Looking to get a new salt mix ..

kzaveri19 · Feb 28, 2017

My bulk supply of IO Standard (Not reef crystals) is running out. Since I got the salt mix, I went from FOWLR to a mixed reef with SPS/LPS.

I am looking to get a new mix and there are 3 options I have shortlisted, given cost and availability concerns

1) IO Reef Crystals 200G Bulk pack
2) FritzPRO R.P.M. Reef Salt Mix 55 lb Box
3) Aquaforest Reef Salt, 25 kg

What would you recommend for SPS/LPS tank?

Also, would I have to do a bigger WC to see an impact? I usually do a 20% every two weeks on my 66G

MaiReef · Feb 28, 2017

I change 20% every 2 to 3 weeks and...

I went AF Reef and like it so far except my ALK is down from IO Reef Crystals, but the rest of my parameters are more stable with AF Reef.

Thinking of RPM as I would like a bit more Alk without using 2 part, but I have to look into it more.

Then again,
use IO and dose. Works for a bunch.

DeepBrew · Feb 28, 2017

I think your decision will depend on where you want to keep the water parameters in your tank. I used IO for a while but the last couple of boxes I bought had much higher Ca, Mg and KH than I liked. It just didn't seem consistent from box to box. I do weekly 10% water changes and like to keep the alkalinity around 8. The alkalinity of the fresh mixed IO would be 10 or 11. I didn't need to dose much during the week but the water parameters weren't very stable. I tried a box of Fritz RPM and it's much closer to the parameter of my tank. I've liked it well enough that I've ordered another box but it will take a while to tell how consistent it is. I have had to increase daily dosing but overall I believe the tank is more stable now.

At this time Fritz RPM is working well for me, but if your tank needs are different something else may work better for you.

Y&Y Corals · Mar 22, 2017

Fritz over here too great salt and mixes fast

Rick.45cal · Mar 22, 2017

I use Instant Ocean, and burn the excess alkalinity off with HCl, I then aerate it to get rid of the excess CO2 generated during the reaction.

Tautog · Mar 22, 2017

Rick.45cal said:
I use Instant Ocean, and burn the excess alkalinity off with HCl, I then aerate it to get rid of the excess CO2 generated during the reaction.

Using Reef Crystals from the start, but like most dealing with low alkalinity, for me, it's opposite. I, like Rick, have to deal with high alkalinity.
It seems that the more you spend for salt, the less you have to dose, but that's not always true. My LPS wants me to buy More expensive salt, then asked, "what's that purple stuff in your tank?" Gotta find a better LPS!

andrew james · Mar 22, 2017

For me Aqua Forest salt's numbers are all over the place I had a >1600mg on fresh sea water mix. I know you didnt list it but I'm going to say it anyway. Tropic Marin Pro Reef salt is really a step above every other salt I've used.

Rick.45cal · Mar 22, 2017

andrew james said:
For me Aqua Forest salt's numbers are all over the place I had a >1600mg on fresh sea water mix. I know you didnt list it but I'm going to say it anyway. Tropic Marin Pro Reef salt is really a step above every other salt I've used.

I use IO salt, but I use Tropic Marin Balling Salts and that stuff is the best thing on the planet! I wouldn't hesitate to try their salt!