Best salt in 2025?

[Gumbies R Us]

I'm following this thread (and saving it) for whenever I set my tank back up and want to go with new salt!

 

[UMALUM]

Amazon after coupon and auto ship. Been using it for 20+ and while there are inconsistencies " mostly in minor trace and mag " I don't see switching especially in an established system.

I mix at 72° and clean out the brutes after every use so the brown " crud " is non existent.

 

[HELLCO]

Running TM Bio-Actif in my tank, no complaints,.....

 

[captainsmitty]

One of my issues with salt is how consistent it stays in my salt water reservoir. The IO reef crystals has had the best consistency over the 2-3 weeks that it is in my tank. Ive tried others but none have had the consistency over the period of time.

 

[BriDroid]

This thread has me wondering why I'm paying extra for salt? I started my little tank with TM, then moved to Red Sea blue, then back to TM. Now I am wondering if I shouldn't just use IO???

 

[buzzword]

Used to use Aquaforest exclusively, but it has gone downhill over the last few years. I went back to Tropic Marin but it is so expensive. Then I found Fauna Marin! Each batch is ICP tested at their facility which is also the ICP tests I use. Excellent salt, mixes clean in an hour or two. No residue either. Have had IO nuke a tank, iodine was out the roof and Fritz too with bromide and boron.
Found the best salt for my tank.

 

[jonnywink]

I’m sticking with IO Purple. Get my buckets at Petco.

 

[mrpontiac80]

I’ve been using Fritz RPM blue since I got into the hobby. I mix in a 55 gallon barrel with a sicce zero pump running 24/7. I’ve cleaned the barrel only 2 times in 4 or 5 years and it’s always really clean.

For me it’s about $80 at the LFS. Always mixes clean clear and fast. Always has the same alk and elements.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I've been using Fritz Blue Box. No problems, but a bit of precipitate that sticks to the mixing powerhead. I've been thinking of trying AF salt since I hear that mixes clear. TM for me is a no-go since 1) price, 2) availability.

Im thinking of switching to AF because of the mixing quality and because it mixes up to around the same parameters as my tank

 

[JoJosReef]

Im thinking of switching to AF because of the mixing quality and because it mixes up to around the same parameters as my tank

I'm almost done with my blue box so will probably try AF next. Let me know what you think when you start mixing!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I'm almost done with my blue box so will probably try AF next. Let me know what you think when you start mixing!

I got 1 50g bag of IO RC left before I switch! I hate the brown crap in my barrel.... even if it's harmless

 

[Tigershark22]

I’d like to resume regular water changes in-house instead of depending on NSW deliveries sporadically.

I’ve primarily used IO Purple in the past because it was one of the most affordable options with a proven track record.

Now that the prices have increased, I’m curious if there are any competing options worth considering.


My tank is large, so I’d like to save on salt. I still want the brand to be reliable and good quality. Quality is the top priority, with price coming in as a close second.

What is the best salt in 2025?

See lots of people saying Instant Ocean. And the salt is good. But for me, water changes were much more of a chore with any type of IO salt. I’d measure the same amount of salt for 5 separate 5 gallon jugs and the salinity level was always different for each one. And if the salt was ever exposed to even the slightest amount of humidity, it would clump and harden and then the salt wouldn’t dissolve very well while mixing.

It’s certainly a bit more affordable than most options so I just wanted to say if you experience these issues then Red Sea Coral Pro has been my switch and it’s worth every bit extra. The tub seals very well, and the suggested measurements mixed have always tested at 35ppt on my refractometer.

 

[draj]

i'm using aquaforest right now, but i'm thinking about switching to io purple after i'm done with this box...

 

[Luisn17]

Is there a way to open up a poll to help track? The amount of posts saying IO purple is really surprising. I end up supplementing all the salts I have used to match my DT anyways. Is there anything IO purple is or is not adding to keep the price down?

I used reef crystal and the amount of gunk was out of control. Which is why I stopped using it.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

teef crystals

 

[ReefQuestCorals]

Is there a way to open up a poll to help track? The amount of posts saying IO purple is really surprising. I end up supplementing all the salts I have used to match my DT anyways. Is there anything IO purple is or is not adding to keep the price down?

I used reef crystal and the amount of gunk was out of control. Which is why I stopped using it.

My understanding Mag is expensive to refine which increases the price of a lot of salts with a higher Mag content vs IO. I'm sure other more expensive salts possibly have cleaner elements than IO, but using regular IO for me isn't an issue and typically do not see much gunk at all in my mixing container.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Is there a way to open up a poll to help track? The amount of posts saying IO purple is really surprising. I end up supplementing all the salts I have used to match my DT anyways. Is there anything IO purple is or is not adding to keep the price down?

I used reef crystal and the amount of gunk was out of control. Which is why I stopped using it.

not once have i seen gunk in that salt.

 

[disaster999]

Used to use IO reef Crystals for all my tanks since it was cheap, but in recent years they have jacked the prices up significantly. If Im paying that much I might as well try other salts in this price range. I decided to give Aquaforest Reef Salt a try as all of the reviews Ive seen all said it mixes clean and have been using it for about 2 years now. It mixes clear and my tank doesnt look like it just went through a calcium precipitation every time I change my water.

I can get AF Reef salt in 25kg bulk form and the $/kg is much cheaper than IO RC

 

[skey44]

Tropic Marin sale just dropped. Perfect timing to re-up on salt and AFR since Black Friday stock is running low!

 

[Aquaforest]

i'm using aquaforest right now, but i'm thinking about switching to io purple after i'm done with this box...

Hi @visioned

We really appreciate that you’ve been using our salt - thank you for your trust in our products!

We’re curious to know what made you consider switching to a different one. Feedback from our customers is incredibly important to us, and it helps us continuously improve.

If you’re willing to share your thoughts, we’d be truly grateful. You can send your comments directly to us at: [email protected]

Thank you again, and we hope to hear from you!