What salt brand do you use?

[corals b 4 bills]

Iv'e been in the hobby for many years and all I've used is instant ocean, is there a far better salt to use? IYO.

 

[affan]

To each his own. Reef Crystals by Aquarium Systems (same company that makes IO) has better Calcium. Some swear by Tropic Marine Pro. Some like it hot, some like it cool, I don't know. Whatever works best for you.

 

[mg426]

I have allways used IO Mixes. Reef crystals at the moment, works well for me. I do hear good things about Tropic Marin though.

 

[funman1]

I use IO, Seachem, and Tropic Marin.
So far I have LOVED the Tropic Marin.

But it's the whole Ford, Chevy, Dodge debate.

~Steve~

 

[ek9vboi]

IO over here as well. Has anyone tested BOTH Reef Crystals and Instant Oceans's calc. level at the same time, same kit yet?

 

[xcreonx]

IO has always worked perfectly for me.

 

[143gadgets]

IO here!

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I'm not impressed with IO's calcium level, so I mix it 50/50 with Oceanic. IO has high alk, low Ca and Oceanic has high Ca and low alk.

 

[reefkoi]

I started with IO back in the 90's when I was a newbie. I hated it then! mixing was a pain to get it to clear up! I use tropic Marin now, and love it. It is expensive though, so it really comes down to cost, you know TM is better but do you want to spend $70 for 200 gallons of saltmix?

 

[Andrew]

I just use IO since most lfs carry it and I can get a bag shipped for $16.

 

[giorgiboy]

TM/ Red Sea, look out for offers

 

[old salty]

Currently using TMPR as it mixes to the parameters that I keep my tank at. I don't know that I'd call it, "Better" just more user friendly.

 

[Paintbug]

i still use Kent Marine. i guess im all alone in that

 

[roons]

i started using crystal seas bioassay, if anyone offers you a deal on that salt run...........................no problems since i switched to IO.....................maybe its my using esv kalk but i have no calcium issues others speak of

 

[lessans]

I just switched from Kent to TMPR because Kent had very low alkalinity. We're talkin 2 dKH!!!

 

[IndyReefMan]

Tropic Marin Pro here. It mixes very consistent from batch to batch at about 7.5dKH and 420 Ca (1.025sg @ 79 degrees). It is a bit pricey but I have a smaller system so I don't really notice it that much.

 

[R33f3r]

I was a big fan of IO for years, until I switched over to rc and my zoos are growing like crazy, Have no idea why either because nothing has changed except the salt.

 

[Btboy2004]

IO and Reef Crystals here.

 

[NormanB]

IO for me. I've used it for 4 years with no problems. I find the Ca to be a little low about 360 when mixed to 35ppt, but a sprinkle of Seachem's Reef Advantage Calcium and I'm good to go. I get a nice 4.0meq/l for alk so, no issues there. IO has gotten better over the years when it come to mixing clear. Yes, 4 years ago it took a lot longer to clear, but now 30 minutes and clear as a bell.

I can buy a lot of RA calcium for the difference in price between IO and Tropic Marin PR.

 

[drummereef]

I've only used IO. It's can be a bit low on alk/calcium, but can be fixed with regular dosing. It's worked well for me.