Salt brands

[Joseph]

Hello,

Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
conditions (knock on wood).

I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:

At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
(One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.

Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?

Any thoughts?

[Dragon Slayer]

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp



hth
kc


"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
> a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> conditions (knock on wood).
>
> I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
>
> At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
> at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
>
> Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
> the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
>
> Any thoughts?

[Dragon Slayer]

you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.

orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and get
$20 off.

kc


"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
>
>
>
> hth
> kc
>
>
> "Joseph" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hello,
> >
> > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
> > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> > conditions (knock on wood).
> >
> > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
> >
> > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
> > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
> >
> > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
> > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
> >
> > Any thoughts?
>
>

[Joseph]

Wow,

That's good to know!

In your last post you put hth... does that mean "Happy to Help?"

Thank you for your help Dragon. What type of tank do you have?


On Fri, 5 Dec 2003 10:49:47 -0600, "Dragon Slayer"
> wrote:

>you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
>
>orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and get
>$20 off.
>
>kc
>
>
>"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
>> http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
>>
>>
>>
>> hth
>> kc
>>
>>
>> "Joseph" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Hello,
>> >
>> > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
>> > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
>> > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
>> > conditions (knock on wood).
>> >
>> > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
>> > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
>> > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
>> >
>> > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
>> > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
>> > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
>> > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
>> > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
>> >
>> > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
>> > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
>> > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
>> >
>> > Any thoughts?
>>
>>
>

[Joe V.]

"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
>
> orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
get
> $20 off.
>
> kc
>
>

I just punched in an order for 2 200g buckets, and the total (w/ shipping &
the $20 coupon comes & tax) came to $62.66 i.e., $31.33/200g bucket.

I'm getting greedy, but does anyone know of a better deal?

Thanks for the tip, Dragon Slayer!

[Dragon Slayer]

hth = hope this helps

but your version sounds nice as well :)

kc

"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Wow,
>
> That's good to know!
>
> In your last post you put hth... does that mean "Happy to Help?"
>
> Thank you for your help Dragon. What type of tank do you have?
>
>
> On Fri, 5 Dec 2003 10:49:47 -0600, "Dragon Slayer"
> > wrote:
>
> >you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
> >
> >orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
get
> >$20 off.
> >
> >kc
> >
> >
> >"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> hth
> >> kc
> >>
> >>
> >> "Joseph" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > Hello,
> >> >
> >> > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> >> > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in
almost
> >> > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> >> > conditions (knock on wood).
> >> >
> >> > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> >> > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> >> > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
> >> >
> >> > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> >> > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> >> > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> >> > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red
Sea
> >> > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
> >> >
> >> > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> >> > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out
to
> >> > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
> >> >
> >> > Any thoughts?
> >>
> >>
> >
>

[Xena Warrior Princess]

Becareful switching salts. Lots of ancedotal evidence suggest mixing brands
will create something that will kill some species of fish and coral. I'd
stick with what you have been using.

"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
> a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> conditions (knock on wood).
>
> I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
>
> At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
> at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
>
> Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
> the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
>
> Any thoughts?

[Dragon Slayer]

the only better deal is a 20% off any order over $75, but you'd have to
order 4 or more buckets for it to come out any better then the $20 off.

the $20 off is only good till the end of Dec if I recall correctly you can
always put in FREESHIP and get free shipping but that doesn't save but about
$10 most of the time.

your local petsmart is supposed to honor the online price of 34.99/200g
bucket, but mine doesn't so I just call em up and tell them the coupon code
over the phone, never had a problem with them at all.

kc

"Joe V." > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> > you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
> >
> > orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
> get
> > $20 off.
> >
> > kc
> >
> >
>
> I just punched in an order for 2 200g buckets, and the total (w/ shipping
&
> the $20 coupon comes & tax) came to $62.66 i.e., $31.33/200g bucket.
>
> I'm getting greedy, but does anyone know of a better deal?
>
> Thanks for the tip, Dragon Slayer!
>
>

[Dragon Slayer]

the only better deal is a 20% off any order over $75, but you'd have to
order 4 or more buckets for it to come out any better then the $20 off.

the $20 off is only good till the end of Dec if I recall correctly you can
always put in FREESHIP and get free shipping but that doesn't save but about
$10 most of the time.

