Best Salt To Use On A Reef Tank?

[BioCube14]

I know there are many that have their own favorite but im atleast trying to find out what is ok stuff from crap. I have a small tank 14 gal I usually get my saltwater premixed but im thinking about mixing myself and just buying RODi water so I can make sure there is not too much salt or not enough. I plan to keep softer stuff like lps maybe a couple small pieces of sps.

[Bill S]

You are going to get lots of opinions. I've used IO (for YEARS), Oceanic and Kent. I have used Reef Crystals exclusively for about 2 years.

[ismvel]

I have had good results with Reef Crystals...

[MissT]

Tropic Marin is a good one, especially for smaller systems where dosing can get dangerous, but Reef Crystals and Red Sea Pro are giving TM a run for its money lately

[BIGBIRD123]

Reef Crystals....I used Oceanic, then Tropic Marin but am happiest with the RC.

Steve

[papijames]

At first I used Istant Ocean but Gabe @ Alamo Aquatic told me it's Lab made and to use RedSea. Just be aware the back say 1/4lb per gal. I didn't know what that mean the 1st time I used it. So I added to much raised my salt level to 1.027 and killed 3fish. so, it's 1/2 cup per gal, or 1 full cup for 2gal. I go to HEB to buy RO water from the Glacier machine and it's $1 per 5gal or .20c per gal. Make sure you ask alot of questions here. I've been a member for less than 1week and I've learned alot. Also go to the sponsor stores like Wolf Reef (ted) or Aquarium design(jason). These guys are full of answers

[Hydramatic]

I have used Instant Ocean for the whole 7 months of saltwater experience I have. No problems, but I honestly wouldn't know if there was anything out there better. My friend used to swear by Red Sea, but after watching me use IO, he uses it too. I'm not really saying much, just that I use it and neither my fish nor my corals complain.:)

I also use tap water with Prime.
(veterans shudder upon reading...)

[cpreefguy]

KZ reefers best salt :D

Too bad it is $100, and $60 shipping on top of that, and it only makes 150g for that price

[bigmoe21]

red sea pro is formulated for use with ro water and has a guaranteed level of calcium at certain specific gravities..this is what i use and i have nothing but softies and lps..but red sea is the only salt ive used in my 4-5 months in saltwater sorry i dont have more to add

[cpreefguy]

What is a post without a pic?
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/Reefers_Best.jpg

[BIGBIRD123]

how many buckets you got there lil' one?

S

[BioCube14]

well i think i'll try reef crystals thanks for the info guys

[cpreefguy]

I am using Red Sea salt now, the one formulated for RO water and have seen a positive response from my corals. I was using that boxed water, NSW, from petco for a while and liked that, mainly for the convenience. I also have some seachem sitting here that I may use. I got so much free salt at the MACNA in Houston!!! :D

[Texreefer]

i have been using reef crystals for a while now after trying all the others as well,, I will use anything thats cheep and convenient thought

[ismvel]

i have been using reef crystals for a while now after trying all the others as well,, I will use anything thats cheep and convenient thought
Yeah, I have always been fortunate, that it just so happened to be a salt sale when I needed more....so I just got the reef crystals.....

speaking of which, I will be needing to order me some from Drs. Foster and Smith in the next month or so....time is approaching that I finally get to put some water into my big tank....wooo hooo!!!!!!!

[Bill S]

I believe that the current sale price at Drs F & S is good thru May. Not sure, but I think so.

[ismvel]

I did see that.....pretty cheap, and in a group order type of thing...could be a very good deal....IO is $29.59 and Reef Crystals is $31.99....first thing is first....finish my stand.

[coraline79]

I go to HEB to buy RO water from the Glacier machine and it's $1 per 5gal or .20c per gal.

Just wanted to make you aware that Gabe @ Alamo also sells RO/di water for .50 a gallon. I go every 10 days.

[copperband]

i have been using oceanic for a year now and have had no problems with it.

[ST3PH3N]

reef crystals and very happy

[petveedub]

If anyone is interested, I have an unused bucket of reef Crystals (160 gallon) that I'll let go for $30, left over from when I tore my tank down.

NE SA

PM me

[jtrux]

Whatever's on sale at that moment, recently Ocanic was on sale at Polly's so I stocked up.

[lhoy]

I have been using Tropic Marin but tired of the higher cost and will be shifting to Red Sea Salt Pro after some reading and research.

Lee

[hobogato]

have used oceanic (alkalinity problems), instant ocean (lots of cyano - may not have been the salt), red sea pro (too expensive), and now use reef crystals.

[Richard]

I have used most brands. Finally settled on Reef Crystals because it mixes up to decent Ca/Alk/Mg levels, has been consistent bucket to bucket, is reasonably priced and readily available.

[JeffCo]

I have used oceanic (also problems with alk), used IO for a long time but always had to add supplements cal & ALK to get it up to par before doing a water change. But have been using Reef Crystals for about 4 months and it works great, don't have to add any supplements before doing a water change and it's at a good price.

[cbianco]

SORRY GUYS, I BUMPED THE WRONG THREAD!

:(

[Marlin]

I use Red Sea Coral Pro. I've had really consistant parameters with it. Alk, Ca and Mg are right on from bucket to bucket. No need to dose anything when mixing it up. I'm really happy with it.

Rick

[BioCube14]

yea the KZ is really nice but your right after the shipping it would to crazy to buy it

[BioCube14]

i think im going ot pick up some seachem reef. I have seens some nice sps setups using this stuff.

[rocketeer]

Am I the only guy that uses Kent?

Jack

[Troutmasters02]

I asked myself the same question before filling my tank. I found this nice little chart. Hope it helps.

P.S. I use seachem reef

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118