef Crystals as it was considerably cheaper while on sale.

With 2 10% water changes using the Reef crystals I had increased growth, but parameters shifted a bit. As mnat pointed out the alkalinity shift with the RC probably contributed.

So, decided to see what happens if I mix salts. I do 5 gallon batches requiring 2 1/2 cups of salt.
Going to try an 80:20 of 2 cups of RSCP to 1/2 C RC and see where it goes.

 

[David]

Yea. I sometimes use Red Sea blue and bucket and sometimes coral pro. If my elements are a little in the low side, I do the next few water changes with coral pro, due to the elevated element. Saves me having to dose for the time being. I used to use coral pro all the time, but the alk was a little too much. Tank was 11+, and it seems happier in the 9 ish range.

 

[DangerDave]

I’ve mixed a few times. I use RSCP, but I’ve run out a few times and grabbed IO and RC from petco. I definitely noticed a difference, but I’m sure that everything would have been fine as the tank adjusted to the new salt....

 

[Sponge]

The only worry I would have with mixing salts. Particularly small amounts is I am not sure how homogenous the stuff is. I know the salt companies add trace elements and I am assuming here but seems there is a chance of it not being 100 percent mixed. If your working out of a single batch and your first scoop has a little more of something than the second scoop has less of that item to pick from forcing a decent average. I don’t think (and no I am not sure... just reasoning it out) that I would want to work out of two buckets of the same salt. I am probably worried about nothing but in a hobby that revolves around stability I don’t think long term mixing is a great idea. But hey what do I know

 

[mnat]

redfishbluefish did or still does this to balance out the high alk of reef crystals (IIRC he mixes is with instant ocean).