whats your favorite salt?

[viper_930]

Originally Posted by TriGa22
Is Instant Ocean Reef Salt any good.. Im starting a reef so Im gunna be using that instead of the normal stuff.
IO reef crystals is made by the same company but is geared more for a reef tank with higher Ca, alk, and Mg.

 

[acrylic51]

Hey Viper have you heard any issues with the Tropic Marin Pro????

 

[viper_930]

I've never heard of any problems with that salt. I've been thinking about switching from -- to TM pro, but I think I'll wait until Eric Borneman releases the salt study results.

 

[tjake68]

tropic marin pro it is the best

 

[reefkprz]

Thank you every one for your input on this.
It seems the most popular brands are (in no specific order)
IO reef crystals
oceanic
tropic marin pro
and coralife.
LIke I said at the beggining I use IO reef crystals. I've never had a bad batch of any salt I have used (luck of the Irish if you will) I used to use coralife. but my LFS ran out and I had enough for one 5g bucket so I went and bought Reef crystals mixed up a 5g bucket of each at the same SG at 70% (tested with a refractometer). the calcium was higher in IO reefcrystals by 20mg/l this was of course one batch. one test and in no way a extensive expiriment. I switched and havent regretted it. of couse if my LFS ran out of IO I would use coralife again untill it came in. I would like to use tropic marin pro but its just so damn expensive up here.
thanks again to every one for their input.

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by ViPeR_930
I've never heard of any problems with that salt. I've been thinking about switching from -- to TM pro, but I think I'll wait until Eric Borneman releases the salt study results.
I've just been hearing lots of rumors or I should say issues, but I heard the same deal with Oceanic......

 

[xrayman]

I have used IO for years switched to oceanic had calcium problems went to tropic marine pro reef in january and now i have coraline growth i have been trying that for years.My numbers have been more consistent with tropic marine pro.That's my .02

 

[xdave]

Well, the Eric Borneman study concluded that Reef Crystals was the best, Instant Ocean the worst. Kinda funny cuz one company makes them both.

 

[acrylic51]

Where did Tropic Marin Pro fare at xDave?

 

[viper_930]

Originally Posted by xDave
Well, the Eric Borneman study concluded that Reef Crystals was the best, Instant Ocean the worst.
I wouldn't jump the gun yet. At the time (MACNA) the results hadn't been analyzed yet. The study literaly ended the day before MACNA. The real results aren't out yet.

 

[xdave]

Originally Posted by ViPeR_930
I wouldn't jump the gun yet. At the time (MACNA) the results hadn't been analyzed yet. The study literaly ended the day before MACNA. The real results aren't out yet.
Yeah, guess I should have mentioned that part.

 

[h2offshore]

I use ocean water from 20 miles offshore, the corals and everything else love it. :cheer: :jumping: When I used to use mixed salt I used reef crystals, but when I changed the the ocean water it acted like a supercharger for coral growth.

 

[reefkprz]

well as far as this goes.. IMO instant ocean is for FOWLR tanks and reef crystals is for reef tanks. I personally dont reccomend trying to keep a reef tank with instant ocean. plenty of people do successfully but I think they have to supplement a lot more. thats just my opinion though.
thanks again for all the input people!

 

[monalisa]

I started out using Instant Ocean, but my calcium levels were, well, mmmm...
After I started stocking corals and paying more attention to the calcium levels in my water I ended up switching to Oceanic...MUCH better for my critters. I've had a crocea clam in my tank for a LONG time, and he's just as happy as a...well...as a clam.

Lisa :happyfish

 

[bonebrake]

I have only ever used Red Sea. It takes about 12 hours to dissolve and I have had great success with it. I boost the low calcium and alk that is has with kalkwasser top offs.
:joy: