What salt is the best quality?

SquidHC · 01/16/2008, 07:22 PM

I know this may be a hot topic, but Id like to know. What is the best quality salt brand out there? I am currently purchasing premixed saltwater from my LFS because its convenient but would like to start mixing my own.

bertoni · 01/16/2008, 07:33 PM

There isn't any useful data on the subject. I would avoid the Oceanic product, because of design issues. The same goes for the SeaChem products and perhaps CoraLife, which might have too much borate in them. I use Instant Ocean, but lots of other products are popular, too.

wachuko · 01/16/2008, 08:00 PM

I use Instant Ocean or Tropic Marin.... but only because that is what the LFS recommended...

McTeague · 01/16/2008, 08:03 PM

I alternate between Reef Crystals and Tropic Marin.

lakee911 · 01/16/2008, 08:30 PM

I find IO to be cheap and sufficient for my use. Typically everyone will have their own opinion and usually the only thing they agree on is to stick with it once you find something you like (don't unnecessarily switch brands). You can always adjust up some parameters, say Ca or Mg for example, if you need to before doing your water change.

Jason

masonicman · 01/16/2008, 08:35 PM

Reef crystals from Dr. Foster and Smith. 5 gallon bucket $41.00 shipped to NJ

woogy · 01/16/2008, 08:46 PM

bummer...i use oceanic...maybe i should switch to instant ocean or something else...maybe this is why i dont have good coraline growth

stuccodude · 01/16/2008, 09:04 PM

i use to use oceanic and the calcium was too high, i was told its for really heavily stocked tanks, im currently using red sea, boran seems a bit low

lakee911 · 01/16/2008, 09:21 PM

You should check all of your parameters (Ca, Mg, Alk, Nitrate, PO4) and post them along with your type lighting. Chances are something is off and preventing the coraline.

woogy · 01/16/2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lakee911
You should check all of your parameters (Ca, Mg, Alk, Nitrate, PO4) and post them along with your type lighting. Chances are something is off and preventing the coraline.

see i was told that the lighting didn't matter by most...i only have fo

dileggi · 01/16/2008, 09:53 PM

My lighting and stocking info is below. I've been using Oceanic and my only problem has been that my CA is usually low...at 380. At water change, I change 5g. My CA usually tests at 420. By mid week, it's down to 400. By the next weekend, I'm usually dosing to get it back to 400-420, but I do have coralline growth starting on the back of the tank and on the LR. All my other parameter's have been fine, except for nitrates, whcih are usually around 20. I've yet to get them below 10.

RyanMcLaughlin · 01/16/2008, 10:01 PM

I read an article about this and it said that just about all salts are the same and that every bag differs with how much of what it has in it so it doesnt really matter. It did mention some salt I have never seen that comes with a bunch of liquids to add that makes it nearly identical to real ocean salt.

rroselavy · 01/17/2008, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RyanMcLaughlin
I read an article about this and it said that just about all salts are the same and that every bag differs with how much of what it has in it so it doesnt really matter. It did mention some salt I have never seen that comes with a bunch of liquids to add that makes it nearly identical to real ocean salt.

Do you have a link to this article, or know where you read the article?

lakee911 · 01/17/2008, 06:06 AM

Keep your Ca up--that'll help. Have you dried topping off with kalk? Also, what is your Mg and Alk? Scrape some coraline off a rock or off glass and it'll float around and seed new growth.

bmk · 01/17/2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Do you have a link to this article, or know where you read the article?

Hi
I dont have the article, but I think he might mean this German salt.
Grotech Coralmarine Reef Salt, (dry mix)
A premium German salt mix that offers essential elements for coral health and growth. Many other leading salts leave a question mark over the levels of certain key ingredients, such as calcium and magnesium. Grotech allows the customer to easily adjust the basic mix to the levels that their aquarium needs. In each tub are two bottles easily allowing the customer to adjust levels to suit. Key Benefits Unique Magnesium and Calcium control system Rapid dissolving and usage cycle Made from premium quality pharmaceutical grade elements Key micro nutrients and trace element for optimal coral health.

Barry

reefworm · 01/17/2008, 09:55 PM

here's the one I use - Forty Fathoms/Crystal Sea for bioassay research. You can find it at http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/...d/1568/cid/388

el Deutche · 01/17/2008, 10:11 PM

I use Tropic Marin. Here is a link in the chemistry forum talking about salt mixes. Hope it helps
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1287118

reefnetworth · 01/17/2008, 10:24 PM

IO for over 18 years now, never had a bad batch.
I do add Calcium, Magnesium, and Iodide to meet my inhabitants needs.
CaCl2=440
Mg=1350
I/I2=0.045

pimpinitup6969 · 01/17/2008, 10:46 PM

i use instant ocean and reef crystals

Matt

Reefdiver77 · 01/17/2008, 11:45 PM

I have been using Oceanic for 3 years now. Everything grows like a weed and I have had no problems.

dsn112 · 01/18/2008, 07:17 AM

I have been told to try this:

http://gettankedaquariums.com/index_....Main.Page.htm

Alot of people in my area switched over to it and are liking the results.

I use IO now, but always have low PH.

GARFVolunteer · 01/18/2008, 07:26 AM

I used IO for about 8 years then switched over to Ocean Pure and Ocean Pure Pro due to IO inconsistencies. I have not regretted the switch. With the Ocean Pure Pro, I do a 10% weekly water change and the amount of supplements I add has been reduced to almost nil...

