What salt do you use and why?

[gorilla]

im using aqua forest reef salt and could not behappier

 

[Telemarcer]

Reef Crystals

 

[cloak]

IORC and a lot of elbow grease. GL.

 

[Justin 420]

I will be switching salts soon. I use to use tropic Marin but trying to keep costs a little down and make alk closer to the 8-8.5 I keep. I set up this new tank with Red Sea blue bucket. First time using it. Alk measured at 5.5 and I used the whole bucket. Calcium 350. Good thing I tested before moving corals and fish. Batch number was 8.2 alk. Won’t be buying again. What do you guys use and why. I’ve thought about Aquaforest and heard good things. Or just go back to TMP. Let me know guys!

Tropic marin has been my favorite, hands down, but i don't use it anymore because of the price. I've used Reef Crystal's alot, but it leaves my mixing barrel really dirty. I just wonder what that is doing to my pumps with all the mess. I have used Aquaforest as well and like it. I guess bottom line for me is the price.

 

[cloak]

IME if you're going to test on a regular basis then it really doesn't matter. There will always be ups and downs. Salt is salt... Then again my blue thumb my not be as "bright" as your blue thumb. (husbandry) GL

 

[allof fish]

Tropic marin has been my favorite, hands down, but i don't use it anymore because of the price. I've used Reef Crystal's alot, but it leaves my mixing barrel really dirty. I just wonder what that is doing to my pumps with all the mess. I have used Aquaforest as well and like it. I guess bottom line for me is the price.

I agree TM is great but so expensive per gallon especially when you go thru a lot. I’ll keep looking into Aquaforest

 

[KrisReef]

 

[Damage12]

The saying goes, cheap is expensive. I switched from Reef Crystals (which is not so cheap anymore) in a softy tank to Nyos and I’m getting better growth almost immediately.

When I had a total SPS tank I used Tropic Marin Pro too. For my new tank which will be mainly SPS I will go with Nyos or Modern Reef salt.

 

[taterfish]

fritz rpm - blue, heard good things when i started and rolled with it. Coral growth is great, mixes clean.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Here’s some interesting results if you want to take a look.

Thread 'What salt do you use and why?'

Nov 1, 2025

What salt do you use and why?

What benefits do you think your choice has over others?

I used instant ocean regular for 20 years. The last two tanks I’ve used Red Sea blue bucket and I’m not too impressed with the residue it leaves in the mixing bin. I run an awc so it needs to be stored for a month.

• Reef Jedi
• Replies: 205
• Forum: Reef Aquarium Discussion

• 

 

[Indiana Reefin]

Tropic Marin pro.
Very consistent parameters and mixes clean.

 

[Blitheran]

Reef crystals

 

[Nick Steele]

I switched to Red Sea blue bucket last year and it’s done wonders for my 20g. I’ve had sps growth for the first time in 6 years (user issues also tbf). So far mixes right at 8-8.5 every time. I check each time I make water and it’s been good for this first bucket!

 

[Mrod]

I love Acura sea since it’s pre measured and no worry about salt settling etc. but I also have a smaller 54g display so easier since I only change 5 gallons weekly. But super convenient as no measuring needed.

 

[allof fish]

I switched to Red Sea blue bucket last year and it’s done wonders for my 20g. I’ve had sps growth for the first time in 6 years (user issues also tbf). So far mixes right at 8-8.5 every time. I check each time I make water and it’s been good for this first bucket!

I tried it for the lower cost compared to Red Sea blue but did not get those values lol. Also looking for good and consistent trace elements too

 

[allof fish]

I love Acura sea since it’s pre measured and no worry about salt settling etc. but I also have a smaller 54g display so easier since I only change 5 gallons weekly. But super convenient as no measuring needed.

Never heard of it before where do you get it at

 

[Mrod]

Never heard of it before where do you get it at

Usually saltwater aquarium but sometimes others have it in sale during the year. It’s by Julian sprung who has come out with a lot of great products over the years

 

[Marco_99]

All the salts work. I think it comes down to what numbers you want to start with and the second most important thing availability.

With all that said on my first tank, long, long, ago,in 05, i used instant ocean. My current tank I’ve always used Nyos Pure. Like Lou Ekus from Tropic Marin has said… it’s what’s not in your salt that costs. If you have never watched this, it’s worth the watch

 

[rtparty]

I will be switching salts soon. I use to use tropic Marin but trying to keep costs a little down and make alk closer to the 8-8.5 I keep. I set up this new tank with Red Sea blue bucket. First time using it. Alk measured at 5.5 and I used the whole bucket. Calcium 350. Good thing I tested before moving corals and fish. Batch number was 8.2 alk. Won’t be buying again. What do you guys use and why. I’ve thought about Aquaforest and heard good things. Or just go back to TMP. Let me know guys!

Sounds like your salinity is off by quite a bit. I’d get that sorted out first and foremost. Randy’s DIY solution is invaluable.

I use ESV because I actually ICP tested and used over a dozen of them and understand they are different no matter what anybody says. It’s like saying all steak is the same because it’s labeled steak

I also really like NYOS but they are one of the most expensive on the market now.

Tropic Marin makes Fauna Marin salt so they’re likely the same quality. I just won’t support Fauna and their nonsense. See Bolus dosing thread for examples…

Red Sea doesn’t deserve a dollar from any of us after their leaking tank fiasco plus their salt is dirty every time I’ve used it.

 

[winxp_man]

Have a connection for TM Pro 66.13lbs for $140
55 gals mix in 10min gin clear. And no residue on any mixing tools or heaters.