Instant ocean salt crystals

[Reefman603]

Is the instant ocean salt crystals a reliable brand good brand of salt ? Looking to pick up some salt today so I can mix up 10 gallons of water and have it ready before I set up a established 60g reef next weekend, I will be reusing most of the water from the tank but going to replace 10 gallons worth of water. Instant ocean had the best price I’ve seen so far but wondering if it’s a good brand ? I plan on keeping LPS, SPS and soft corals.

 

[Salty Lemon]

I personally, have not had a problem with it -- but I don't keep the more delicate corals. I do not buy it because it has a tendency to clump and I don't like breaking apart my salt mix. I don't even know if anyone else has had that problem or not. It could have been my one big box. I generally purchase Fritz. Here is a link that might help you decide on what brand you would like. Instant Ocean was rated #1. https://aquariumadviser.com/best-reef-salt/

 

[Tiger Brown]

Yes, Instant Ocean is reliable and proven. They have the Instant Ocean Sea Salt and they also make the Reef Salt which they enrich with extra calcium and trace elements. Many of us have preferences, as with anything, but people run reefs with either.

 

[Reefman603]

Yes, Instant Ocean is reliable and proven. They have the Instant Ocean Sea Salt and they also make the Reef Salt which they enrich with extra calcium and trace elements. Many of us have preferences, as with anything, but people run reefs with either.

Thank you, will most likely be picking up a bag today !

 

[Reefman603]

I personally, have not had a problem with it -- but I don't keep the more delicate corals. I do not buy it because it has a tendency to clump and I don't like breaking apart my salt mix. I don't even know if anyone else has had that problem or not. It could have been my one big box. I generally purchase Fritz. Here is a link that might help you decide on what brand you would like. Instant Ocean was rated #1. https://aquariumadviser.com/best-reef-salt/

Thank you, yah I’ve used instant ocean a few years back didn’t notice the clumping like you said, I’ll give it a shot and pick up a bag today, hopefully no clumping like you experienced

 

[Jay Z]

no issues using instant ocean. Thats what I ran my tank on for startup. I didn't have any clumping issues at all with mine. Might depend on how much humidity gets into it.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Not a fan of Instant Ocean salts. I used it for a long time along with Reef Crystals. My mixing buckets and pumps would build up with brown deposits and required frequent cleaning. I stopped using IO after 2 problems I encountered both with Reef Crystals. Very high alk 14 dkh and 3 buckets in a row that mixed up with a brown tint to the water. I have found both HW Marine and Reefer and Fritz RPM salts to be great at the same price point as IO salts.

 

[jda]

IO is the best salt on the market, IMO. Also among the cheapest. It is rare that the best is also the cheapest. I do not use Reef Crystals, which is a different salt and should not be compared to IO. Like any salt, it needs dry mixed before you use it, if you are not using the whole container. I mix a whole 50g bag into a 44g brute and add 2 tablespoons of dowflake (calcium chloride). Let it mix. Heat and add 20mls of muratic acid. Let it mix for 2 more days. Perfect reef salt. IO has been consistent and stable for decades with this mix.

Muratic Acid is to lower the alk. Dowflake is to raise the calicum. IMO, it is a fools errand to try and find a salt mix that matches your desired parameters, when you can just make a good mix to your own specifications with some acid and calcium chloride.