whats the best salt to use for reef?

[b.b.bigbrother]

i use coral life just wondering if i should use something else next time. youre oppinions will be greatly appreciated. <img src="graemlins//freak.gif" border="0" alt="[freak]" />

 

[richard rendos]

Instant Ocean.

 

[don berry]

I would go with instant ocean as well, but I know kent and some other companies make good salts also.

 

[heavenly damsel]

I use Instant Ocean. There was a link on here within the past week with an article about salt additives. Didn't have time to read all of it, but looked like good article. You might want to look for it, talked about the poisons in some salt preparations.

 

[byrself]

i use nothing but instant ocean, cause it's tried and true. i have been interested in trying the reef crystals salt, made by same manufacturer as instant ocean (aquarium systems), but is supposed to have an extra kick in the reef supplements.

 

[josh]

Can't go wrong with Instant Ocean, I have never tried IO reef crystals.. does anyone on here use them???
Josh

 

[big dave]

I used to use instant ocean but I have recently switched to the reef crystals just to see if its that muc hbetter. I really haven't noticed any real improvement.

 

[big dave]

Oh, and i forgot, ::cough cough, coralife sucks cough cough::

 

[wrassecal]

Instant Ocean

 

[the flaming scallop]

table salt (DONT DO THAT ITLL KILL UR FISHIES)

 

[chainsaw5vent]

instant ocean is available at virtually every swf store. i use marine environment. it's a little more on the cost, but when you think about how much $$$ you eventually put into the program, it's not that much of a difference. <img src="graemlins//yeahright.gif" border="0" alt="[yeahright]" />

 

[y2says]

I've used nothing but coralife. Whay is Instant Ocean so much better? The LFS that I just my 54g corner tank from said that Instant Ocean is better. If I've already started with Coralife, is it ok to mix the two? Just curious. <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[broomer5]

Question:
Whats the best salt to use for reef?
Answer:
In my opinion - the brand that you have the greatest success with.
I use Instant Ocean - but that's me.
Other's use other brands and their reef tanks are beautiful.

 

[uncle fester]

I've used Tropic Marin, Kent, reef Crystals, Instant Ocean and one or two others I can't remember the names of. Personal preference is Instant Ocean (1st synthetic salt used for clownfish breeding). Been using it for 15 years unless it's not available then Reef Crystals or Kent. Reef Crystals will give you a higher Ca+ concentration initially and you may save a little on supplements. Still prefer Instant Ocean, myself.

 

[nss11110]

use instant ocean reef crystals. I started with instant ocean, bought corallife once because the store was out, and within a week was having problem with my corals. lost 3 before i could save them. switched back to instant ocean and the rest survived.so use instant ocean

 

[javajoe]

I use coralife- have not had any problems.
(Not with the salt anyway. )

 

[y2says]

What I don't understand is, have everyone used all the salt brands out there? I mean, how do each one compare? I can say that coralife is the best, but that's the only brand I've used. It wouldn't be a strong defense. Maybe the other brands are better, but I wouldn't know. Have there been tests? I think broomer is right, the one that is the best is the one that you have success with. I think it is hard to compare unless you do a controlled experiment. There's also so many different factors to making a saltwater tank successful and it's easy to blame on one thing when something goes wrong. Too bad we just cant ask the livestock huh.

 

[byrself]

i've read where some salts skimp out on some of the minerals, like magnesium for one, which makes the salt harder to dissolve. i just use instant ocean cause it's the most recommended and is readily available.

 

[volitan]

I completely agree, Y2SAYS. I use Reef Crystals because the only brands my lfs carries are Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals. The Reef crystals are only 3 dollars higher for a 25 gallon bag. Until someone comes up with some evidence stating that Coralife salt sucks, I wouldn't worry about it. Especially if you're running a successful system.

 

[surferboy]

I'm a Tropic Marin guy here. Has always worked well for me.