CapnReefer
In Memoriam
Just wondering what are the popular salt mixes these days? (is reef crystals still good?)
Thanks!
Thanks!
Been gone awhile - salt mix?
- Thread starter CapnReefer
- Start date
ReefKeep66
New member
I have been using reef crystals for a while and like it. I'm getting ready to switch to red sea coral pro salt to give it a try but I still like reef crystals.
. Its often on sale (currently) and with some quick search for coupon you can get it below $50.
bluecoyote79
New member
I've been using AquaVitro Salinity for 6 months with great results. It mixes easily and I get great growth in my 65g.
AquaFrenzy
New member
Instant Ocean here, although would like to try the Reef Crystals soon at some point.
FirstContact
Active member
ReefCrystals here too.
dkeller_nc
New member
Most of us that are chemistry geeks tend to use Instant Ocean because it's cheap, and manufactured in large quantities (and is thus consistent). It tends to be a bit low in calcium, so we either supplement with a spoonful of calcium chloride in the mixing vat, or simply use it as-is and let the tank's supplementation of calcium and alkalinity take care of the very slight drop when doing a water change.
That said, there are tons of brands of salt mix on the market now, and most all of them are perfectly suitable for use in a reef tank. The only real differences is how they're supplied, whether they contain organics, and whether they contain borates or not.
For example, ESV provides a salt mix in separate components - a couple of liquids that contain minor and trace elements as well as calcium and alkalinity, and solid sodium chloride/sulfate. Folks that use it like the fact that it's designed to be mixed and used immediately.
Red Sea's products contain organics as a result of their manufacturing process. That's not a bad thing, as the organic load is low and is naturally sourced, but one would not want to keep the mixed-up water on hand for lengthy periods without circulation/aeration because the organics will feed bacterial growth.
Most seawater mixes on the market don't contain borates (the manufacturers don't add it). Borate is a minor constituent of natural seawater, but it's not an element that's used by sealife, so it's not necessary. It does, however, make up a small fraction of the alkalinity of NSW, and at least one company includes it in their mix - Seachem.
So ultimately, what you choose is an individual preference. There are some that prefer to have a salt mix that has elevated calcium and alkalinity over natural seawater because they don't want to bother with adjusting these parameters in their mixing vat. There is, however, a substantial price premium for mixes with this feature over plain ole Instant Ocean.
That said, there are tons of brands of salt mix on the market now, and most all of them are perfectly suitable for use in a reef tank. The only real differences is how they're supplied, whether they contain organics, and whether they contain borates or not.
For example, ESV provides a salt mix in separate components - a couple of liquids that contain minor and trace elements as well as calcium and alkalinity, and solid sodium chloride/sulfate. Folks that use it like the fact that it's designed to be mixed and used immediately.
Red Sea's products contain organics as a result of their manufacturing process. That's not a bad thing, as the organic load is low and is naturally sourced, but one would not want to keep the mixed-up water on hand for lengthy periods without circulation/aeration because the organics will feed bacterial growth.
Most seawater mixes on the market don't contain borates (the manufacturers don't add it). Borate is a minor constituent of natural seawater, but it's not an element that's used by sealife, so it's not necessary. It does, however, make up a small fraction of the alkalinity of NSW, and at least one company includes it in their mix - Seachem.
So ultimately, what you choose is an individual preference. There are some that prefer to have a salt mix that has elevated calcium and alkalinity over natural seawater because they don't want to bother with adjusting these parameters in their mixing vat. There is, however, a substantial price premium for mixes with this feature over plain ole Instant Ocean.
billdogg
Well-known member
IME, IO can be mixed and stored pretty much as long as need be without problems.
As for what salt I use, I tend to get whatever is on sale, usually IO or RC. My LFS now has 200g boxes of IO for $40, RC for $50. Although I like having it delivered to my door, I'm willing to make the short drive. Also gives me an excuse for "but Honey, it um, followed me home?" although I gotta say - I'm running out of room!
As for what salt I use, I tend to get whatever is on sale, usually IO or RC. My LFS now has 200g boxes of IO for $40, RC for $50. Although I like having it delivered to my door, I'm willing to make the short drive. Also gives me an excuse for "but Honey, it um, followed me home?" although I gotta say - I'm running out of room!
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