What do you use for salt?

[Deep Reef]

I know this is a loaded question with many opinions. I have been using IO since I started in this hobby 3 years ago. I buy it as most of the local stores carry it which make it easy to buy in small quantities. But since I have been fighting a water quality issue (almost fixed), I have been looking at everything going into my tank so I wonder if maybe a salt change is in order.

Thoughts?

 

[Siptang]

I use Bio Sea from Aqua Craft .

 

[NMSREEFER]

I read an in depth analysis comparing the various brands of salt mix. I was looking especially for low silicate and phosphate due to diatoms. The article was much more than I could absorb, but I concluded that IO Reef Crystals were about as good as any of the others for my purposes. Some of the other brands actually had more silicate at phosphate.

I wish I could link that article. A Google search on comparing reef salt mixes might pull it up. It gives a comparison of the contents of about ten top brands.

 

[NMSREEFER]

Reef crystals contains supplemental minerals that you have to add separately for corals if using IO Sea salt- Magnesium, Iodine, Strontium, etc.

 

[Deep Reef]

Thanks nmsreefer. I was also wondering if those who buy other salt order them on line. ..

 

[AquamanE]

I use either, Red Sea pro, on IO RC. And yes, you can get the 200g box of IO RC online with free shipping.

 

[dadummy]

Instant Ocean. Throw some fish food in the cart and the 200g box ships free, don't even have to carry it to the car.

 

[Lacy]

I mostly use Instant Ocean (on sale 39.99 at F & S) or Reef Crystals (on sale 49.99). 200 gal box with free shipping for orders over 49.99. I'm about to place on order before it goes off of sale.

 

[SammyL]

i mostly use instant ocean (on sale 39.99 at f & s) or reef crystals (on sale 49.99). 200 gal box with free shipping for orders over 49.99. I'm about to place on order before it goes off of sale.

f & s?

 

[Lacy]

Foster & Smith

 

[baxinabox]

i used to use DD H20, and recently switched over the Read Sea Coral Pro ( i am not a fan of this salt at all )

when changing salts i would highly recommend to take it slow. instead of doing your normal 10% change, i would do a 2% every couple of days. i say this because some of the salt mixes have a higher alk / CA than others. a big change could and will shock some delicate corals.

 

[Deep Reef]

Great toknow thanks

 

[Ludwigia73]

Thanks, just bought 2 200gal boxes of salt, a fragging tool kit, and a large magfloat. I've been using the last of a 5 gallon bucket of Living Color, corals haven't been looking too good. I'll do some water changes with IO and hope for the best (that's what I was using before switching to Living Color.) It's probably good for fish, but not for corals.

 

[dadummy]

living color was (is) garbage, I tried it some time ago, guess it hasn't changed

 

[NMSREEFER]

Keep in mind IO has 2 types. The cheaper one basically for fish only. Reef crystals for corals. Cuts down on adding supplements.

 

[Fish2reef]

Aqua Craft, Marine Environment my last six water changes and love it so far.

 

[Alex33324]

Tropic Marin Bioactiff

 

[SammyL]

Foster & Smith

Lacy, Thank you I just ordered some.

 

[Lacy]

Lacy, Thank you I just ordered some.

:thumbsup:
I started using them in the early '90 when we lived in Key West. It was called Pet Warehouse back then. Having salt shipped in and paying for shipping was still cheaper than buying it at the LFS. There was no such thing as free shipping like they have now.