your local petsmart is supposed to honor the online price of 34.99/200g
bucket, but mine doesn't so I just call em up and tell them the coupon code
over the phone, never had a problem with them at all.

kc

"Joe V." > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> > you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
> >
> > orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
> get
> > $20 off.
> >
> > kc
> >
> >
>
> I just punched in an order for 2 200g buckets, and the total (w/ shipping
&
> the $20 coupon comes & tax) came to $62.66 i.e., $31.33/200g bucket.
>
> I'm getting greedy, but does anyone know of a better deal?
>
> Thanks for the tip, Dragon Slayer!
>
>

[CapFusion]

Try this thread from ReefCentral - http://tinylink.com/?FoLo1JzVIP
Reefkeeping.com [Article] - http://tinylink.com/?wzw9IbnVTc
AnimalNetwork.com [Article] - http://tinylink.com/?DAN0i9xol1
ReefCentral - http://tinylink.com/?wzw9IbnVTc

HTH, GL
CapFusion,...


"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
> a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> conditions (knock on wood).
>
> I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
>
> At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
> at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
>
> Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
> the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
>
> Any thoughts?

[Joseph]

Thank you Cap. I will.

One thing I failed to mention is that I am at the end of a box of
Tropic, and I have a bag of Red Sea (which I got really cheap when I
worked at the chain store for a month).

Over the next couple of days I'm going to take all the information
supplied, see if I can fit any new students into my schedule, and then
decide if I will use the red sea.

Thank you - everybody! I never knew that there was such a wealth of
information in out there on NaCl!

I also want to say thanks for tolerating questions that are probably
asked often here! It's nice to find a community of common interest
that encourages and helps others rather then treating them like
competition.

On Fri, 5 Dec 2003 10:39:11 -0800, "CapFusion"
> wrote:

>Try this thread from ReefCentral - http://tinylink.com/?FoLo1JzVIP
>Reefkeeping.com [Article] - http://tinylink.com/?wzw9IbnVTc
>AnimalNetwork.com [Article] - http://tinylink.com/?DAN0i9xol1
>ReefCentral - http://tinylink.com/?wzw9IbnVTc
>
>HTH, GL
>CapFusion,...
>
>
>"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
>> Hello,
>>
>> Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
>> I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
>> a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
>> conditions (knock on wood).
>>
>> I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
>> my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
>> School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
>>
>> At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
>> for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
>> (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
>> sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
>> at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
>>
>> Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
>> Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
>> the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>

[CapFusion]

"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Thank you Cap. I will.
>

> One thing I failed to mention is that I am at the end of a box of
> Tropic, and I have a bag of Red Sea (which I got really cheap when I
> worked at the chain store for a month).

I am in the same boat. I am cheap too (Heehehe). I am
currently waiting for my budget to get down so I can get my 8800 Booster
Pump.

[i]
> Over the next couple of days I'm going to take all the information
> supplied, see if I can fit any new students into my schedule, and then
> decide if I will use the red sea.

Slowly transition from one brand over the new one and see how your
inhabitant response.


> Thank you - everybody! I never knew that there was such a wealth of
> information in out there on NaCl!
>
> I also want to say thanks for tolerating questions that are probably
> asked often here! It's nice to find a community of common interest
> that encourages and helps others rather then treating them like
> competition.

You are quite welcome.
Competition, maybe you caught all of us in a "Good Mood". X-mas (spirit)....
is near maybe?

CapFusion,...

[Time2359]

Guess here's one more anecdote:

Did a 10% water change with LFS premix (they use Tropic Marin), I normally
mix my own from ro/di and IO. In a hurry and was at the petstore anyway and
had a 5 gal ro/di container with me.

Added the TM mix, which was slightly low at .021 (tank was at .025) Checked
specific gravity again an hour later, .024. Next morning my two xenias
(small ones thank goodness) were death dark gray and collapsed. In the next
8 hours they had melted away. Tested some of the LFS water left over for
everything my kit would detect, all was well. My mushrooms showed no sign
of problems and are still healthy. No other changes and temp was within 2
degrees when added to the pump well.

