What Salt Mix are you using in your reef?

AlexG · Aug 16, 2013

I use esv salt.

sent from T-Mobile GSIII

childress5tyler · Aug 16, 2013

I used Tropic Marin Bio-Actif for 6 months and was happy with it, it had it's faults though. I switched to Tropic Marin Pro Reef as it's meant to be ran with a calcium reactor and I just set up an all SPS system 4 months ago. Pro> Bio-actif

Acanholic · Aug 16, 2013

Aquacraft marine mix. Disolves totally and is ready to use in about 10 minutes. Crystal clear water. Never tested the parameters though but results are really great.

Reef Pets · Aug 16, 2013

I started using brightwell NeoMarine about 8 weeks or so ago and have not noticed any difference compared to Reef Crystals besides the price...

Reefing Madness · Aug 16, 2013

Instant Ocean since my beginnings of Reefing. Most dose anyways, why buy the more expensive stuff.

Reefermadness73 · Aug 17, 2013

Been using Red Sea coral pro for awhile now and so far so good

Nuocmam · Aug 17, 2013

Reef Crystals

reef. coffee & curly hair · Aug 17, 2013

So here are the brands I've tried and what my experiences and purposes for/from them. I use Red Sea coral pro ($50-$65) (or D&D H2Ocean great salt but a little pricier) right now as the elevated levels can really speed up frag and small clam growth but the higher levels (esp. alk) tend to make SPS lose a little color and slows down soft coral growth. When I'm wanting my color back and the frags have grown in some I'll switch back to regular Red Sea, Reef Crystals, or SeaChem's reef salt ($33-$43)depending on what the best deal are at the time as I'll buy enough for 3-6 months . All TropicMarin salt mixes were also good but my buckets always came in solid as a rock. SeaChem Salinity is good and has elevated levels but had low redox potential and always took longer to mix and would leave calcium deposits something serious in my brute trash can. I never tried Kent but have two buddies that like it and ESV I've tried once and it is great but a little pricey. I'm sure the other salts are good too just haven't got to them yet. Someone mentioned "Consistency" and that person nailed it.

ksanfranfan · Aug 17, 2013

Reef Crystals.

Oggisports · Aug 17, 2013

Red Sea coral pro

shse666 · Aug 18, 2013

I've used Reef Crystals, Red Sea, Coralife, Salinity, and Kents. The Brightwell salt makes me feel sick. Something about that blend disagrees with me when mixing it.

Does anyone rotate their salt blends on a regular basis?
I can't imagine that every single thing about natural sea water stays highly consistent during the life of a fish or a coral. It has to change at least somewhat.
What do people think about changing the salt mix every once in a while not for financial reasons but to avoid old tank syndrome, or other reasons?

Reefer82 · Aug 18, 2013

I used IO for awhile but switched to Aquavitro Salinity a couple months back and so far I like it. Levels are better, mixes faster and with no residue.

caldone · Aug 18, 2013

Reef crystals all day here

trido · Aug 18, 2013

Reefing Madness said:
Instant Ocean since my beginnings of Reefing. Most dose anyways, why buy the more expensive stuff.

This has been my thought on the subject for 8 years as an SPS keeper

cardiffgiant · Aug 19, 2013

Reef crystals for several years. I've not had issues and have heard horror stories about switching, so I just stick with it. If it's on sale, I usually order a few cases at a time.

nanoman28g · Aug 19, 2013

I have been using instant ocean since 2006 in my nanocube24g and now 28g with great results.

Mason Dixon · Aug 19, 2013

jdpiii3 said:
Been using Kent Marine Reef Salt Mix, it mixes well - Alk 9.3 / Mg. 1350 / Cal. 470 I've been getting it from Drs. Foster & Smith for 44.99 a box. I get 2 boxes at a time for the free shipping.

same here