Best Reef Salt to use?

[LikeaPro]

I use Tropical Marin Pro, this salt has stable qualitly, and KH is lower, I like to maintain my tank KH around 7.

 

[Fuzznutz36]

I moved away from TM when they had the Turkey salt debacle a few years back. At that point, I'd have coral blowing their skins off in chunks. While that has been fixed, I'm tentative about going back. I switched to RS Blue bucket when that happened. The RS is not as clean as the TM, but has been very consistent.
I agree with most though, I've seen great tanks on every salt.

I'm all SPS in the main display btw...

 

[CKW]

I’ve spent a lot of time reading this looong thread. The bottom line is that there isn’t a “best” salt. The off topic banter was somewhat interesting but nothing new.
Just keep doing what works for you.

 

[David S]

So I have been using the ESV 4 part salt for the last couple of years.
The primary reason?
I like the overall consistency.
I have a nano (38 gallon) tank so I prefer to make small batches of saltwater, and ESV works well for this, although I admit it's a bit of a pain mixing the components.
Compare this to most other salts where mixing small batches will lead to some inconsistency in the distribution of elements.
Which brings us to Nyos Pure.
According to the literature on their website, they prepare their salt in such a way that the salt mix remains relatively homogeneous from top to bottom of the container.
Would anyone care to comment on the veracity of this claim?

 

[gmavrom]

I have been Instant ocean reef crystal and although it’s worked well the price has pretty much doubled and for almost $90-100 after tax, I’d rather spend my money on a better quality salt, if there is one. Anyone recommend anything?

wow it went up again! Chewy and Petco usually have 15-20 percent off coupons that is when I buy it

 

[rtparty]

So I have been using the ESV 4 part salt for the last couple of years.
The primary reason?
I like the overall consistency.
I have a nano (38 gallon) tank so I prefer to make small batches of saltwater, and ESV works well for this, although I admit it's a bit of a pain mixing the components.
Compare this to most other salts where mixing small batches will lead to some inconsistency in the distribution of elements.
Which brings us to Nyos Pure.
According to the literature on their website, they prepare their salt in such a way that the salt mix remains relatively homogeneous from top to bottom of the container.
Would anyone care to comment on the veracity of this claim?

I have no idea if it stratifies any more or less than other salts but it is a great salt. I used it for years after it became my favorite during my Ultimate Salt Test. However, it is one of the most expensive out there at $95 for 135 gallons. ESV has been roughly $90 for 200 gallons when on sale. There was a recent price increase so maybe it will be closer to $100 for 200 gallons going forward

 

[kitti-fish]

Thanks for all the advice on here! I just want to say I ended up going with Tropic Marine as my LFS swears by it and I really like the owner so I’m going to try it out. The bucket will last me 3 months so I’ll see if my parameters swing too much. Also picked up All for Reef and so farm my KH is staying around at 8-9dkh and I’ll probably be dosing once it does drop. I need testerster for calcium and magnesium eventually. Put that on the birthday wishlist

 

[David S]

I have no idea if it stratifies any more or less than other salts but it is a great salt. I used it for years after it became my favorite during my Ultimate Salt Test. However, it is one of the most expensive out there at $95 for 135 gallons. ESV has been roughly $90 for 200 gallons when on sale. There was a recent price increase so maybe it will be closer to $100 for 200 gallons going forward

BTW
What improvements in chemistry and/or coral health, if any, did you notice after using The Nyos salt.
Did it result in more consistency in ICP results.

I ask, because I'm considering trying it.

Thanks

 

[rtparty]

BTW
What improvements in chemistry and/or coral health, if any, did you notice after using The Nyos salt.
Did it result in more consistency in ICP results.

I ask, because I'm considering trying it.

Thanks

I don't run ICP tests any longer. Did for years and just found nothing important on them that changed anything. I also question most of them and whether they are even accurate/reliable.

I see no difference in coral health between NYOS and ESV. They are both awesome, clean, and consistent. I just prefer ESV and their method

 

[David S]

I don't run ICP tests any longer. Did for years and just found nothing important on them that changed anything. I also question most of them and whether they are even accurate/reliable.

I see no difference in coral health between NYOS and ESV. They are both awesome, clean, and consistent. I just prefer ESV and their method

Thanks

 

[lushcorals Verified Sponsor]

Here at Lush Corals, we proudly use Aquaforest Reef Salt in both our storefront display systems and throughout our coral farm tanks. We’ve had terrific results with consistency, stability, and overall coral health/coloration.

One thing we’ve really appreciated is how clean the salt mixes and how stable the parameters remain from batch to batch. Between SPS, LPS, and high-end collector pieces, maintaining consistency is extremely important for us, and Aquaforest has delivered on that. Now because we have such a large volume of water, we do dose kalkwasser to maintain our alkalinity in both the storefront systems and coral farm, but we do have an Oceanguard 980 display tank which is ran 100% on Aquaforest products. Our ICP test's from that tank recently came back everything was perfect.