I just started to make my own saltwater using distilled water and Instant Ocean Reef Crystals. Before I was using Crystal Sea MarineMix because I was buying my water from my lfs and it was the cause of all my issues if only I knew this a few months ago. I already love it! My alkalinity is at 9.3 now, nitrates/phosphates coming down with carbon dosing/water changes too, and calcium/magnesium are coming up. My corals are much happier too!