Best Salt

Jeremy_holt · #1 01/09/2008, 08:08 PM

What is the best Salt to Purchase. I am using Red Sea right now.

laserjim · #2 01/09/2008, 08:22 PM

I dont think anyone can really say which is the best salt.,Its a matter of opinion.Its like asking whats the best car. I use Instant Ocean,no problems here.

maynardjames · #3 01/09/2008, 08:35 PM

i use reef crystals. no problems
drs foster & smith use in their coral tanks acording to catalog.

reefworm · #4 01/09/2008, 10:43 PM

laserjim is right - lots of good options. anyone know where the comparison study results are? Just to weigh in - I've been delighted after switching to Forty Fathoms/Crystal Sea for bioassay research. Mixes well and parameters are spot on.

Snowboarda42 · #5 01/09/2008, 11:18 PM

I use Reef Crystals (perfect params) or Instant Ocean (Add 2 tbs Ca).

smontanus · #6 01/09/2008, 11:34 PM

I use instant ocean with no problems, so I'm very reluctant to change.
I have heard knowledgeable people I trust rank Tropic Marin above instant ocean and red sea. There was a report called the S-15 but this report seems somewhat biased. I think it really is a matter of finding what works for you.

crt81 · #7 01/10/2008, 12:27 AM

I use oceanic and have been very satisfied! Keeps your calcium at a good constant level.

rbursek · #8 01/10/2008, 10:37 AM

There is a thread in the Chemistry forum on RC, they have been having a QA problem with low Ca and Mag,
Bob

stevedola · #9 01/10/2008, 11:36 AM

Tropic marine is the best but costs 2x as much as IO. IO will do the trick as long as you dose mag.

cr8signs · #10 01/10/2008, 11:47 AM

What product would you suggest dosing with for the mag?
Thanks
I also use instant ocean and my ph, calcium are always low. And I only have soft corals in the tank. However, I have used it for 14+ years. Afraid to change I guess. Also have heard tropic marine PRO, as being top notch.

cr8signs · #11 01/10/2008, 11:49 AM

ONe more thing, I have seen tropic marine pro for up to $98 for the big bucket, but asked at DR Foster if they carried it and it was only $64.
I get by there every month or so, shipping wouldn't be a problem
lucky me I guess.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #12 01/10/2008, 12:17 PM

I also use instant ocean and my ph, calcium are always low.

FWIW, the pH of a reef aquarium is not impacted at all by the brand of salt used. It is purely the alkalinity in the tank and the various sources and sinks of CO2 in the system that control pH.

Folks using IO typically boost the calcium and sometimes the magnesium in it. I do so with Dowflake and MAG flake.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #13 01/10/2008, 12:19 PM

There was a report called the S-15 but this report seems somewhat biased.

That's for sure. That report is the most ridiculous study ever devised by a manufacturer to promote the one salt that won the "contest", their own.

smontanus · #14 01/10/2008, 07:00 PM

Thats what I thought. After looking at the site I Googled that report several times and could never find it anywhere but that site. So took it for promotion, not science.