What salt are you using?

[Scorpius]

Used ESV for the last year and recently switched to regular TM. It mixes the same every time for me and clears within 10 minutes or so.

I switched from ESV because it was testing positive for PO4 on a fresh mix. Speaking to the owner, he claimed this was within tolerance and acceptable. I didn't agree. I too sent in a test to Triton. I tested my tank water and not fresh mixed water. It showed very high levels for manganese and lithium. So I bought a few buckets of TM to see how things go. So far I like it. I may get a bucket of TMP to see what that's about. Both TM products are available from Petco at a discount with free shipping and can be placed on an automatic replenishment schedule to show up at the door without having to remember to order. ESV was becoming problematic, not being available when I needed it.

I wouldn't jump on ESV as being your source of phosphates. I don't have any problems with phosphates with ESV's salt.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2174418

 

[sahin]

Tropic Marin Pro Reef. Params very near to NSW, especially alkalinity.

When I first started reefkeeping I used to always use Reef Crystals. Then moved to using Kent occaionally and mostly using D&D H2Ocean.

I have also used TMC salt on a couple of occassions but found the alk was severely low!

Now thinking of using Instant Ocean or even KZ ReefersBest.

D&D H2Ocean does contain decent parameters in terms of Alk, Mg and Ca, however, for me it doesnt mix very well and I hate the residue it leaves behind. Also...and maybe its just me, but I feel I had better results when using ReefCrystals years ago...with the D&D H2Ocean for some odd reason not all corals colour up (not all corals, just one or two).

 

[jusn317]

Currently using and really liking Aquavitro Salinity. Mixes clear as long long as I let it mix overnight before using it. Prior to that used Red Sea in blue bucket and ESV. I'd probably still use ESV if it wasn't so hard to find and so expensive.

 

[Bilk]

I wouldn't jump on ESV as being your source of phosphates. I don't have any problems with phosphates with ESV's salt.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2174418

As I mentioned, it wasn't the only reason I switched. I wasn't sure about the high lithium and manganese being healthy for the tank. The Triton test results performed on the regent grade samples wasn't done as of yet, so the numbers I got back could be well off from reality.

I used ESV on the 50g build I had and really liked it. It just became an issue when I needed to obtain more. I'll see how things go with the TM salts. I can always switch back. Right now I like how it mixes. If I see any variations that are too skewed, then I'll have to reconsider.

 

[jbvdhp]

Reef crystals. What is this brown residue you speak of? I've never had any brown residue when using reef crystals.

 

[Stackemdeep]

Seachem Reef Salt. Low KH, mixes clean and inexpensive.

 

[tdb320reef]

I use red sea blue bucket, great levels except for mag, gotta boost that up with added mag cost, however I do get a slight brown in my tub. The cleanest salt I have ever used was tropic marin pro reef, but I got bad buckets of that stuff back in the day, alk was at 4.9dkh. switched to red sea and never looked back. plus my wallet has been really happy from $90 a bucket to $60 a bucket every month, which is an amazing savings.

Red Sea blue bucket and I bring the MG up to 1320.

 

[bellis31]

Instant Ocean mixed cold then heated to temp...

 

[Uncle Luke]

I see users are using some salts with higher levels. For example RC has a higher ALK. Doesn't that change the ALK in the tank when doing a water change?

 

[Denadai]

Red Sea PRO

 

[ryeguyy84]

I use coralife salt it's cheap, dissolves well, and the parameters also match my tank nicely. I was unhappy with reef crystals after using it on and off for 2 years.

Same here.

 

[nashorn]

RC for last 4 mo befor that AV didn't notice any change expect more money to buy frags.

 

[Fishy 1]

Red Sea Coral Pro, liking it so far.

 

[unze]

Aquaraise , parameters are alway good.

 

[Moser]

I use Aquaforest probiotic salt.
Parameters are spot on, it makes water crystal clear and the SPS love it.

They do some great additives that I use as well.

Mo

 

[cleopt]

Been leaning towards Red Sea regular. Prefer salt mix with values closer to NSW. Not a fan of amped up or highly engineered brands.

 

[shiftline]

Instant ocean. Swapping to reef crystals when I run out

 

[MacPhisto]

D&D H2Ocean pro

 

[Peter Eichler]

RC for me...

 

[CommsTech]

Red sea blue bucket. I accidentally got the red sea pro first off. The KH was way too high. All good with the blue bucket though.