salt brand

mikoz · 09/12/2012, 04:31 PM

Hi,

I know this is not an answerable question in the true sense of the term, but, what brands of salt should I avoid and what is generally considered "good"?

Tank is 100g reef, live rock + some SPS corals.

My local store told me to avoid Instant Ocean at all costs because it lacks trace elements and is very inconsistent.

Just looking for some guidance on what to buy, I don't want the Rolls Royce of salts, just something that's consistently very good... the BMW 3-series of salts.

Thanks!

GratefulReef · 09/12/2012, 04:35 PM

I personally use ESV brand salt. Its a 4 part mixture, 2 liquid and 2 powder. Requires a digital scale, but its great salt. Idk if its the rolls royce or the bmw 3 but its very good and from what I see consistant. I do however keep a bag of instant reef for those in a pinch situations. If for instance my salt level drops a little I will use the instant reef to bring it back up so Im not spending the extra time to mix the ESV. Instant ocean will lack trace elements because its meant for a FOWLR tank, instant reef has the trace elements as its intended for a reef tank, but youre prob right is a bit inconsistant.

FunkieReefJunkie · 09/12/2012, 06:07 PM

My water changes are so small & infrequent that selecting & changing salts has no impact on my system. So I use whatever is on sale with no ill effect.

GratefulReef · 09/12/2012, 06:16 PM

I should have added, I rarely do water changes. My tank was setup with ESV and if I need to do a water change I would get more ESV. As I stated I use instant reef to up my salinity if it drops, and also to replace some trace. If you look online for ESV you'll find its fairly priced when compared to other salt brands, especially if you buy in bulk. I believe a 200g mix is around 100 bucks IIRC.

Mussin · 09/12/2012, 07:26 PM

I use Kent sea salt, Ive had great luck with it.

supermancrv · 09/12/2012, 07:31 PM

I've used seachem reef salt and it works great for me I've uses instant ocean before too with no ill effects but I prefer the seachem salt more

kiba12 · 09/13/2012, 02:49 PM

Ive used IO and Tropic Marin and my tank likes tropic marin better. Ive heard good things about oceanic salt.

billdogg · 09/13/2012, 02:59 PM

I use whatever is on sale at the time I need salt. I tend to buy 4 or 5 cases at a time, so the savings can be considerable. Regardless of what brand you use, you should check it when you mix the first batch to get a baseline anyway. I usually use IO - Foster & smith have it at a good price, and free delivery.

mwilliams62 · 09/13/2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GratefulReef

I should have added, I rarely do water changes. My tank was setup with ESV and if I need to do a water change I would get more ESV. As I stated I use instant reef to up my salinity if it drops, and also to replace some trace. If you look online for ESV you'll find its fairly priced when compared to other salt brands, especially if you buy in bulk. I believe a 200g mix is around 100 bucks IIRC.

Not sure if this is the same brand or not but I found it for $85:
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/ESV232.html

I had been using IO Reef crystals and my stuff was growing like crazy but have not bought any since I ran out and saw that some people have been experiencing really devastating results from IO Reef Crystals.

Psyops · 09/13/2012, 05:55 PM

I used to use ESV. My tank did well. After talking to our resident reef chemist here on RC, I started using IO on my SPS dominant tank. I have been using IO for 4 months now and my system is doing very well. Also just paying half the amount. Trust me I was skeptical also at first, but after 4 months I don't have any issues and my system is very stable. Hope this helps.

Alex

Sethjamto · 09/13/2012, 07:35 PM

I just bought some of this to try: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tank-m...-pro-salt.html. Red Sea.

I'm doing a WC on Sunday, so we'll see how it does!

Sk8r · 09/13/2012, 11:50 PM

THere is reef salt and there is FOWLR salt. Reef salt is a bit more expensive as a rule. Personally I use Oceanic. You might give a read to the Dirt-simple CHemistry sticky above.

aandfsoccr04 · 09/14/2012, 07:40 AM

reef crystals.

a.browning · 09/14/2012, 07:52 AM

There is certainly nothing wrong with Instant Ocean. That's what I use in my sps reef, and the majority of this site uses according to salt polls. Instant Ocean does not lack trace elements, and the last 5 boxes I have used have been very consistent. I think your LFS is giving you some bad advice.

funkejj · 09/14/2012, 08:56 AM

I used to use Oceanic, saw a decline in my tank after getting a couple of bad buckets(dont know what was wrong with them) Then changed to reef crystals and saw a immediate turn around in my tank. LFS had Brightwells salt on sale tried it again tank did not look great switched back to reef crystals and will never change again. It is cheap and available everywhere.

reeferstace · 09/14/2012, 09:02 AM

DFS and The Goergia Aquarium use IO. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

jasimek · 09/14/2012, 10:49 AM

Tropic Marin worked better for me than instant ocean

STiREX · 09/14/2012, 11:10 AM

I've never had any issues with IO. Does your lfs sell IO?

