instant ocean or reef crystals?

[Myka]

Originally Posted by FitoPharmer

What changes do you notice when switching between the two?

When I switch from H2Ocean to IO I don't notice any changes. I think this is because the changes happen slowly. After 4-6 I notice I start having troubles with cyano, sometimes even hair algae pops up. Test kits show extremely low nitrate ("zero" to 0.5 ppm) and phosphate (<0.08 ppm).

When I switch from IO to H2Ocean I notice an increase in SPS color within a couple weeks. Over a month or so the cyano recedes away, and polyp extension increases even though the test kits read the same as above.

I take lots of pics of my tank and I document changes and test readings, so I have lots of data to go on.

I used to be all for IO. In fact, if you do a search I used to say the same thing - buy IO, add a bit of calcium, mg, and potassium to it and you're golden. It's still cheaper than the others even after pre-dosing it. I've changed my mind now, just recently since I have now documented the same results I saw the first time I made the switch from IO to H2Ocean (in 2011 I think...going off memory right now).