what kind of salt do you use? (1 Viewer)

[thinwall]

As the subject states. I am want to mix my own saltwater. I was wondering what kind do most use or prefer? Is there much difference in types? pro or cons?

 

[sempfi]

i use instan ocean on fowlr tanks

and reef crystals on reef tanks

 

[Rick]

Instant Ocean on reef.

Rick

 

[Guest]

This is the age old question, like the chicken or the egg.

There is a study that shows all the salts in one pdf doc, did not save it because frankly it gave me a headache.

I used tropic and I used the cheap cheap stuff from petco. To my eye they were both clear in the tank. To my test kit they yielded the same for amonia, no3 and no4. all negative.

I am going to make a statement and will need brandon or aggie brandon to clarify.
All salts come with the 70 essential trace elements, however every salt has its target market.

So for the final answer, In my opinion, it depends on how much money you think you need to spend.

 

[Scott]

It really doesn't matter to me because whatever the tank is lacking it gets supplemented for.

 

[AquaNerd]

here's my take:
if you are a reefkeeper, then you are probably adding supplements like calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity anyways, so what does it matter if the salt has elevated levels of this and that?

if you keep fish only, then you don't have to worry about calcium, alk, and magnesium at all, just ammonia, etc.

if you keep a reef tank, but don't supplement, then it would be better to invest in a better salt with lots of calcium, magnesium, trace elements, etc.

 

[tas5tas]

I mix Red Sea Coral Pro, Kent, Oceanic.(3:2:1)

 

[thinwall]

I really didn't think that there was much difference in the salt. Pretty much just personal preference. I went over to all about the fish and purchased some rea sea pro coral from Kevin. I guess we will see how it does.

 

[Ostentum]

I go back and forth between Tropic Marin and the Red Sea Coral Pro. I used to use instant ocean but for my sps tank I saw a definte improvement in colors and growth after switching.

 

[thinwall]

Yeah Kevin had tropic marin also, but the cost difference is quite a bit
tropic marin = $99.99
red sea pro coral = $59.99
instant ocean = $64.99
He had others but don't remember the price.

 

[Guest]

I really didn't think that there was much difference in the salt. Pretty much just personal preference. I went over to all about the fish and purchased some rea sea pro coral from Kevin. I guess we will see how it does.

Thats what I was saying, I think the difference is minute in terms of scale and with adding supplements, it comes down to what you believe to be true. Looks loke you went middle of the road, why?

here is a link to a great online magazine http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aafeature1

 

[Guest]

also when buying salt, it is cheaper online.
How many gallons did you buy?

 

[thinwall]

I really don't know figuring in shipping cost and all.
I bought the one that made 175g. I think all the rest made 160g
Kevin suggested using tropic marin. I didn't think that I really needed to spend that much. He said that he hasn't had any compliants about red sea, and rea sea made 15g more than the rest. More bang for my buck.

 

[thangbom4321]

i use instant ocean mainly becuase its easy to find.. i do the online price cupon thing at petsmart and get the 180 gal bucket for 35$..... add my dow flake to bost the low calcium up to form it's 360... to around 410... salt is salt bt some have more calcium.. alk.. and mag... like others have said. most reefers boost the salt anyways..


hea is a test by Billybeau1 from RC with some numbers...



http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=e3be030ab0421874d434da409e56a9dd&threadid=1287118

 

[lilred1995vette]

salt

I personally use tropic marin and oceanic mixed 40/60. This was suggested to me by quoc and i have had really good luck with it.

 

[cstewart79]

I use Red Sea Pro it come out with calcium at 450 or so and it cheap around 45 bucks for 200 gallons at bay area aquarium. When it comes to salt I think if you do weekly or bi monthy water changes it really doesnt matter. IF you do monthy then I would use a better salt.

 

[Scott]

My wife found this salt study last night. After reviewing it I am not sure of its accuracy but I'm posting it anyway just so you have something to look at.

 

[MarkieB]

Tell Kat good find!

I dug a little and found that the company that produced this report is also the company that makes and sells the top 4 on the list. Go figure! 8O
Amazing coincidence?

 

[C3ntury]

Choose a salt that mixes well for you and shows reasonable values. There is no perfect blend so you will be dosing to correct values as you see fit. I use IO, it's cheap and it works.

 

[GAW]

Going to bump this.

Anyone here use crystals?