I've never measured how much I get, but from what I've seen others report, some of the manufacturers are either a bit overly optimistic about their salts, or expect the salinity to be less than 35 ppt when mixed.
what is the best salt
- Thread starter rocking
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Interesting new datum to add to the choice:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature
"Red Sea salt, on the other hand, does appear to bring with it a not insignificant bacterial load. Once again, there was little increase over 5 days, indicating that sufficient nutrients for growth were not available under these "sterile" conditions. What is so special about Red Sea salt? This salt, uniquely among the six mixes tested, is made, at least partially, by drying authentic seawater. Thus, it appears to retain some viable bacteria from the drying process. The other five salt mixes are prepared from mixing strictly chemical sources of the components. "
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature
"Red Sea salt, on the other hand, does appear to bring with it a not insignificant bacterial load. Once again, there was little increase over 5 days, indicating that sufficient nutrients for growth were not available under these "sterile" conditions. What is so special about Red Sea salt? This salt, uniquely among the six mixes tested, is made, at least partially, by drying authentic seawater. Thus, it appears to retain some viable bacteria from the drying process. The other five salt mixes are prepared from mixing strictly chemical sources of the components. "
Yes, good point. I'm not sure whether it is a pro or con, but it is a difference. 
Also, the data in Figure 13 would seem to support my concern for bacteria growing in Reef Crystals, although whether that extends to other salt mixes (with or without added organics) we do not know.
Also, the data in Figure 13 would seem to support my concern for bacteria growing in Reef Crystals, although whether that extends to other salt mixes (with or without added organics) we do not know.
REEF-n-Chicago
New member
When I started in the hobby (10 or so years ago) I started with Red Sea by default.
(the regular one)
It happened to be at the pet store.
Had great results and used it for years. Switched to RC, due to price, and have not been as happy or had as great of tanks.
With that said.... anyone know the major differences between Red Sea and the Pro version?
(the regular one)
It happened to be at the pet store.
Had great results and used it for years. Switched to RC, due to price, and have not been as happy or had as great of tanks.
With that said.... anyone know the major differences between Red Sea and the Pro version?
DarkXerox
New member
I just got a big batch of esv for my 90g since I don't ever have time to let it sit a day and mix salt (it is in a busy office waiting room). For the last 12 years we had been using NSW however our local source went under last month. So on the first batch it mixed absolutely perfectly with no residue whatsoever. I love how it is 4 parts with two of those as stock solutions since that is exactly how I prep cell culture media that contains anything that has issues with solubility (whether they require pH shifts, heat, etc.). Solid components are high grade NaCl and MgSO4 (not sure if this gives an ok sulfate level though) with other elements mixed into two liquid additions. The water was ready to use in less than 20 min of prepping and there was no negative reaction in the tank post change (20g total). Params were 450 Ca, 9.5dKh, and 1360 Mg.
I think it is really handy to have around for emergencies especially but does take a little focus in prepping to not make errors if it isn't second nature already.
I think it is really handy to have around for emergencies especially but does take a little focus in prepping to not make errors if it isn't second nature already.
ptr13
New member
I am using IO too,I used to use oceanic but did not work with my reactors,like IO and seems like my corals and livestock have enjoyed the changes. My next step would be trying IO RC just to see if parameters are where they should be especially with Mg,a bit low in IO,only 1260-1290 but everything else is fine.
Ralph ATL
Formerly mysterybox
lol...I've used IO, Cora-life, Nutra-water stuff, Tropic Marine Pro for years, Seachem Reef for years, and I was going to switch to Salinity (big seller here in the ATL), but at 90 bucks a pop.....I think I'm just going to take Randies advice (go figure, like 400 times now!) and switch to IO! I supplement BRS 2 part plus mag on occasion. I of course, have an ULNS going on 6 years of carbon dosing.......IO it is! Thanks!
midtownman
New member
i love the esv salt it mix fast in the params is right on the money
TankZombie
New member
I use red sea pro I like it.
HighlandReefer
Team RC
It doesn't exist unless you can find pristine Ocean water and then you take chances with unwanted microbes from the NSW. You're not going to find pristine NSW near shore either, like many use.
That said, Instant Ocean is the best option available IMHO.
All your synthetic salt mixes have too high a levels of many trace elements (trace minerals) like copper & other heavy metals. FIWIW, copper levels as high as 10 parts per billion cause problems for some coral & other oranisms found in reef tanks. At higher levels copper becomes deadly. I wonder why the manufacturers never supply these levels or discuss the heavy metal levels in their salt mixes. :lol:
As far as the organics supplied in some salt mixes, they are not needed. You supply plenty in the foods we add. Unless these added orgnics help to reduce heavy metal toxicity before adding the salt mix to the tank? :hmm3:
My advice is to take the recommendations from Randy (a PH.D. Chemist who specializes in reef tanks) who understands all the intricacies of salt mixes which can't be detailed in posts in this forum, like dissolved organic loads, heavy metals, micro-nutrients, vitamins, supersaturation of salt mixes......etc.
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pmrossetti
Active member
Randy's the man. RC user, but back to IO I go! Thanks!!!
liquidplumber
New member
I've been using the aquavitra salinity and it does mix the amount of water as advertised on the bucket but thinking about switching salts.
What does the high levels of Borate actually do to the corals?
What does the high levels of Borate actually do to the corals?
HighlandReefer
Team RC
Randy provides details in this article:
Boron in a Reef Tank (and its effect on pH buffering)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/12/chemistry
Boron in a Reef Tank (and its effect on pH buffering)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/12/chemistry
FWIW, I do not know if the levels of borate currently in Seachem do anything bad. They used to have it far higher. Still, I see no reason to have in above natural levels.
My criteria for best salt: Reasonable price; easy to get locally;track record of reliability/ no bad batches; calcium, magnesium and alk levels suited to the overall plan for the aquarium; minimal nonsensical science in marketing.
FWIW, I've been using Coralife for over 8 years and it works well for me.
FWIW, I've been using Coralife for over 8 years and it works well for me.
Just to throw fuel on the fire. How much does salt mix really matter? We monitor our parameters, once you get past the FOWLR stage most people dose, use kalk water, and basically play chemist as they add things that testing has shown to be lacking. Each tank has a different bioload. A different mix of corals, inverts, etc. So in the end we have to ajust out water for what we are doing. Attempting to tailor one salt mix for one tank is impossible, all tanks have slightly different requirments. As i see it, all mixtures can be successful, but what make them work is how we tailor the mix for our tanks. Some mixtures may be closer to what out tanks needs, but may be completely off for a different tank with a different mix of stuff. Thus we must remeber we use what works for us, and can't assume it works in all cases. I doubt there is a best.