I shall never ever do that again. From now on it will be my mix or no mix.
It might have been something else, but what? - I don't know. But I shant
take the chance again.
----------------------------------
("What do you think it was, Holmes?", said Watson as he knelt over the
bullet-ridden corpse. Holmes took his pipe from his mouth and watched the
smoke from the bowl, blue-gray in the light from the gas-lamp in the street,
curl up into the chill air of the cold London night. "Why, I think it would
be obvious even to you, my dear Watson. A sudden and fatal case of lead
poisoning." Holmes turned slowly and walked out of the littered Eastend
alley, a wispy trail of azure "mist" trailing over his left shoulder.)





"Xena Warrior Princess" > wrote in
message ...
> Becareful switching salts. Lots of anecdotal evidence suggest mixing
brands
> will create something that will kill some species of fish and coral. I'd
> stick with what you have been using.



---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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[Dan Norgard]

How do you find the Coupon code?
Thanks,
Dan

"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
the only better deal is a 20% off any order over $75, but you'd have to
order 4 or more buckets for it to come out any better then the $20 off.

the $20 off is only good till the end of Dec if I recall correctly you can
always put in FREESHIP and get free shipping but that doesn't save but about
$10 most of the time.

your local petsmart is supposed to honor the online price of 34.99/200g
bucket, but mine doesn't so I just call em up and tell them the coupon code
over the phone, never had a problem with them at all.

kc

"Joe V." > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> > you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
> >
> > orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
> get
> > $20 off.
> >
> > kc
> >
> >
>
> I just punched in an order for 2 200g buckets, and the total (w/ shipping
&
> the $20 coupon comes & tax) came to $62.66 i.e., $31.33/200g bucket.
>
> I'm getting greedy, but does anyone know of a better deal?
>
> Thanks for the tip, Dragon Slayer!
>
>

[CapFusion]

"Dan Norgard" > wrote in message
...
> How do you find the Coupon code?
> Thanks,
> Dan

This should help -
http://www.petsmart.com/psm_offers/20off75/
http://www.petsmart.com/psm_offers/tenoff50/image3_SP_120103.gif
http://www.petsmart.com/misc/75percentAFF/

Coupon Code =
Use coupon code TWENTY. Minimum purchase must include $50 of pet supplies.
Discount does not apply to food and litter. (12/07/03 )
Use coupon code FIVE_OFF50
Use coupon code 20PEROFF75. 20% off orders of $75USD or more.(12/31/03 )

HTH, GL.
CapFusion,...

[Ct Midnite]

I ordered too. That's about the same as one bucked at my lfs.

Thanks Dragon.

On Fri, 5 Dec 2003 12:11:40 -0600, "Joe V." >
wrote:

>
>"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
>> you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
>>
>> orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
>get
>> $20 off.
>>
>> kc
>>
>>
>
>I just punched in an order for 2 200g buckets, and the total (w/ shipping &
>the $20 coupon comes & tax) came to $62.66 i.e., $31.33/200g bucket.
>
>I'm getting greedy, but does anyone know of a better deal?
>
>Thanks for the tip, Dragon Slayer!
>

[Boomer]

You're not going to have him read Ronny's gibberish are you !?

You forgot the other half of the story, the real one, by Habib .Can't post it the site is
down (Advanced Aquarium On-Line Magazine) :-)

--
Boomer

Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php

Want to See More ?
Please Join Our Growing Membership
www.coralrealm.com

If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"CapFusion" > wrote in message
...
: Try this thread from ReefCentral - http://tinylink.com/?FoLo1JzVIP
: Reefkeeping.com [Article] - http://tinylink.com/?wzw9IbnVTc
: AnimalNetwork.com [Article] - http://tinylink.com/?DAN0i9xol1
: ReefCentral - http://tinylink.com/?wzw9IbnVTc
:
: HTH, GL
: CapFusion,...
:
:
: "Joseph" > wrote in message
: ...
: > Hello,
: >
: > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
: > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
: > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
: > conditions (knock on wood).
: >
: > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
: > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
: > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
: >
: > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
: > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
: > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
: > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
: > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
: >
: > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
: > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
: > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
: >
: > Any thoughts?
:
:

[Dan Norgard]

Thanks a million...I'm on my way to PetsMart!
Dan

"CapFusion" > wrote in message
...