Thanks,

Scott

01/16/2008, 07:22 PM	#1
SquidHC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon, USA Posts: 840	What salt is the best quality? I know this may be a hot topic, but Id like to know. What is the best quality salt brand out there? I am currently purchasing premixed saltwater from my LFS because its convenient but would like to start mixing my own. __________________ We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. Current Tank Info: 30x30 cube under construction!

01/16/2008, 07:33 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	There isn't any useful data on the subject. I would avoid the Oceanic product, because of design issues. The same goes for the SeaChem products and perhaps CoraLife, which might have too much borate in them. I use Instant Ocean, but lots of other products are popular, too. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

01/16/2008, 08:00 PM	#3
wachuko Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 236	I use Instant Ocean or Tropic Marin.... but only because that is what the LFS recommended... __________________ Kind regards, Wachuko My 210gal tank : http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1300946 Current Tank Info: 210Gal 72x24x29

01/16/2008, 08:35 PM	#6
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	Reef crystals from Dr. Foster and Smith. 5 gallon bucket $41.00 shipped to NJ __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

01/16/2008, 09:04 PM	#8
stuccodude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: sanger Posts: 1,040	i use to use oceanic and the calcium was too high, i was told its for really heavily stocked tanks, im currently using red sea, boran seems a bit low __________________ fear the wrath of patrick willis!!! no offense is safe. Current Tank Info: 240 all the goodies,hydra 26 led lights, chiller etc

01/16/2008, 08:03 PM	#4
McTeague Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 501	I alternate between Reef Crystals and Tropic Marin.

01/16/2008, 08:30 PM	#5
lakee911 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,988	I find IO to be cheap and sufficient for my use. Typically everyone will have their own opinion and usually the only thing they agree on is to stick with it once you find something you like (don't unnecessarily switch brands). You can always adjust up some parameters, say Ca or Mg for example, if you need to before doing your water change. Jason

01/16/2008, 08:46 PM	#7
woogy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western PA Posts: 986	bummer...i use oceanic...maybe i should switch to instant ocean or something else...maybe this is why i dont have good coraline growth

01/16/2008, 09:21 PM	#9
lakee911 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,988	You should check all of your parameters (Ca, Mg, Alk, Nitrate, PO4) and post them along with your type lighting. Chances are something is off and preventing the coraline.

01/16/2008, 09:53 PM	#11
dileggi Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: S. Philly PA Posts: 1,171	My lighting and stocking info is below. I've been using Oceanic and my only problem has been that my CA is usually low...at 380. At water change, I change 5g. My CA usually tests at 420. By mid week, it's down to 400. By the next weekend, I'm usually dosing to get it back to 400-420, but I do have coralline growth starting on the back of the tank and on the LR. All my other parameter's have been fine, except for nitrates, whcih are usually around 20. I've yet to get them below 10. __________________ Eric "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled, was convincing the world he didn't exist." - Usual Suspects Current Tank Info: 90g w/30g sump; skimmer; 2x175w MH & 2x super white actinic...3g w/.5g fuge 1x150w MH Viper

01/16/2008, 10:01 PM	#12
RyanMcLaughlin Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Anaheim Posts: 982	I read an article about this and it said that just about all salts are the same and that every bag differs with how much of what it has in it so it doesnt really matter. It did mention some salt I have never seen that comes with a bunch of liquids to add that makes it nearly identical to real ocean salt.

01/17/2008, 06:06 AM	#14
lakee911 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,988	Keep your Ca up--that'll help. Have you dried topping off with kalk? Also, what is your Mg and Alk? Scrape some coraline off a rock or off glass and it'll float around and seed new growth.

01/17/2008, 09:55 PM	#16
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	here's the one I use - Forty Fathoms/Crystal Sea for bioassay research. You can find it at http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/...d/1568/cid/388 __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

01/17/2008, 10:11 PM	#17
el Deutche Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 134	I use Tropic Marin. Here is a link in the chemistry forum talking about salt mixes. Hope it helps http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1287118 __________________ Those who would sacrifice Liberty for Security deserve neither. - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 180gal

01/17/2008, 10:24 PM	#18
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	IO for over 18 years now, never had a bad batch. I do add Calcium, Magnesium, and Iodide to meet my inhabitants needs. CaCl2=440 Mg=1350 I/I2=0.045 __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

01/17/2008, 10:46 PM	#19
pimpinitup6969 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Elmira, Ny Posts: 2,503	i use instant ocean and reef crystals Matt

01/17/2008, 11:45 PM	#20
Reefdiver77 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Beech Bluff, TN Posts: 1,567	I have been using Oceanic for 3 years now. Everything grows like a weed and I have had no problems.

01/18/2008, 07:17 AM	#21
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	I have been told to try this: http://gettankedaquariums.com/index_....Main.Page.htm Alot of people in my area switched over to it and are liking the results. I use IO now, but always have low PH. __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

01/18/2008, 07:26 AM	#22
GARFVolunteer Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,108	I used IO for about 8 years then switched over to Ocean Pure and Ocean Pure Pro due to IO inconsistencies. I have not regretted the switch. With the Ocean Pure Pro, I do a 10% weekly water change and the amount of supplements I add has been reduced to almost nil... Thanks, Scott __________________ Proud Member Idaho Marine Aquarium Society A fair and biased reef hobbyist. "If I were going to set up a tank, and I am going to make some people mad here, I would use VHOs" Dana Riddle 3/2/2007 Current Tank Info: Brand new 150 gallon tall Reef trying Bonsai method, 60 gallon soft coral tank (not GARF style).