what kind of salt mix are you using

[maynardjames]

i was just curious as to what everyone on here uses. i have used reef crystals,d&d h2ocean,coralife, red sea coral pro & a few others. used reef crystals for 2 or three years & decided to give others a try. using red sea coral pro right now because i got it for $10 for the 50 gal bucket on clearance. still have a 50 gal bag of coralife to use up as well. most have not really made any major changes for the good or bad. wanting to get a nice well balanced salt & stick with it for a while. anyone have any suggestions or just chime in with what you prefer
thanks

[techdiver]

I started off with just Oceanic. I then went with a 50% Oceanic / 50% Instant Ocean mix. I ran out of Oceanic and am just using the Instant Ocean at the moment. I think that consistant salinity and regular water changes are more important than brand, but I have heard a few brands having consistency issues. This would be more noticeable in a tank with more difficult inhabitants. My corals and fish are pretty hardy, so I think I could get by with Sam's Choice salt if they made such a thing.

As far as preference though, the Oceanic mixes much better than the I.O. and the buckets are a little bigger. But then I also like the I.O. boxes with the individual bags. I'll probably go with which ever one is on sale.

[Vinny Kreyling]

The new ESV salt is a winner according to those who use it.

[Reefdiver77]

The salt formulated by crystal sea is a quality simulation to natural sea water. There is no organics or unnecessary additives, and no ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, silicate or E.D.T.A. Crystal Sea contains only 100% natural elements to support and maintain even the most delicate fish, corals, and invertebrate life. Crystal Sea has been rated for over 30 years as the number-one selling marine mix worldwide in the combined fields of environmental testing, university research, aquiculture, public aquaria, retail dealers, marine fish wholesalers, and marine hobbyists.

One box contains a single bag which makes 150 gallons of saltwater mix.

A box of crystal sea marine aquarium salt is $35.00

This is what I have been using for a couple of years. I pick it up when we go to Okaloosa Island every LD. It is a great price and is what they use in their massive display tank. Also if you are in the area, check out their aquafarm. They sell live sand they have poked holes in and left the bag in the display tank for several months. Lots of nice corals, as well. I used Oceanic prior to getting this salt.

[maynardjames]

thanks for the replies eveyone. i make up 45 to 50 gallons at a time & prefer to have salt packed seperate to about that amount. that way i dont have to worry about mixing large buckets or bags in case something has settled during shipment to me or lfs i purchase salt at. i might check out some online vendors for crystal sea, i think marine depot sells not sure though. i have never tried oceanic either. might try them both. im like techdiver i usually go for whats on sale.

[SNAKEMANVET]

I mix oceanic and instant ocean 50/50.

[maynardjames]

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

The new ESV salt is a winner according to those who use it.

i have looked at it also, but unless it would make a huge difference in my display i would rather not have to measure out components of salt everytime i make a batch. i do a lot of measuring already. but who knows i might give it a try if i catch it on sale for a really good price