Let's get salty! What is the deciding factor(s) for why you choose the salt you use?

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Do you dose to match all of the "Mixed Reef Recipe" levels ie. DKH 11.3?

11.5 dKH, yes.

 

[Mhart032]

I used to use Redsea coral pro, but when i started up the new tank i switched to Reef Crystals not only due to price, but there are a ton of old school 20+ year reefers that have been using the IO products for years and that really says something to me. Its prob not the best or the greatest but in a mix reef tank im good with it. I dont have any issues with it mixing, it keeps for a few weeks with no issues and the parameters are pretty stable even after a couple weeks as long as i keep it agitated with a small pump. I really dont notice a big difference b/t the coral pro and the RC tbh..

 

[ca1ore]

Been using IO since 2001 (or thereabouts). It’s relatively inexpensive and has been quite adequate in meeting my tank goals. I dose/supplement to get to the levels I want, so a ‘premium’ mix is unnecessary.

 

[DHill6]

TM Pro for all the reasons mentioned in above posts. I’ve been using this for 9 yrs., will great results, clear water and amazing results. I will admit, I jumped brands once but I came back. That says it all. Very happy with the smaller buckets.

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

when I first started the hobby I used IORC then later down the road I couldn’t use that brand due to the KH jump every time I used it for WC. I have been using Neomarine by brightwell. #fueledbybrightwell

 

[Jose A Venereo]

30+ years using instant ocean/ reef crystals. It works.

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

I'm a NSW user for over 2 years now and like it as it's free, fairly easy to get depending on the tide. I run my tank close to the collected levels (apart from the temp, uk water is cold) and has been working for me so far.

 

[Brian Coble]

Let's get salty today!

There are so many salts to choose from and so many reasons as to why people choose one over the other. Today I would like to know why!

Brand loyalty, price, ease of mixing, ease of getting, mixing parameters, cleanliness etc..

Why do you use the salt that you use? What are the reasons?

[/
I use to use instant ocean salt and was told it was more for “fish” only systems and then was told instant ocean reef crystals was the go to salt.
Well instant ocean reef crystals spiked my alk to 12.3. Not sure if I got a bad box or what happened so then I changed again to ESV salt.
Well ESV is a pain in the you know what because you have to measure with the measuring cups that come with the ESV salt mix. So I was confused because the #’s are not on the measuring cup needed per the directions so I called BRS and they told me to go buy a measuring cup in ml’s so I can get the correct measurements
Seriously at this point I’m ready to just use instant ocean again like I did 20 years ago with NO PROBLEMS ever with my 150g reef tank!!
Frustrating!!!!!!!!!!

 

[chefjpaul]

TM.
Parameters are where I like them and Consistent, clean mixing.

 

[Mical]

I buy salt based on experienced reefers reviews, experiences and size to ratio costs. I've used alot of the more commercially advertised salts and have had a mix of results. After to talking to many local reefers and alot here on R2R I've come to like the HW Marinemix Reefer salt from BRS. I switched to this when I moved 2 tanks to our new home and started both tanks on it. From the get go, everything has been stable, it mixed cleanly & in short order. Now 6 mos later it's held my params more stable than my previous experiences with Red Sea's Black & Blue Buckets. It's a little more expensive but IMO it's worth it for the stability.

 

[K7BMG]

Tropic Marin Pro here.
I mix and store 150 gallons at a time unheated so.
I like the fact it does not precipitate.
I like the fact that it homogenizes quickly.
I like the fact they use pharmicutical grade components.
I like the fact that it passed the bar on the BRS comparisons.
Its what I started with.

 

[H@rry]

I used IO for about 3 years and saw several people mention Reef Crystals. I bought a box of it just to see if I could see any difference. I thought my corals looked a little bet better so I've been with it ever since.

 

[NormanB]

IO...always have.

I'm now just back in the hobby for a third time after being out for ten years. I figured IO worked for me during the ten years I was reefing, so I again went with what's worked for me before.

 

[Brian W]

Price has to be right
Quality has to be great

These two factors determine which salt I use.
I used to use Red Sea black bucket but then fritz came out so I switched. I've been using fritz for almost 2 years now. I love it.

 

[Bob Escher]

Also very stable in storage to keep water available for auto water change or such emergency situations.

Badger we are almost next door to each other, Welcome to REEFTOREEF, I’m over in Nashotah. Ought to hook up some time

 

[Bob Escher]

I use Red Sea Coral Pro, I have been successful after trying their "Mixed Reef Recipe" and I am happy with my results so I don't plan on changing.

 

[Yates273]

Pretty new to salt water but for the price I can get IO REEF Crystals I cant lose.

 

[Jms460]

Anybody using ATM HOT SALT? I started my tank with it and diatoms on everything. Makes me so sad. I have the 7 stage RO/DI from BRS and have 0 TDS. OLD DRY ROCKS AND SAND. The only thing that went in was salt. I got diatoms starting week 2 and they haven’t gone away. I’m doing weekly 10% water changes with tropic Marin PRO. Hopefully it will be gone in a couple months.

 

[RevMH]

Tropic Marin Pro Reef. I use it because I think it's the best (my opinion).

 

[David S]

I've been using Fritz, because I find it's similar but cheaper than Tropic Marin Pro.
I like the fact that they are somewhat enhanced in Calcium and Alkalinity so they keep my water parameters stable.
They also mix easily.