A General Guide to Salt Mixes

[Billybeau1]

:thumbsup:

 

[trmiv]

Thanks for the info. These tests along with my own experience are making me consider going back to Reef Crystals, or trying out either the Seachem Marine or Reef. I currently use Red Sea Coral Pro, and although I like it, the alk can be a bit low. It's usually right at NSW, which is great, but I like a little wiggle room.

Also, it looks to me that the Seachem Marine salt is better than the the Seachem Reef salt. The numbers for the Marine are more than adequate, and although the price difference is small, I don't see a reason to use the Reef version.

For those using Red Sea Coral Pro that have mixed the bucket before using it, how are you doing it? I considered trying to pour it from bucket to bucket a few times, but I'm not sure that would be enough.

Billy, any plans on getting your hands on the Tunze salt?

 

[Billybeau1]

The reason some people prefer a salt mix with higher calcium is that their tanks consume it rather quickly. One of the reasons I like the fact we have so many to choose from.

I've got a few more on my list. I'll look for the Tunze.

 

[Canarygirl]

Hey, Billybeau

Is hW MarineMix on your list to test by any chance? I'd be curious what you thought of that one. I could find it only at Drs F&S.

 

[Billybeau1]

Unfortunately, no. The smallest bag they sell is a 150 gal mix and they want 57 bucks for that plus shipping.

I am not willing to invest that much money for a salt that less than 1% of the reefer world uses.

Sorry.

 

[trmiv]

I've heard the hW MarineMix and the Tunze are the same salt.

 

[Canarygirl]

really? that's interesting!

I've heard really good things about the hW Marine Mix which is why I wanted to try it out

 

[trmiv]

It may not be exactly the same, but I know that hW makes the salt for Tunze. rvitko said the Tunze is a reef blend, so the KH and calcium are likely a little higher than the regular Marinemix though.

 

[Canarygirl]

The Kh on the Marine Mix is 8 dhk and Ca is ~370 IIRC....

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11839094#post11839094 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Canarygirl
The Kh on the Marine Mix is 8 dhk and Ca is ~370 IIRC....

Was that at 35 ppt ? A lot of salt companies use 1.024 as a standard. I have no idea why.

 

[phishlet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11839094#post11839094 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Canarygirl
The Kh on the Marine Mix is 8 dhk and Ca is ~370 IIRC....

The Seachem reef salt looks to have better numbers that that.

 

[mids1999]

thanks for the great info.

 

[Billybeau1]

:thumbsup:

 

[HowardW]

Hey Billy are you going to test the new Tunze Reef Salt?

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...ROD&Product_Code=T7008.000&Category_Code=Salt

 

[Billybeau1]

Yes, I have a few more on my list and that is one of them.

 

[rbursek]

I got my 3 buckets of RC from AM yesterday making water and anxious to test it out. I will report.

 

[Billybeau1]

I'll be very disappointed if the calcium is not at 420 or so at 35 ppt.

 

[EvilE]

I am gonna re-test my Reef Crystals today

 

[rbursek]

Here it is, 77*F, 7.7ph Hanna just calibrated, 1.026 refactermeter just calibrated, Ca 340 API, 10Alk Elos, 1250Mg Elos, all test kits are new. I have a new Sera Ca test kit, but I hate the scoop so I did not test with it. What to you think, call them and let them know?

 

[Billybeau1]

The cal and alk are low. The mag is about what I would expect. It may be interesting to try one other brand Cal test kit just to make sure the API did not expire. Or if you have a local fish store, mix up a small batch and have them test it. They usually do it for free.

BTW - How did you calibrate your refractometer ?