A General Guide to Salt Mixes

Are all Calcium Cloride mixes the same. I cannot find Dowflake, I have found Morton brand and several off brands. I do not know the chemical compositions of each to know if they are bad or good.
 
Unfortunately, only a couple were tested by Randy and found to be OK. That does not mean the others are not, just not tested. I'd be cautious about using off brands due to the unknowns.

Randy may see this and chime in, but many reefers are just buying bulk calcium chloride from BRS on-line. It is still much cheaper than the alternative.
 
Nanook Duluth Minnesota :eek:

Why do you live in that dumb city ?? :D


Billy must be tired and has had little rest to have missed this :lol:
 
I have heard that Kent is very similar to reef crystals. DO you guys think that Kent is a good salt for a SPS/LPS dominant tank?
 
Most of the commercial synthetic salt mixes can be made to work in a reef tank. Some just need a little supplementing. Kent just might need a slight magnesium boost once in awhile. Otherwise the numbers look good.

I have not heard of any dissatisfied Kent users. :)
 
Hi Billybeau1,

what salt are you currently using, I believe you have a FO right and If you were to have a reef, what salt would you prefer.

I am currently using Coralife in my mixed tank. I'm on my last bag of it and LFS stopped carrying it. So have narrowed it down to either Reef Crystals or SeaChem Reef. Leaning over towards to SeaChem.

Thanks
 
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I am still finishing using up all of the salt mixes I tested. I am just about done.

I buy whatever I can get on sale usually.

Either one of the salts you listed is fine. I'd get whichever one is less expensive. This hobby is expensive enough already. :D
 
Billybeau1 said:
Either one of the salts you listed is fine. I'd get whichever one is less expensive. This hobby is expensive enough already. :D
Click to expand...

You said brother, I think I will buy one bag of each and use the eye test and see how the tank responds like you said.

Thanks, have a great day...
 
I haven't tried the Sybon salt yet, but Premium Aquatics recently started carrying it. Sounds like it has potential, and their current price isn't at all ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Nothing is free in life, its cheap because it is made in china, good luck if anyone uses it
,:lolspin:
 
Im starting my cycle today with my new tank and im not sure what salt to use with so many out there? My tank is a 350g and i plan on a fish only mostly angels once the tanks is nicely established. What salt and sand do u fellas recomend?

Any help is highly appreciated :)

Thanks
 
There are a lot of reasonable salt products, and I wouldn't worry excessively about the choice. Instant Ocean is popular and usually easy to get, for example.
 
Most any salt will do for a fish only. Get the cheapest you can.

As far as substrate, I like crushed coral for a fish only. Some fish like to chew on the coral to dull their teeth.

I target 1.022-1.023 in my FO. No reason to waste salt to go any higher than that IMO.

Good luck on your FO. With a 350 gal, you may even be able to add a trigger and a butterfly with your angels. :)
 
Billybeau1 said:
Most any salt will do for a fish only. Get the cheapest you can.

As far as substrate, I like crushed coral for a fish only. Some fish like to chew on the coral to dull their teeth.

I target 1.022-1.023 in my FO. No reason to waste salt to go any higher than that IMO.

Good luck on your FO. With a 350 gal, you may even be able to add a trigger and a butterfly with your angels. :)
Click to expand...

I normally agree with everything you post Billy but I have to give a different opinion on using crushed coral. The stuff can become a nitrate trap and it definitely becomes a detrius trap and turns ugly IMO.
 
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