"Dan Norgard" > wrote in message
...
> How do you find the Coupon code?
> Thanks,
> Dan

This should help -
http://www.petsmart.com/psm_offers/20off75/
http://www.petsmart.com/psm_offers/tenoff50/image3_SP_120103.gif
http://www.petsmart.com/misc/75percentAFF/

Coupon Code =
Use coupon code TWENTY. Minimum purchase must include $50 of pet supplies.
Discount does not apply to food and litter. (12/07/03 )
Use coupon code FIVE_OFF50
Use coupon code 20PEROFF75. 20% off orders of $75USD or more.(12/31/03 )

HTH, GL.
CapFusion,...

[JR]

There was a discussion about this a short while back, all the stories, and
such brought me to this idea.

Changing salt brands can be hazardous to your live stock!

My reasoning behind this goes as such. Some chemicals are chelated in some
brands of salt and not in others. As an example: say you use brand 1 salt
that
does not use chelation to hold iodine in solution making it bio available
for the
animals. During the time you use brand 1 you dose iodine for the upkeep of
your animals in a non chelated form which sits around in your tank water not
really being used, but still there none the less. Now you have an excess of
iodine
in a form that's non toxic. Today you change to brand 2 which has chelators
in it that pulls all your excess iodine into solution that is toxic to your
animals
because of the elevated levels of the chemical you burn corals to death. It
doesn't
have to be iodine it could be any chemical for that matter. I know from
first hand
experience that an excess of magnesium will melt xenia right off the rock!!

I know there are way more complicated chemical reactions going on than the
way I explained it, but I (not being a chemist like Boomer) try and break it
down into
terms I can understand without the use of PhD's, MD's, DOC's or any other
degree
advanced learning that you can think of.

Hopefully Boomer won't send us off on another marathon reading session now
that
he's involved in this thread. Just Kidding Boomer) :-)



JR,

[Time2359]

So that's what did it! Gads.

> I know from first hand experience that an excess of magnesium will melt
xenia right off the rock!!



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[Dragon Slayer]

I don't know what most lfs pay or where they get their IO from, but when I
let the guy at my lfs in on the price at petsmart he ordered his there and
his price has now come down considerably. guess I need a good Samaritan
award from the locals huh?

:)
kc

"Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
...
> I ordered too. That's about the same as one bucked at my lfs.
>
> Thanks Dragon.
>
> On Fri, 5 Dec 2003 12:11:40 -0600, "Joe V." >
> wrote:
>
> >
> >"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
> >>
> >> orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
> >get
> >> $20 off.
> >>
> >> kc
> >>
> >>
> >
> >I just punched in an order for 2 200g buckets, and the total (w/ shipping
&
> >the $20 coupon comes & tax) came to $62.66 i.e., $31.33/200g bucket.
> >
> >I'm getting greedy, but does anyone know of a better deal?
> >
> >Thanks for the tip, Dragon Slayer!
> >
>

[Dragon Slayer]

>
> I shall never ever do that again. From now on it will be my mix or no
mix.
> It might have been something else, but what? - I don't know. But I shant
> take the chance again.

do they by chance use an aluminum oxide base PO4 remover on newly made water
for some reason?

it will kill xenia almost instantly and seams to not bother anything else in
the tank.

kc

[AC]

The link in the previous message by Dragon Slayer is much better for
information.. But here is a good poll of what other people use.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=166633

Aaron
"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
>
>
>
> hth
> kc
>
>
> "Joseph" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hello,
> >
> > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
> > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> > conditions (knock on wood).
> >
> > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
> >
> > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
> > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
> >
> > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
> > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
> >
> > Any thoughts?
>
>

[Time2359]

Can't tell you KC. But I will keep that in mind to ask should the need ever
arise. Thanks.


