Most popular salt mix

[Pennekampdream]

I would like to get a general consensus on what brand of salt mix is best for a person looking to start. My idea is to keep minimum fish and more LPS and some SPS in between 50 and 100 gallons. Also planning on setting up a mixing station with RODI system.
It feels like every time I read into different aspects of this hobby I get more and more intimidated by all the noise.
I’m extremely detailed oriented and a bit of a control freak so it just makes it worse getting so much overload of information.
I certainly know there isn’t a single answer to this question but I’m just looking to get an idea of what’s the most popular and why

 

[KStatefan]

Instant Ocean is the most popular

 

[crazyfishmom]

Tends to be either reef crystals or instant ocean because they’re the cheapest and a lot of stores use them because of that.

A recommendation would be: what do you want your parameters to look like based on the corals you want to keep? Then find a salt mix that mixes as close to that as possible. This will help you maintain stability. Here is an interesting read:

Salt mix

 

[Om84]

I don’t think there is a best salt in the hobby. It’s nice to have so much variety to fit your needs. Different brands mix at different parameters to suit your tank’s needs. I personally use the regular Instant Ocean salt despite having a SPS dominated tank. You can be successful with any brand.

 

[that_boy_fini]

I’ve used quantum USA salt and we now use tropic Marin pro

 

[Craig was here]

I wouldn’t use reef crystals. It’s all over the place. Maybe was a bad batch. Cal520 alk8 mag 1150. Tested w Salifert.

 

[Gman83]

Everyone will have an opinion. As mentioned previously find one with parameters you like and is within your budget. I've tried several, but always seem to go back to reef crystals.

 

[that_boy_fini]

Everyone will have an opinion. As mentioned previously find one with parameters you like and is within your budget. I've tried several, but always seem to go back to reef crystals.

This is the best advice you could be given everyone uses a different salt worry more about your source water and you should have no issues

 

[Gman83]

The one thing I forgot is also consider ease of access. It won't do you much good if you can get a great deal on a specific brand but have to wait for it to get shipped. While normally not a big deal, the one time you misjudge how much salt you have left will be in an emergency when you can't wait to make water

 

[Jekyl]

Salt is salt. Find something readily available

 

[Pennekampdream]

So far it’s looking like ease of availability is the main reason. That definitely makes sense to me. Thanks for the feedback

 

[BrokenReefer]

I currently is TM Pro, but I have use IO in previous tanks… and I started my current using Brightwell NeoMarine.

I ended up switching salts to get close to ideal parameters for my tank.

I think you find one that matches your tank parameters and mixes well, and bobs your uncle.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

On the initial set up I used Instant Ocean, when the Aquarium was finishing its ugly stage, switched to Reef Crystals. The thing I found, is to only put Half the Salt in the Mixing Container, a Quarter, and a Quarter, letting it completely dissolve before adding more salt. Then doing a Final trim, to get the S.G. Perfect. Keeps the Perception down.

 

[DIYreefer]

What can I say, I'm a simple man. Regular IO works perfectly fine for me.

 

[danreef55]

@BrokenReefer
Do you prefer the TM Pro or Brightwell. I am evaluating which salt I will use to kick off my upcoming tank. The tank will ultimately be SPS predominate. A total water volume of tank & half-filled sump will be approx 320Gals (not considering the rock displacement). There is a significant premium on both choices vs IO or Reef crystals
appreciate any input.

 

[Peace River]

IMO it is key to focus on being a water gardener first (meaning focus on the water and get your water, and water system, right from the beginning) and it will help you avoid a lot of issues in the future.

 

[danreef55]

Ordered a 7 stage RODI so I anticipate zero TDS. Totally agree that source water is the rudimentary foundation to achieve a successful tank.

 

[TanknTang]

Best salt is the one you can afford and is readily available when you least expect to need more.. I use coral pro, its what I started with and havent had issues yet so here I remain

 

[Peace River]

Ordered a 7 stage RODI so I anticipate zero TDS. Totally agree that source water is the rudimentary foundation to achieve a successful tank.

That is a good start! There are other factors to consider such as whether you flush the RODI system before you start adding it to your container; how you service the RODI system (it may be 0 TDS on day 1, but maintaining over time is also important); how you mix and store the saltwater; the similarity in temperature of your mixed water and your tank water; etc.

 

[GARRIGA]

Many public aquariums use Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals with latter what I’m currently using for testing but main most likely going Tropic Marin Pro although I forgot why exactly