RyanSweatt2004 · 09/14/2012, 11:20 AM

I switched from tropic marin pro after having severe alk issues to Instant ocean. I'm on my 4th 200 mix box of it now and it has been very consistent with alk. My LPS corals and zoanthids seem to both grow better with IO as well

gatorlover · 09/14/2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

THere is reef salt and there is FOWLR salt. Reef salt is a bit more expensive as a rule. Personally I use Oceanic. You might give a read to the Dirt-simple CHemistry sticky above.

Sk8r,
I noticed you said oceanic. I have been using that since I started my tank 2 1/2 yrs ago. Up until 4 months ago, it had been a fowlr. Onc I started down the mixed reef path, I started testing mag and alway had a really high mag using that salt. always tested above 1500. I see in your sig you say 1300. Did you notice the higher mag level in oceanic as I did? And do you think my issue has more to do with "what" I had in my tank...meaning just not enough demand for the mag I was putting in via water changes?

I will say that I bought some coralife marine salt the other day and after 2 25gal water changes in my 180, I have seen a drastic improvement. Of course that could just be due to water changes in general and not a direct result of the salt mix I'm using. For the record, I always do a 25 gal change every 2 weeks on the dot.

After ready the aforementioned sticky(great write-ups Sk8r), I wonder if I should just switch to a "fish only" mix until I see the level drop via water changes.

bongarone · 09/14/2012, 12:19 PM

I use Reef Crystals, made by the same folks as Instant Ocean. Works fine for me. Just about every LPS and SPS coral tank will need Ca, KH, and possibly Mg supplementation anyway, and that's mainly what Instant Ocean lacks. I go through a 5 gallon bucket every 9 months, so I don't care about the $5 premium. Others with larger tanks might. When I upgrade my 110 to something 5-10X the size in a few years, I'll probably switch to IO.

Randy F. Holmes, resident chemistry expert here on RC, uses Instant Ocean. Also, I seem to recall a thread here a few weeks ago where a public aquarium was literally using pallet loads of Instant Ocean.

I think users of IO will attest that, contrary to what your LFS says, it is consistent, and it's easy to supplement stuff that IO lacks.

zoafarm · 09/14/2012, 01:25 PM

From what I have experienced, the real big difference is the cost. I've used a few in the past, and didn't see a big difference (exception was Brightwells Neomarine...bad experience for me). I started with IO Reef Crystals, then I started using different salts, and now I'm back to IO Reef Crystals. It's inexpensive...I can order 200 gal box online for $49 free shipping and have it within 2 days. And best of all, the tanks seem to do great with it.

Happy Reefing

mikoz · 09/15/2012, 01:55 PM

Thanks all.

I got a good deal on seachem so I'm going to give that a shot.

I've not had back luck with instant ocean, the stuff that died I don't think was related to the water salt or even chemistry, just bad luck and a bad recommendation for a coral from the local store.

The local store really have me an earful about using instant ocean...as in telling me I should just change the water now before I experience big problems. Obviously they do not sell it, they push oceanic.

GratefulReef · 09/15/2012, 04:38 PM

sorry, i was in a rush the day i replied, instant ocean is meant for FOWLR, reef crystals(by instant ocean) is meant for coral as people have stated. I use ESV because of the results ive seen with a friends tank using ESV and yes, b-ionic is the manufacturer of it. I have recently found out they have a 2 part and 4 part system, I have experience with only the 4 part. that being said, there are a plethora of other great salts out there, and as I stated i have a bag of reef crystals for those emergency situations, or if I happen to be out of town and someone is watching the tank for me, rather have them measure out cups of salt, than weigh out 2 liquids and 2 powders and do all this testing...basically it boils down to what youre comfortable with. some people will have luck with just about any brand, while others will have negative results when changing brands. I would say tho to err on the safe side and get something with some good reviews, and dont always trust your LFS they may turn a bigger profit on another brand thus trying to sway you toward that brand.

