Best Salt

[Notathumpa]

I'm sure this subject has been beat to death, but I'm learnin'! Which, in your opinions, salt mix brands are the best? Are they simply a matter of personal preference or is there a real difference in performance for a reef tank? I have been useing Instant Ocean and am going to try Reef Crystals. My tank chemistry is good, but I wonder if some little things not generally tested for have a chronic effect on the reef. I have read opinions that feel that a difference does exist? What's your experience?

 

[BrunstuckyJoe]

I think some salts contain more calcium, mag, alk.....among other stuff....but if you dose or have reactors....i don't think it matters.....unless you don't dose and use water changes to bring up those levels.....but what do I know anyway....you never stop learning in this hobby...

 

[the budman]

i only use reef crystals. 25 % water change EVERY 2 weeks. all softies and lps. all parememters are in check. must water change every 2 weeks though. i dose nothing but iodine. i use ro/di water for all my changes and top offs. just my .02$

 

[BrunstuckyJoe]

Does your magnesium stay over 1300?

 

[NyReefNoob]

d&d pro deltecs new salts tsted 3 different mix batchs 440 cal dkh 9 mag 1350 cost is more then others but what i will save is doing amount equals out

 

[Notathumpa]

I have never tested for Magnesium! I do dose w/ Kent Strontium/Magnesium supplement, though!

 

[Notathumpa]

OOPS! That's Kent Strontium/Molybenum....not Magnesium. I have no idea where my magnesium is?

 

[BrunstuckyJoe]

You need to dose 2tsp/50 gal weekly of the bulk stuff I got at the A.T.

 

[Notathumpa]

Stuff?......A.T.?

 

[MMOORE0324]

A.T.= Aquatic Technology; great LFS in Columbia Station
Stuff= Bulk Magnesium that they sell.

 

[Notathumpa]

Thanks, Matt. Which test do you use for mg? I'll definitely get over to A.T.!

 

[MMOORE0324]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14564717#post14564717 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Notathumpa
Thanks, Matt. Which test do you use for mg? I'll definitely get over to A.T.!

I use Elos test for Alk and Mg.

 

[DEERE G]

I don't think there is any "best" salt. They all have there pros and cons. They contain different amounts of trace elements in each. This topic is one that never gets a real answer.

 

[Notathumpa]

I see. I will make my own comparisons over the next year.....just for grins!

 

[funkyman]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[Notathumpa]

Thanks, funkyman! Might save me some time, but only three parameters measured, though some big differences noted! I would also look at things like Phosphates and Iodine, for example. Also, how do these differences translate to actual results in keeping different critters? So much to know, too much to think about! That's what's so great about ignorance.......you don't know when to shut up!

 

[lawdog]

I am partial to Tropic Marin Salt... Salt is like defending your girlfriend/wife everyone is going to defend their own. Bottom line is find what works for you and keep using it. Consistency is important in all things reefkeeping. Some people swear by IO (instant ocean) others like Reef Crystals... if you can find a good source that is easy to get/use go with it.