Salt Composition and Alternatives

[Chirag Marwaha]

Hi! I'm new to saltwater setups. I hope it is not entirely a dumb question but can someone tell me what is the composition of Commercial salt mixes and that of seawater salt. I've seen edible table salt being produced by drying seawater. Then how come it can't be used in the aquarium. Also, if not regularly, can it be used as an emergency measure, like suppose a fish carrying bag tears off and water drains away slowly, table salt and water is available and aquarium salt not present on hand while transporting fishes.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you dry out seawater, some components cannot redissolve. Most important for us is calcium carbonate. Also, no table salt is just dried seawater (contrary to sea salt folks claims), it is made by partly drying seawater and draining off the excess magnesium and sulfate (which cause diarrhea).

Instant Ocean also likely doesn't cost more than table salt. Could you use table salt in an emergency, probably, but it's not as good as a salt mix.

 

[Chirag Marwaha]

Thank you. That answers it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing. :)