09/12/2012, 04:31 PM	#1
mikoz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 93	salt brand Hi, I know this is not an answerable question in the true sense of the term, but, what brands of salt should I avoid and what is generally considered "good"? Tank is 100g reef, live rock + some SPS corals. My local store told me to avoid Instant Ocean at all costs because it lacks trace elements and is very inconsistent. Just looking for some guidance on what to buy, I don't want the Rolls Royce of salts, just something that's consistently very good... the BMW 3-series of salts. Thanks!

09/12/2012, 06:07 PM	#3
FunkieReefJunkie Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TotallyLostItville Posts: 781	My water changes are so small & infrequent that selecting & changing salts has no impact on my system. So I use whatever is on sale with no ill effect. __________________ The Gerson Diet saves lives! May everyone be happy, May everyone be free from misery, May no one ever be separated from their happiness, May everyone have equanimity, free from hatred and attachment. Current Tank Info: Down to a 15 g from a 600g system. Nano is whole different ballgame.

09/12/2012, 07:26 PM	#5
Mussin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lima,Ohio Posts: 728	I use Kent sea salt, Ive had great luck with it. __________________ 120RR tank/ 30g sump, mag 9.5, SWC cone 160, Reefbreeders photon 48

09/13/2012, 02:59 PM	#8
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I use whatever is on sale at the time I need salt. I tend to buy 4 or 5 cases at a time, so the savings can be considerable. Regardless of what brand you use, you should check it when you mix the first batch to get a baseline anyway. I usually use IO - Foster & smith have it at a good price, and free delivery. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

09/13/2012, 05:55 PM	#10
Psyops Still Learning Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Where my wife decides Posts: 714	I used to use ESV. My tank did well. After talking to our resident reef chemist here on RC, I started using IO on my SPS dominant tank. I have been using IO for 4 months now and my system is doing very well. Also just paying half the amount. Trust me I was skeptical also at first, but after 4 months I don't have any issues and my system is very stable. Hope this helps. Alex __________________ GOT REEF! One tank short of a trial separation. Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon reef. Just starting to convert to mainly SPS.

09/12/2012, 04:35 PM	#2
GratefulReef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: syracuse,ny Posts: 288	I personally use ESV brand salt. Its a 4 part mixture, 2 liquid and 2 powder. Requires a digital scale, but its great salt. Idk if its the rolls royce or the bmw 3 but its very good and from what I see consistant. I do however keep a bag of instant reef for those in a pinch situations. If for instance my salt level drops a little I will use the instant reef to bring it back up so Im not spending the extra time to mix the ESV. Instant ocean will lack trace elements because its meant for a FOWLR tank, instant reef has the trace elements as its intended for a reef tank, but youre prob right is a bit inconsistant.

09/12/2012, 06:16 PM	#4
GratefulReef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: syracuse,ny Posts: 288	I should have added, I rarely do water changes. My tank was setup with ESV and if I need to do a water change I would get more ESV. As I stated I use instant reef to up my salinity if it drops, and also to replace some trace. If you look online for ESV you'll find its fairly priced when compared to other salt brands, especially if you buy in bulk. I believe a 200g mix is around 100 bucks IIRC.

09/12/2012, 07:31 PM	#6
supermancrv Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 54	I've used seachem reef salt and it works great for me I've uses instant ocean before too with no ill effects but I prefer the seachem salt more

09/13/2012, 02:49 PM	#7
kiba12 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: oc, ca Posts: 7	Ive used IO and Tropic Marin and my tank likes tropic marin better. Ive heard good things about oceanic salt.

09/13/2012, 07:35 PM	#11
Sethjamto Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 845	I just bought some of this to try: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tank-m...-pro-salt.html. Red Sea. I'm doing a WC on Sunday, so we'll see how it does! __________________ 8ft 300g, Reeflo Dart Gold return, MRC 48" High-flo reef sump, MRC MR4 dual beckett Skimmer, (2) Reefbreeders Photon 48's, Reef Angel, LMIII continuous water change/ATO setup..

