What salt is the best quality?

[SquidHC]

I know this may be a hot topic, but Id like to know. What is the best quality salt brand out there? I am currently purchasing premixed saltwater from my LFS because its convenient but would like to start mixing my own.

 

[bertoni]

There isn't any useful data on the subject. I would avoid the Oceanic product, because of design issues. The same goes for the SeaChem products and perhaps CoraLife, which might have too much borate in them. I use Instant Ocean, but lots of other products are popular, too.

 

[wachuko]

I use Instant Ocean or Tropic Marin.... but only because that is what the LFS recommended...

 

[McTeague]

I alternate between Reef Crystals and Tropic Marin.

 

[lakee911]

I find IO to be cheap and sufficient for my use. Typically everyone will have their own opinion and usually the only thing they agree on is to stick with it once you find something you like (don't unnecessarily switch brands). You can always adjust up some parameters, say Ca or Mg for example, if you need to before doing your water change.

Jason

 

[masonicman]

Reef crystals from Dr. Foster and Smith. 5 gallon bucket $41.00 shipped to NJ

 

[woogy]

bummer...i use oceanic...maybe i should switch to instant ocean or something else...maybe this is why i dont have good coraline growth

 

[stuccodude]

i use to use oceanic and the calcium was too high, i was told its for really heavily stocked tanks, im currently using red sea, boran seems a bit low

 

[lakee911]

You should check all of your parameters (Ca, Mg, Alk, Nitrate, PO4) and post them along with your type lighting. Chances are something is off and preventing the coraline.

 

[woogy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11618160#post11618160 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lakee911
You should check all of your parameters (Ca, Mg, Alk, Nitrate, PO4) and post them along with your type lighting. Chances are something is off and preventing the coraline.

see i was told that the lighting didn't matter by most...i only have fo

 

[dileggi]

My lighting and stocking info is below. I've been using Oceanic and my only problem has been that my CA is usually low...at 380. At water change, I change 5g. My CA usually tests at 420. By mid week, it's down to 400. By the next weekend, I'm usually dosing to get it back to 400-420, but I do have coralline growth starting on the back of the tank and on the LR. All my other parameter's have been fine, except for nitrates, whcih are usually around 20. I've yet to get them below 10.

 

[RyanMcLaughlin]

I read an article about this and it said that just about all salts are the same and that every bag differs with how much of what it has in it so it doesnt really matter. It did mention some salt I have never seen that comes with a bunch of liquids to add that makes it nearly identical to real ocean salt.

 

[rroselavy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11618546#post11618546 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RyanMcLaughlin
I read an article about this and it said that just about all salts are the same and that every bag differs with how much of what it has in it so it doesnt really matter. It did mention some salt I have never seen that comes with a bunch of liquids to add that makes it nearly identical to real ocean salt.

Do you have a link to this article, or know where you read the article?

 

[lakee911]

Keep your Ca up--that'll help. Have you dried topping off with kalk? Also, what is your Mg and Alk? Scrape some coraline off a rock or off glass and it'll float around and seed new growth.

 

[bmk]

Do you have a link to this article, or know where you read the article?

Hi
I dont have the article, but I think he might mean this German salt.
Grotech Coralmarine Reef Salt, (dry mix)
A premium German salt mix that offers essential elements for coral health and growth. Many other leading salts leave a question mark over the levels of certain key ingredients, such as calcium and magnesium. Grotech allows the customer to easily adjust the basic mix to the levels that their aquarium needs. In each tub are two bottles easily allowing the customer to adjust levels to suit. Key Benefits Unique Magnesium and Calcium control system Rapid dissolving and usage cycle Made from premium quality pharmaceutical grade elements Key micro nutrients and trace element for optimal coral health.

Barry

 

[reefworm]

here's the one I use - Forty Fathoms/Crystal Sea for bioassay research. You can find it at http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/1568/cid/388

 

[el Deutche]

I use Tropic Marin. Here is a link in the chemistry forum talking about salt mixes. Hope it helps
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118

 

[reefnetworth]

IO for over 18 years now, never had a bad batch.
I do add Calcium, Magnesium, and Iodide to meet my inhabitants needs.
CaCl2=440
Mg=1350
I/I2=0.045

 

[pimpinitup6969]

i use instant ocean and reef crystals

Matt

 

[Reefdiver77]

I have been using Oceanic for 3 years now. Everything grows like a weed and I have had no problems.