Best salt mix for storing saltwater?

[Tikosyn]

Hi all,

New and FIRST reef tank coming in today! My question is in regards to salt mix. I have the Genesis automatic water change system and plan on using it for daily water changes which will total 10% weekly. When used this way I will have to mix saltwater in advance, is there a best mix for automatic water change systems? I was planning on using Red Sea Coral Pro salt mix but apparently that isn't supposed to sit long term. Thanks for any help!

 

[mcgyvr]

Regular instant ocean is all you need..
It can be stored indefinitely.

 

[paulsz]

I think as long as the water is moving you'll be okay. So if you store it in a bin, make sure you have a powerhead/wavemaker in there to keep the water moving

 

[thegrun]

You do not need water movement with Instant Ocean salt mix when you store it.

 

[paulsz]

Oh I didn't know that! Glad to know since Instant Ocean is what I'm planning to use when I get my tank running.

 

[Stevenlatham01]

Would you guys say instant ocean is the best salt to use? My LFS said they prefer Brightwell.

 

[mcgyvr]

Would you guys say instant ocean is the best salt to use? My LFS said they prefer Brightwell.

Instant ocean salt is just fine/readily available/cheap and used in thousands of tanks without issue..

There is really no "best" salt... All are fine..

Some salts contain organics/vitamins,etc.. that do degrade with time and have a shelf life after mixing.

 

[ericarenee]

I/A I agree is prob best and do NOT KEEP It circulated and do not heat it .

Right before use if your going to use a lot at once then heat it and recirculate if you wish..

I use Kent Marine and have no issues with long term. well monthly storage.

 

[LRomero]

Good to know Instant Ocean is a good choice. :thumbsup:

Instant Ocean is $3 cheaper than Kent Marine. Instant Ocean is free ship through Amazon Prime for $46.99 and Kent Marine is free ship through Dr Foster and Smith for $49.99. I'm using Kent Marine right now as that is what was used in the tank before I got it. I'll change to Instant Ocean once I use up all the Kent Marine salt that I have.

 

[ericarenee]

Good to know Instant Ocean is a good choice. :thumbsup:

Instant Ocean is $3 cheaper than Kent Marine. Instant Ocean is free ship through Amazon Prime for $46.99 and Kent Marine is free ship through Dr Foster and Smith for $49.99. I'm using Kent Marine right now as that is what was used in the tank before I got it. I'll change to Instant Ocean once I use up all the Kent Marine salt that I have.

Kent marine is more like Reef Crystals.Without all the Dirty foam in the mixing tank .I have tried all 3 IA and i have to dose 2 part . Reef crystals i get much less yield out of a box, It clumps together very badly and leaves a mess in my mixing tanks . black foamy dirty mess ..

Just my opinion.Based on no scientific evidence .Kent marine is better . :frog:

 

[homer1475]

I prefer IO. Dosed up to my tanks parameters.

I keep it stored with no mixing for up to a month. I used to use IORC and it left a brown foamy material in my mixing barrel, to which I had to clean monthly.