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[Boomer]

No just Hab's article, for now :-)

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2003/feature.htm



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If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"JR" > wrote in message ...
: There was a discussion about this a short while back, all the stories, and
: such brought me to this idea.
:
: Changing salt brands can be hazardous to your live stock!
:
: My reasoning behind this goes as such. Some chemicals are chelated in some
: brands of salt and not in others. As an example: say you use brand 1 salt
: that
: does not use chelation to hold iodine in solution making it bio available
: for the
: animals. During the time you use brand 1 you dose iodine for the upkeep of
: your animals in a non chelated form which sits around in your tank water not
: really being used, but still there none the less. Now you have an excess of
: iodine
: in a form that's non toxic. Today you change to brand 2 which has chelators
: in it that pulls all your excess iodine into solution that is toxic to your
: animals
: because of the elevated levels of the chemical you burn corals to death. It
: doesn't
: have to be iodine it could be any chemical for that matter. I know from
: first hand
: experience that an excess of magnesium will melt xenia right off the rock!!
:
: I know there are way more complicated chemical reactions going on than the
: way I explained it, but I (not being a chemist like Boomer) try and break it
: down into
: terms I can understand without the use of PhD's, MD's, DOC's or any other
: degree
: advanced learning that you can think of.
:
: Hopefully Boomer won't send us off on another marathon reading session now
: that
: he's involved in this thread. Just Kidding Boomer) :-)
:
:
:
: JR,
:
:

[BR549]

Would love to use IO at that price, but would hate to deal with the hairy
algae, will stick with the Tropic Marin

BR549


"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
>
> orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
get
> $20 off.
>
> kc
>
>
> "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> > http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
> >
> >
> >
> > hth
> > kc
> >
> >
> > "Joseph" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15 gal.),
> > > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in almost
> > > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> > > conditions (knock on wood).
> > >
> > > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> > > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> > > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
> > >
> > > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> > > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
> > > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> > > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
> > > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
> > >
> > > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> > > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out to
> > > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
> > >
> > > Any thoughts?
> >
> >
>
>
>

[Dragon Slayer]

I've read a lot of posts in this NG as well as on the web about IO and hair
algae, but IME IO doesn't cause hair algae problems. I've been using it
exclusively for the past 15 yrs. prior to IO I used "phantoms forty" and
never had problems with it either but you never see it anymore.

kc

"BR549" > wrote in message
...
> Would love to use IO at that price, but would hate to deal with the hairy
> algae, will stick with the Tropic Marin
>
> BR549
>
>
> "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> ...
> > you can also order IO salt from petsmart.com for $35/200g bucket.
> >
> > orders over $50 you can type in TWENTY in the electronic cupon code and
> get
> > $20 off.
> >
> > kc
> >
> >
> > "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > hth
> > > kc
> > >
> > >
> > > "Joseph" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Hello,
> > > >
> > > > Since last Febuary I have been nurturing a small reef tank (15
gal.),
> > > > I realizre that this was way way to small to start with, but in
almost
> > > > a year I have only had 3 fatalities, and none of them due to water
> > > > conditions (knock on wood).
> > > >
> > > > I am also a college student and living off financle aide. I support
> > > > my tanks (I also have a 40g. fresh) by tutoring Jr. High and High
> > > > School students. This tight budget brings me to this quandry:
> > > >
> > > > At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
> > > > for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet
Stores"
> > > > (One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
> > > > sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red
Sea
> > > > at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.
> > > >
> > > > Does anybody know anything about the differences between the salts?
> > > > Anybody had good or bad experiances with either? Should I sell out
to
> > > > the chain or support the only all-fish store in my state?
> > > >
> > > > Any thoughts?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Joseph]

Okay, since there are now 26 responses to the salt question I think
I'll take the risk of boring everybody and relate a humourous
anecdote...

I've been married for 2 and 1/2 years now, and I have a great group of
friends. But there is one thing that drives my spouse and my friends
crazy: My fish tanks.

My best friend has stopped asking how the tanks are doing because I
can't just say "good or bad." And his eyes glaze over the second I
use the words "water parameters." My spouse can't understand why I
have such a fascination with the life forms in the tank that I need a
magnifing lens for (The spouse is just happy that the colors of the
fish provide a good contrast to the drapes, and that they are active).
Both spouse and friend use the term "unique," but in a tone that says
"geek."

When I posted the question about NaCl I expected to get maybe half a
dozen responses saying "I use ___ because _____," or "Thats a ____
idea." I didn't expect charts, studies from universities with govt.
grants, and more homework than I get from my classes! I guess I have
found a community of people who are also "unique."

