Reef crystals issues?

[itsamyheff]

I have read a couple of post where people are having issues with reef crystals salt. I have been using it for many years now and ran across my first problem with it. I noticed some sps bleaching and a couple zoas closing up. I checked my parameters and found my mag and alk to be pretty low. I had just opened a new box when this occurred. I then checked my make up water with the new salt and found it to be low on mag(900), alk(5), and calcium(340). Are they doing something different to the blending process to cause this? Is it just a coincident? I always questioned seeing others post similar problems to see if they had done something out of the ordinary or was it really the salt?

 

[dhmx220]

How long are you mixing the salt for? Anything over 24 hours and the elements start to precipitate. Personally, I have not had a good experience with reef crystals but know MANY who love the salt.

 

[itsamyheff]

I mix overnight.

 

[chris s]

Did you mix the salt before you added it to the water? I know you said it was a new box but it may have sat around for a while. I'd try mixing what's left of the bag and make up a small batch to see what numbers it produces.

 

[nickmg]

Had the same problem, been using reef crystals for years. noticed I was having to dose a ton lately. Parameters were all very low. Switched to red sea this past water change and have not had the problems.

 

[itsamyheff]

I just hate to give up on it after all these years. But if they are doing something different to the mix and we are having an issue, maybe its time. I think I will email the company and see if I can get a response from them. I am in no way complaining about there product. It was been good to me for years. I just have seen and heard of more issues as of late.

 

[curtismaximus]

I have had the opposite problem. When my salinity was correct the Calcium and Alk was through the roof!

 

[itsamyheff]

I guess I need to check on other salts. I emailed a question to see if there has been complaints or if the mix has changed. I got the confirmation email that they received an email but no real response just yet. I will post on here what there reply say.

 

[bluespot]

I used reef crystals on my last tank years ago and loved it and for about 6 months on this tank. I had issues especially with low mag and alk also. I mixed the bucket really well and still had issues. Switched to red sea coral pro and its fine now.