The most important variables that guides you into choosing the right SALT MIX

[revhtree]

This week we are going to be discussing a little reef chemistry and more specifically SALT MIXES! We've never discussed that before.....NOT! Along with water, salt is one of the elements that make up a saltwater reef aquarium but there is so much more to the salt mix and brand we choose based on so many different variables! Let's talk about that today!

What are the most important variables that guides you into choosing the right SALT MIX for your aquarium?

image via @Fumbles

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Choices 2,3,4 for this household

 

[homer1475]

1, 3, and 4.

I could care less how clean it mixes. Cost is the number one priority.

If you know how to clean up the mix, all of those that say "how clean it mixes" would change their tune.

 

[kobberr]

1, 3, and 4.

I could care less how clean it mixes. Cost is the number one priority.

If you know how to clean up the mix, all of those that say "how clean it mixes" would change their tune.

How do you “clean up the mix”?

 

[Dburr1014]

I chose 1,2,3

 

[AFHokie]

3, 5, 6.
My #6 is consistency. The biggest pain I’ve had in re-entering the hobby (besides the dinos that graced me with their presence this week) has been batch consistency. The brand I started with was vastly different from one bag to the next and then alternatives I tried were decently off of the advertised values.

 

[SamsReef]

This week we are going to be discussing a little reef chemistry and more specifically SALT MIXES! We've never discussed that before.....NOT! Along with water, salt is one of the elements that make up a saltwater reef aquarium but there is so much more to the salt mix and brand we choose based on so many different variables! Let's talk about that today!

What are the most important variables that guides you into choosing the right SALT MIX for your aquarium?

Great poll. I chose cost, chemistry and how well the corals respond.

poor choice of the picture though. I know it’s just an example but when revhtree himself posts something and a pic shows up, it feels like an endorsement and people take it seriously. These would have been better and appropriate choices - Red Sea, TM or RC/IO… just something to keep in mind for future.

Sam

 

[SunnyX]

Well, I chose cost. I conduct 40gl changes per week and the costs could quickly add up if I am not careful.

Besides, how can you go wrong with the Reef Crystals 160gl bucket for $33.99? (amazon subscription).

The salt works great and in 25 years of reefing I have never had to switch to another brand. In my opinion, if you're spending more than $40 per bucket of salt then you are simply throwing money away.

-Sonny

 

[Crotalus]

This week we are going to be discussing a little reef chemistry and more specifically SALT MIXES! We've never discussed that before.....NOT! Along with water, salt is one of the elements that make up a saltwater reef aquarium but there is so much more to the salt mix and brand we choose based on so many different variables! Let's talk about that today!

What are the most important variables that guides you into choosing the right SALT MIX for your aquarium?

This is exactly what I use.

 

[polyppal]

This week we are going to be discussing a little reef chemistry and more specifically SALT MIXES!

 

[JulesH]

1, 3 and 6 for me. Salt mix longevity is import as I spend a while away from home with automatic water changes.

 

[goldfish423]

Hey so you guys keep answering the polls but I’m curious what brands you guys are using.
The list of brands should be placed into a poll.
that would be nice.
Number 1 most used salt.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

3,1,4 in that order.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Hey so you guys keep answering the polls but I’m curious what brands you guys are using.
The list of brands should be placed into a poll.
that would be nice.
Number 1 most used salt.

There are a bazillion threads on salt choices and polls. There Was a big one within the past few months. Searching goes a long way.

 

[goldfish423]

There are a bazillion threads on salt choices and polls. There Was a big one within the past few months. Searching goes a long way.

Just reading through this.
Wasn’t intending on changing salts
Figured if you were going to answer the questions

1,3,4 etc.
Why not name drop as well.
But yeah silly me..

 

[nathanmaurer]

How clean it mixes is important. I mix the salt in RODI and let is continue mixing overnight with a small, inexpensive powerhead. You'll know it mixes well if, after a couple hours from turning the powerhead off, no salt particles have settled.
Chemistry adds trace elements needed in a reef tank. If you regularly change the water, this helps renew these elements.
I mistakingly chose #6, meant #5. How the livestock responds is probably the most important of all.
I use Instant Ocean. Does all of the above.

 

[Lionfish hunter]

This week we are going to be discussing a little reef chemistry and more specifically SALT MIXES! We've never discussed that before.....NOT! Along with water, salt is one of the elements that make up a saltwater reef aquarium but there is so much more to the salt mix and brand we choose based on so many different variables! Let's talk about that today!

What are the most important variables that guides you into choosing the right SALT MIX for your aquarium?

I can find a 5 gallon bucket of instant ocean on sale at petco after discounts for 25$. Just bought a 2 year supply, 12, 5 gallon buckets. That is 3 times cheaper than the next cheapest option and thousands of successful tanks come from instant ocean. Mixes clear fast. I have a 235 gallon tank, there is no other option.

 

[revhtree]

VOTE and let us know in a post!

 

[Big Smelly fish]

Right now I’m using a bucket a week so cost is a big factor, then the availability of it and also a brand that’s been reliable for years making salts for marine aquariums. So for me it’s IO and RC.
I really buy into this salt is so superior to that salt and the reason for the high prices.

 

[IKD]

I chose 2,3 and other. The other being reliable/consistent quality. A recent concern of mine with the Tropic Marin Pro reports