**--- salt mix? what brand's best? ----***

the floor guy · #1 10/09/2007, 10:37 AM

what brand is every one using and why i was thinking of switching to BIO-SEA MarineMix Salt i am using INSTANT OCEAN but im kinda new to salwater i saw this reserch of the different salts but i see pepole using RED SEA or reef crystals

http://www.aquacraft.net/s9910.html

Reefer07 · #2 10/09/2007, 10:46 AM

I use instant ocean...I think a lot of people do. A better quality of it would be the instant ocean reef crystals but not necessary.
There are a few other brands like corallife and kent, blah blah but I assume they all do the same basic thing.

cd77 · #3 10/09/2007, 10:50 AM

Welcome

Disregard that advertisement. The S-15 report is frequently criticized and outdated.

Instant Ocean / Reef Crystals and Tropic Marin have been in use for decades and would be a safe choice. Red Sea Coral Pro is gaining popularity too.

Unless you're having problems with your Instant Ocean (IO) I'd stick with it. It's proven and inexpensive. If you find yourself having to supplement other chemicals, then you may want to consider another salt.

mbbuna · #4 10/09/2007, 11:09 AM

[welcome]

ive used Tropic Marin, TM pro reef, Reef Crystals and IO. honestly ive never noticed any difference in the tank inhabitants. if money were no object i probably would still be using TM but i can get 2 buckets of IO for the price of one TM

Mavrk · #5 10/09/2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the floor guy
http://www.aquacraft.net/s9910.html

Ahhhhh.... the S-15 report rears its ugly head yet again.

It is an outdated advertisement, so ignore it.

Most people here use IO or RC. There are other good salts out there as well, these are just the most popular here.

FWIW, look online for prices of salt. It tends to be a lot less expensive than LFS.

Woods · #6 10/09/2007, 01:02 PM

I use Oceanic, with no problems, also have used Instant Ocean with no problems either.

kevin2000 · #7 10/09/2007, 01:37 PM

All major salt brands will do an OK job - don't confuse marketing hype with reality - most people would laugh/cry if they ever saw how they make the salt that they argue is "superior".

DrBegalke · #8 10/09/2007, 07:07 PM

soon we'll have more some new data:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1216536

Vinnie71975 · #9 10/09/2007, 09:35 PM

FWIW i use either Instant Ocean, Oceanic, or Reef Crystals. I plan on Switching to Just Reef Crystals Not because i have had problems with the other 2 but simply because i plan on some corals and Reef crystals Should reduce me having to Dose Calcium. All in All About Any Salt on the Market will Work(IF its designed for Marine Use No table salt Jokes Please lol) It is a matter of what is easy to get for you and What is most cost effective. I personally have even considered SeaChem Salt and Kents Salt. I Chose Reef Crystals Simply because i know a number of reefers who use it and have Good Results. IMHO it really doesnt matter what salt you chose, if it isnt working good for you change Brands

USC-fan · #10 10/09/2007, 09:46 PM

i use Reef Crystals and works really well.

I wouldn't recommend Oceanic since it isn't a balance salt mix...

95accord · #11 10/10/2007, 09:45 AM

i use reef crystals....no complaints for me. although i cant realy compared with any other since its the only one ive ever used thus far :P

Nanemene · #12 10/10/2007, 10:26 AM

another vote for IO...no problems at all

six.line · #13 10/10/2007, 11:25 AM

Floor guy:

To Reef Central

Best Advice to a Newbie of the Year award goes to:

kevin2000

Quote:

All major salt brands will do an OK job - don't confuse marketing hype with reality - most people would laugh/cry if they ever saw how they make the salt that they argue is "superior".

Good job. Couldna said it better myself.

mikemartinez · #14 10/10/2007, 11:28 AM

I currently use oceanic but will switch back to IO only because I got a good deal on some... Started with IO went to Oceanic and cant tell the difference

Reef of Eden · #15 10/10/2007, 11:29 AM

I use

I do lots of water tests, this has been the most consistent salt I've used out of...
IO
red sea
aquatic gradens
tropic marin
kent marine

wds21921 · #16 10/10/2007, 05:36 PM

Start with one you like and stick to it as long as it works for you in the beginning.

The argument is not a finite issue, and never will be.

I've used almost every brand and only had a bad reaction out of Oceanic.
Other than that I've never really seen any measurable differences, and for the most part many of them are made by the same company.

waterpologirl · #17 10/10/2007, 07:59 PM

I know basically nothing about this, but isn't it the same as just about everything else in aquarium keeping: Consistency is better than perfection. Come to think of it, isn't that a good rule for most of life?