09/13/2012, 11:50 PM	#12
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	THere is reef salt and there is FOWLR salt. Reef salt is a bit more expensive as a rule. Personally I use Oceanic. You might give a read to the Dirt-simple CHemistry sticky above. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

09/14/2012, 07:40 AM	#13
aandfsoccr04 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 3,561	reef crystals. __________________ 120 gallon mixed reef

09/14/2012, 07:52 AM	#14
a.browning Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 975	There is certainly nothing wrong with Instant Ocean. That's what I use in my sps reef, and the majority of this site uses according to salt polls. Instant Ocean does not lack trace elements, and the last 5 boxes I have used have been very consistent. I think your LFS is giving you some bad advice. __________________ 75 SPS, 80 & 45 Frag Tank, 40B Leather Tank

09/14/2012, 08:56 AM	#15
funkejj Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 747	I used to use Oceanic, saw a decline in my tank after getting a couple of bad buckets(dont know what was wrong with them) Then changed to reef crystals and saw a immediate turn around in my tank. LFS had Brightwells salt on sale tried it again tank did not look great switched back to reef crystals and will never change again. It is cheap and available everywhere.

09/14/2012, 09:02 AM	#16
reeferstace I'm a little people Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Over Yonder Posts: 1,392	DFS and The Goergia Aquarium use IO. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me. __________________ Stacy

09/14/2012, 10:49 AM	#17
jasimek Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Plainfield, Illinois Posts: 692	Tropic Marin worked better for me than instant ocean

09/14/2012, 11:10 AM	#18
STiREX Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 98	I've never had any issues with IO. Does your lfs sell IO?

09/14/2012, 11:20 AM	#19
RyanSweatt2004 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: maine Posts: 590	I switched from tropic marin pro after having severe alk issues to Instant ocean. I'm on my 4th 200 mix box of it now and it has been very consistent with alk. My LPS corals and zoanthids seem to both grow better with IO as well

09/14/2012, 12:19 PM	#21
bongarone Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: California Posts: 423	I use Reef Crystals, made by the same folks as Instant Ocean. Works fine for me. Just about every LPS and SPS coral tank will need Ca, KH, and possibly Mg supplementation anyway, and that's mainly what Instant Ocean lacks. I go through a 5 gallon bucket every 9 months, so I don't care about the $5 premium. Others with larger tanks might. When I upgrade my 110 to something 5-10X the size in a few years, I'll probably switch to IO. Randy F. Holmes, resident chemistry expert here on RC, uses Instant Ocean. Also, I seem to recall a thread here a few weeks ago where a public aquarium was literally using pallet loads of Instant Ocean. I think users of IO will attest that, contrary to what your LFS says, it is consistent, and it's easy to supplement stuff that IO lacks.

09/14/2012, 01:25 PM	#22
zoafarm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 306	From what I have experienced, the real big difference is the cost. I've used a few in the past, and didn't see a big difference (exception was Brightwells Neomarine...bad experience for me). I started with IO Reef Crystals, then I started using different salts, and now I'm back to IO Reef Crystals. It's inexpensive...I can order 200 gal box online for $49 free shipping and have it within 2 days. And best of all, the tanks seem to do great with it. Happy Reefing

09/15/2012, 01:55 PM	#23
mikoz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 93	Thanks all. I got a good deal on seachem so I'm going to give that a shot. I've not had back luck with instant ocean, the stuff that died I don't think was related to the water salt or even chemistry, just bad luck and a bad recommendation for a coral from the local store. The local store really have me an earful about using instant ocean...as in telling me I should just change the water now before I experience big problems. Obviously they do not sell it, they push oceanic.

09/15/2012, 04:38 PM	#24
GratefulReef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: syracuse,ny Posts: 288	sorry, i was in a rush the day i replied, instant ocean is meant for FOWLR, reef crystals(by instant ocean) is meant for coral as people have stated. I use ESV because of the results ive seen with a friends tank using ESV and yes, b-ionic is the manufacturer of it. I have recently found out they have a 2 part and 4 part system, I have experience with only the 4 part. that being said, there are a plethora of other great salts out there, and as I stated i have a bag of reef crystals for those emergency situations, or if I happen to be out of town and someone is watching the tank for me, rather have them measure out cups of salt, than weigh out 2 liquids and 2 powders and do all this testing...basically it boils down to what youre comfortable with. some people will have luck with just about any brand, while others will have negative results when changing brands. I would say tho to err on the safe side and get something with some good reviews, and dont always trust your LFS they may turn a bigger profit on another brand thus trying to sway you toward that brand.