I've never changed my salt mix...what process do you use?

ptpablo · Jan 10, 2017

I've had my tanks set-up for almost 3yrs. Everything's going well but as I progress in this hobby I wonder if my salt mix is holding my tanks back.

I'm currently using seachem reef salt. My local shop carries it and it's been convenient. I dislike the build-up it leaves in my mixing barrel and wonder if the success I've been having could be even greater with a higher quality salt.

My question to you is:
How much of a negative impact can switching mix have? I have some high dollar pieces and obviously don't want to put my collection at risk. Do you introduce the new mix slowly? Does anyone have advice on the process of switching salt mix?

Not looking as much for advice on which mix as I am on the process.

Thanks for your insights!

melypr1985 · Jan 10, 2017

I've switched a few times until I found one I like. I simply used up what I had left, then started doing my normal weekly water changes (10%) with the new salt. I saw results within a couple weeks whether they were good or bad. I had one case of bad with a certain salt brand, but saw excellent results just a couple weeks after switching, again, to the salt I use now. I don't think I would do several large water changes with a new salt, effectively switching out all the water at once.

Dancingmad · Jan 10, 2017

^^ What Mel said. Over the years I've tried about 6 different salt brands and have arrived at my preferred! Just out of curiosity, you get build up when you're mixing? I don't think you should get sediment when your mixing salt. Some salt brands have very specific mixing instructions (my preference says no mixing for more than 4 hours - and it ain't pretty if you leave/forget it).

When I was a renter the guest bathroom was always my mixing station. Some people read joke books / magazines / etc...I'd read the side of my salt mix :) Don't judge me.

ptpablo · Jan 10, 2017

I'll check again but I'm fairly certain there isnt anything on leaving it mixed for too long in the instructions.

Early in this hobby, I had a tank split down the side. Luckily I had mixed water at the ready. If I wouldn't have I would of lost everything. Ever since I like to always have mixed water at the ready.
Sometimes it sits for a few days. You think that is causing the build-up?