Hey guys I'm wanting to start my biggest tank project yet sometime in the Spring. That being said I'm planning all the minor details now before I start. I see a lot of back and forth on which Red Sea salt mix is best. One of the complaints I hear about the pro is that it leaves a residue in mixing containers. I'm unsure if this is an issue or not. What is this residue anyway? Other than that it seems that the Pro has much higher levels of Ca, dKH, and Mg. I'll admit I don't have much experience with SPS at this time and normally stick to LPS and softies, but I want the option open for SPS later in the tank's life. The problem with the mixed reef seems to be finding parameters that are as close to ideal as possible for a wide range of corals that need different lighting and flow patterns to keep them healthy. Any advice on which salt I should go with? What's your experience been?
Red Sea Pro vs. Red Sea Salt
- Thread starter Chris918
- Start date
mcgyvr
New member
I personally find it best to target Oceanic levels or a bit higher in ones parameters.
Then I pick a salt thats readily available, low cost and matches my target levels so that I can do as much of a water change as I want and not have to worry about the parameters changing from that..
I think there seems to be a trend of people getting away from the "high level" mixes lately...
Then I pick a salt thats readily available, low cost and matches my target levels so that I can do as much of a water change as I want and not have to worry about the parameters changing from that..
I think there seems to be a trend of people getting away from the "high level" mixes lately...
biecacka
Active member
I use IO. It's not the most expensive but it works for me. I believe that if you dose, or run a calcium reactor that a majority of the needs are met by those actions. Therefore no need to buy more expensive salt. JMO though. As mcgyvr stated, he buys a salt and then matches it to existing levels in his tank. <~~good advice.
Corey
Corey
Shamous113
New member
Baking soda increases alk, muriatic acid can be used to lower it but use with caution.
Shamous113
New member
I use to use IO reef crystals and didn't like how high teh alk was, I'm on my second box of seachem Vibrant Sea and i'm liking it so far. here is a good thread to read on salt mixes
A General Guide to Salt Mixes
A General Guide to Salt Mixes
mcgyvr
New member
I have been using regular IO but only till I run out and I plan to switch too..
As even the regular IO is too high in ALK for me..
I've been keeping my alk at 8dKH lately..
hkgar
Active member
Here is a handy guide to various salt mix parameters. I had been using Red Sea because of the lower dKH (7.7). I have switched to Coralife for dKH level and low price.
Cancun
Member
Hi....I use Red Sea Coral Pro salt....I have never used another brand in 4 years of mixing my own water....I have a mixed reef some SPS...large Deresa Clam...and LPS...I do a 10% water change once a week. I mix my water at 1.025. I don't have to dose calcium. My calcium stays at 440-450.....I never noticed a residue at the bottom of my.mixing container. I love this salt mix...
Shamous113
New member
so far i'm happy with switching, a box of seachem Vibrant Sea mixed at 1.026 makes about 170 US Gallons the price point is close to io reef crystals and the big 3 look pretty good Cal= 480, Mag= 1400, Alk= 9.6dKH.
The actual salt is a little granular, but it mixes well and has very little sediment.
ROB2005
Reefing Is My Passion!
What's the highest Alk reading you have gotten from regular IO? Been using Reef Crystals and my alk level is around 8.5-9
