Seachem Vibrant Sea Salt Review

[twobytwo]

I saw this new salt in my LFS and figured I'd give it shot. My only other salts I've used were Tropic Marin Pro when I filled my first tank about 2 years ago, and then dozens of pails of Reef Crystals since then (oh and some instant ocean for QT tanks). I hadn't seen much data about this salt, so I hope this information serves the community well.

I bought the "220" gallon box, and it priced out very close to the 160g bucket or 200g box of RC. I put "220" in quotes, because it is "up to". Based on the mixing directions, 27g/Litre makes 1.020 and 31g/litre makes 1.023. If the amount of salt needed is linear, I need 35g/Litre to get to 1.026. Based on this being a 23kg box, I have 23,000 grams which would make 657.14Litres at 1.026, or 173.6 US Gallons. The salt comes in a bag inside the box.

The actual salt is a little granular, not like a fine powder or even sugar or salt. It seemed to dissolve well; I made about 30 gallons at 1.026 in a Brute container with a pump in the bottom and there was only a quarter sized spot in the middle on the bottom that didn't dissolve. I took about a day mixing this, as I was trying to get the 1.026 salinity right on, and was having to add a little RODI or Salt in small amounts.

I tested the big 3, Cal Alk and Mag.
Cal (Red Sea) = 510
Mag (Red Sea) = 1400
Alk (Hanna) = 3.5meq/L = 9.8dKH

So, all in all, I give this a thumbs up and will use it in my DT and Frag tanks. Even at a lower salinity, you would probably still have reasonable amounts of Cal and Alk. Thanks for reading!

 

[hybridazn]

Thanks for the writeup! So it takes a full 24 hours to mix before use or did you do that on your own merit? With mixing it that long did you notice any precipitation?

 

[twobytwo]

Thanks for the writeup! So it takes a full 24 hours to mix before use or did you do that on your own merit? With mixing it that long did you notice any precipitation?

No, I was lazy the night I made the SW and decided I'd leave it and test the next day after work. The directions say it can be used immediately after mixing. In Hindsight, I probably should have made just 5 gallons to test, but I already had my Brute full of RODI for my next WC.

 

[Coronus]

What was the cost of the box? I have been using Seachem Reef Salt for 7 years and I am unhappy they discontinued my salt. Why ruin a good thing?
Premium Aquatics sells this new salt for. $80 plus bucks a box....I was getting the reef salt for $59. So now I have to pay more?
Gonna go to Instant Ocean. This stinks in my book. Also I do not want a K level of 500 to 550. Why so high? 400 to 410 is all Anyone needs.

 

[twobytwo]

This retails for about $75-79 CAD at stores near me. I've been a long time Reef Crystals user but may try Kent as well, as it is also available in stores near me for a comparable price. I just picked up a 5kg AquaForest Reef Salt and will try that too.

 

[reeftank220master]

I am not at all happy with this salt! It is very cloudy and does not mix well at all

 

[Coronus]

I am not at all happy with this salt! It is very cloudy and does not mix well at all

I have heard the same thing from a friend.

 

[Coronus]

I am switching Salt brands when I run out. Fritz will be my new brand!

 

[Coronus]

Reeftank where you at in psl?

 

[reeftank220master]

I'm off Rosser and Gatlin

 

[schooncw]

any updates on vibrant sea?

 

[Reef Able]

i have used this salt after reading 2x2's post and have had no complains so far to be honest...however i will be going back to Reef Crystals due to the fact that i am dosing 2 part to maintain my cal and alk and since RC is a bit high on alk will help me dosing less amount of alk...just cost reference...