Selecting a salt mix.

[Dom]

I've been using Instant Ocean Reef Chrystals since I began in the hobby. I understood these to be the best as the product is formulated specifically to reef tanks needs.

I further understand that when using reef chrystals, you are using a product which is blended with other ingredients which provide nutrition for corals and in general, help to maintain good water quality with regular water changes. Further, I understand that there is no need to add anything else to newly prepared water when using reef chrystals. Is this true?

I'd like to hear from others, specifically, what salt mix do you use?

 

[marine2463]

I use reef crystals also.. Your correct in what you said in your post, but that would only hold true in a lightly stocked tank. When you start adding more corals you will need to supplement kalkwasser to keep up because the weekly water changes will not keep up with the higher demands for alk. And calcium

 

[Dom]

Good to know... which leads to my next question...

In addition to water changes, you supplement with Kalkwasser and Calcium? I thought Kalkwasser WAS calcium. Which brand do you use and what is the frequency and quantity of your dosing?

 

[marine2463]

Yes kalkwasser is for calcium and alk. I use seachem and I dose about half a gallon a week . Maybe a little less

 

[Dom]

Kalkwasser is a liquid? I thought it was a powder.

And, your dosing is 1/2 gallon per week, but what is your total water quantity?

 

[Anirban]

Good to know... which leads to my next question...

In addition to water changes, you supplement with Kalkwasser and Calcium? I thought Kalkwasser WAS calcium. Which brand do you use and what is the frequency and quantity of your dosing?

Kalk is both the alkalinity and Calcium. But you need to check both before you start dosing it. You don't need to dose before you need it.Before you dose anything check level always.

 

[marine2463]

Yea it's a powder I put in a gallon of top off water ... Sorry I didn't specify in my last post .... I use one teaspoon which is maintenance dose per gallon of top off water ..... Also my total water volume is about 90 gallons

 

[jsker]

Go with Aquaforest Probio salt. http://aquaforest.eu/en/product/probiotic-reef-salt/

 

[mrtian97]

I have started using regular Instant Ocean, anyone have experienced using this with mixed reef that has SPS. I use both Kalk water for my ATO and supplement with 2 parts plus Mg

 

[Chris Adams]

Kalk is utilized to help maintain cal and alk levels but will also drive up your PH and if overdosed you are in for a world of hurt.

Red Sea Pro mixes up faster and cleaner than instant ocean reef crystals (I made the switch and will not go back). Nothing wrong with instant Ocean reef crystals but find that the Red Sea is higher in params ALK, MAG, CAL which has helped me maintain my higher levels but tank is packed SPS etc and dosing is still needed.

I also utilize the Kalk but mainly because my darn PH issues, with benefit of helping maintain alk and cal stability

 

[FlyinBryan]

I used to a big time salt mixer, I.e. IO reef crystal plus Red Sea Coral Pro but couldn't find the latter locally so I just stayed with IO. Great stuff.
As far as Kalk goes, that is just the best stuff for reef tanks IMO. I run it on all of my tanks with just incredible success! Alk & Ca remain even all the time. Dose once in a while, however, if you have the right amount in top off you'll keep it even.

 

[Wiz]

Red sea coral Pro for me as well. Love the parameterlevels And easy mix. Tank thrives on it. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I use BRS 2 part for alk, calc and Mag. And for purposes of Transparency I do not do regular water changes. Or water changes at all really. I add 2 cups of salt every month and a half or so to make up for water than I have removed.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, I'm not convinced the salt mix used makes a significant difference to the ultimate success or appearance of a reef tank, although it certainly can impact what needs to be dosed if the salt mix does not match the desired tank parameters.

 

[91Atrac]

I'm a d&d h2ocean user and love the stuff. Had lots of Lps in the tank and also had to keep up with dosing kalk. Small amount but I did dose it. Went with BRS brand kalk.... Or soda ash... I forget what I used lol

 

[jason2459]

I also don't think there is a best saltmix. Basic Instant Ocean is my "best" as it's cheap, doesn't have organics or other excessive elements I don't want, and it's cheap.

Find a saltmix that matches close to the parameters you'd like to have and dose from there.

I started this thread in hopes to get a very general idea of what parameters to expect from a particular brand. Keep in mind there will be variation from batch to batch, box to box, and bag to bag and even with in those bags or boxes if not using the entire amount at once.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/saltmix-parameters-bring-on-the-test-results.233233/

 

[Anirban]

Go with Aquaforest Probio salt. http://aquaforest.eu/en/product/probiotic-reef-salt/

I use the aquaforest reef salt (non pro version) currently and that works like a charm. Perfect parameters with just perfect alkalinity. My corals are happy. I tried RC then Red sea pro and finally tropic marin pro. It all depends what you want to achieve.

 

[91Atrac]

I hope when people say they've switched that it wasn't just a box or bucket then switched again type of thing.

 

[Anirban]

Yeah I think switching means from a steady system to another...

 

[jsker]

I use the aquaforest reef salt (non pro version) currently and that works like a charm. Perfect parameters with just perfect alkalinity. My corals are happy. I tried RC then Red sea pro and finally tropic marin pro. It all depends what you want to achieve.

I agree, I also use the Aquaforest reef salt and I am very happy with the results. I was suggesting the Pro Bio salt for the original OP solution.

 

[Cory]

If your trying to mimick as close as possible seawater, tropic marine pro has been tested by a few people and found to not be highly elevated in anything.