So thank you! I'm in a place where there are no fish clubs, and it's
nice to know that I'm not the only one passionate about this. Someday
I hope to be able to post as much data as Boomer, and good advice as
AC or Cap when a newbie like me ask a simple question that needs a
complexe answer!

This is a really great news group and I'm really glad to have found
it! Thank you all (even those I didn't mention by name) a million
times over.

Joseph

[Joseph]

Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending! Please
forgive me!

[Chris Taylor]

"""Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending!"""

As a teacher you should know better, that's three demerits for you ;-)

"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending! Please
> forgive me!

[Joseph]

Teacher?

O, my comment about class! I'm no teacher. I'm still a college
student. Currently majoring in math.

Wow, I feel old now that I've been mistaken for a professor!

ha ha

Joseph

On Mon, 8 Dec 2003 07:55:52 -0000, "Chris Taylor"
> wrote:

>"""Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending!"""
>
>As a teacher you should know better, that's three demerits for you ;-)
>
>"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
>> Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending! Please
>> forgive me!
>

[CapFusion]

"Boomer" > wrote in message
...
> You're not going to have him read Ronny's gibberish are you !?
>
> You forgot the other half of the story, the real one, by Habib .Can't post
it the site is
> down (Advanced Aquarium On-Line Magazine) :-)
>

What the other half? I am probably was absent on that day and missed alot
(probably).

CapFusion,...

[CapFusion]

"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> I don't know what most lfs pay or where they get their IO from, but when I
> let the guy at my lfs in on the price at petsmart he ordered his there and
> his price has now come down considerably. guess I need a good Samaritan
> award from the locals huh?
>
> :)
> kc

If the LFS give you a discount, that will be your award.

CapFusion,...

[Chris Taylor]

Student:- 10 demerits

Now you've made me feel old :-(


"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
> Teacher?
>
> O, my comment about class! I'm no teacher. I'm still a college
> student. Currently majoring in math.
>
> Wow, I feel old now that I've been mistaken for a professor!
>
> ha ha
>
> Joseph
>
> On Mon, 8 Dec 2003 07:55:52 -0000, "Chris Taylor"
> > wrote:
>
> >"""Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending!"""
> >
> >As a teacher you should know better, that's three demerits for you ;-)
> >
> >"Joseph" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending! Please
> >> forgive me!
> >
>

[Joseph]

Oh, come on. You use enough smilies that it's apparent you are
down/hip/jiggy with today's pop culture. So I guessed you were in
your teens...


Is that better? **grin**

On Mon, 8 Dec 2003 17:31:07 -0000, "Chris Taylor"
> wrote:

>
>Student:- 10 demerits
>
>Now you've made me feel old :-(
>
>
>"Joseph" > wrote in message
...
>> Teacher?
>>
>> O, my comment about class! I'm no teacher. I'm still a college
>> student. Currently majoring in math.
>>
>> Wow, I feel old now that I've been mistaken for a professor!
>>
>> ha ha
>>
>> Joseph
>>
>> On Mon, 8 Dec 2003 07:55:52 -0000, "Chris Taylor"
>> > wrote:
>>
>> >"""Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending!"""
>> >
>> >As a teacher you should know better, that's three demerits for you ;-)
>> >
>> >"Joseph" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >> Sorry, I forgot to run spell check on that before sending! Please
>> >> forgive me!
>> >
>>
>

[Wayne Sallee]

In article >, "JR" >
writes:

> I know from
>first hand
>experience that an excess of magnesium will melt xenia right off the rock!!

I have experimented with high levels of magnesium, without any harm to soft
corals, including xenia.

What did hapen was that it tricked the stony corals into thinking they were
laying down calcium, and it caused them to produce spicules of calcium (posibly
and/or magnesium) instead of solid calcium skeleton. They also grew faster, but
wihtout the solid calcium skeleton, they drooped, and streched downward with
gravity.

It was a very interesting experiment.

Wayne Sallee
http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm

[Wayne Sallee]

In article >, "Xena Warrior Princess"
> writes:

>
>Becareful switching salts. Lots of ancedotal evidence suggest mixing brands
>will create something that will kill some species of fish and coral. I'd
>stick with what you have been using.

I would like to see evidence of this. I can't see that there would be any
problem with swiching salt from one brand to another, unless someone uses some
pathetic brand.

