Salt-Mix Brand - Inquiry

[DBlackman]

Hey Guys,

I have been doing some research and asked several LFS Owners and Reefers on Salt-Mix Brands and comparisons.

Does anyone use,'hW Marinemix Plus BioElements' salt-mix?

[DrMark]

I use red sea coral pro salt.
Here is a good link I posted several weeks ago by Aquarium Water Testing comparing 14 synthetic salts.

www.aquariumwatertesting.com/AWT_Salt_Analysis_0208.pdf
(http://www.aquariumwatertesting.com/AWT_Salt_Analysis_0208.pdf)
Mark

[DrMark]

For some reason the link above does not work, while it does on my original post.
Old thread was titled "Comparison of 14 synthetic salts". Should be easy enough to find.
Mark

[SoLiD]

There you go.

http://www.aquariumwatertesting.com/AWT_Salt_Analysis_0208.pdf

[Ed]

DrMark,

SoLiD has the right link. I fixed your so that it will click through.

-Ed

[MissT]

I've been using Red Sea Pro also, and so far so good...
but to answer your question, nope never used the other; from what I remember it's pretty pricey stuff, right?

[CoryDude]

I started using hW Marinemix when I worked at Aquatek back in the late 90's and I haven't stopped since. Of course the employee discount helped since a 50 gal bag runs about $5-$10 more than the other companies. Haven't done any scientific testing on it myself, but personal experience seems to show that it's worth the extra $$$. It just seems to have a little more "umph" that both the inverts and corals thrive on. They also make an excellent Ca additive that's great for supplementing with your Kalkwasser. I usually get a 150 gallon salt mix shipped from Dr's Foster & Smith for a total price around $60-$65.

[SoLiD]

BTW I also been using Red Sea Pro. I like it better than Kent and Instant Ocean.

[DBlackman]

Thanks guys for your responses!

Here is a break down on what I have researched so far, in conjunction with the needs of my 'mixed Reef' tank.

1. Current using Instant Ocean.
2. Calcium additives are needed, even with a CA Reactor... but only every 10 days.
3. Alk is not a problem, due to using ARM and CRM media in my CA Reactor.
4. pH is not a problem.
5. SG is not a problem.
6. Phosphate is not problem.
7. Silica/diatom has been a problem in the beginning.
8. Alga of various forms has been a concern.
9. Temperature has been resolved by upgrading to a 1/3 JBJ Chiller.

Salt-mix(es) of interest:
- Red Sea Coral Pro - High in Phosphate and Silica.
- Reef Crystals - Having the need to stir salt-mix, before use.
- SeaChem Marine - High in Silica - reported Cyno problems.
- SeaChem Reef - over exceeds my current needs and will not be used.
- Tropic Marin Pro Reef - High in Phosphate.

I have decided to purchase a 50 gallon bag of 'hW Marinemix' for water testing. The results of the water test(s) will determine if I will continue to use this product.

May even stop using my CA Reactor, if the performance of the salt-mix exceeds the need for one... just do weekly 10 gallon water changes.

[Bill S]

Reef Crystals. Same as your IO, with supplements.

[CoryDude]

I don't think you'll be disapointed with the Marinemix. Plus, there's no other salt mix out there that smells better while it's being mixed. I swear they put some kind of perfume in there or something!