Wayne Sallee
http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm

[Wayne Sallee]

In article >, Joseph
> writes:

>At the locally owned fish store only carries Tropic Marin for $24.99
>for the 25 US gal. mix (6lb, 13oz). But, the "Walmart of Pet Stores"
>(One of those national chains which severly exploit the animals they
>sell, you can pick which ever one you most like to bash) sells Red Sea
>at $24.99 for the 50 gal. mix.


Red Sea Salt is a Joke.

Wayne Sallee
http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm

[Chimera]

"Wayne Sallee" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, "Xena Warrior Princess"
> > writes:
>
> >
> >Becareful switching salts. Lots of ancedotal evidence suggest mixing
brands
> >will create something that will kill some species of fish and coral.
I'd
> >stick with what you have been using.
>
> I would like to see evidence of this. I can't see that there would be any
> problem with swiching salt from one brand to another, unless someone uses
some
> pathetic brand.
>
> Wayne Sallee
> http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm

I would have to agree with Wayne (IMHO). I probably would not mix brands
right out of the bag (like when you make water for water change), but I
can't see how using brand A one month and then brand B next month would be
bad. I would think it would a _good_ idea- maybe one brand is lacking
something and vice-versa.

[Marc Levenson]

Actually, consistency is the best way of caring for marine life, and switching
salts can cause real havoc in a reef tank.

Marc


Chimera wrote:

> I would have to agree with Wayne (IMHO). I probably would not mix brands
> right out of the bag (like when you make water for water change), but I
> can't see how using brand A one month and then brand B next month would be
> bad. I would think it would a _good_ idea- maybe one brand is lacking
> something and vice-versa.

--
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[Aaron_TekRecycle.com]

Marc,
If you were to switch.... how would you "migrate" over to the new salt?


"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
> Actually, consistency is the best way of caring for marine life, and
switching
> salts can cause real havoc in a reef tank.
>
> Marc
>
>
> Chimera wrote:
>
> > I would have to agree with Wayne (IMHO). I probably would not mix brands
> > right out of the bag (like when you make water for water change), but I
> > can't see how using brand A one month and then brand B next month would
be
> > bad. I would think it would a _good_ idea- maybe one brand is lacking
> > something and vice-versa.
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
>
>

[Marc Levenson]

I would do it by using it in future water changes, and do it 10% of the volume
once a month.

Btw, I use Kent's Sea Salt.

Marc


"Aaron_TekRecycle.com" wrote:

> Marc,
> If you were to switch.... how would you "migrate" over to the new salt?
>
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Actually, consistency is the best way of caring for marine life, and
> switching
> > salts can cause real havoc in a reef tank.
> >
> > Marc
> >
> >
> > Chimera wrote:
> >
> > > I would have to agree with Wayne (IMHO). I probably would not mix brands
> > > right out of the bag (like when you make water for water change), but I
> > > can't see how using brand A one month and then brand B next month would
> be
> > > bad. I would think it would a _good_ idea- maybe one brand is lacking
> > > something and vice-versa.
> >
> > --
> > Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> >
> >

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Ct Midnite]

Anyone notice that petsmart put a $16 odd size surcharge on their
salt?

We must have made an impression. :) It was too good to be true and
they figured it out too.

Any other place online to get your salt for a good price?

Ct Midnite

http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/

[Wayne Sallee]

In article >, Marc Levenson >
writes:

>Btw, I use Kent's Sea Salt.

Kent Marine is just Instant Ocean repackaged.

Wayne Sallee
http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm

[Marc Levenson]

Not quite, but you are right it is produced by the same factory.

Marc


Wayne Sallee wrote:

> In article >, Marc Levenson >
> writes:
>
> >Btw, I use Kent's Sea Salt.
>
> Kent Marine is just Instant Ocean repackaged.
>
> Wayne Sallee
> http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm

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Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Wayne Sallee]

In article >, Marc Levenson >
writes:

>Not quite, but you are right it is produced by the same factory.
>
>Marc


Yea it's not like they are packing it instant ocean bags, and then packing it
in Kent bags. But instant ocean bags it up in kent bags for them. So yea you'r
right "repackaged" isn't the right word.

Wayne Sallee
http://members.aol.com/waynesallee/weblink.htm