Salt Mix

[txav8r]

Yet another for reef cryatals

[RayAllen]

think i will be switching to reef crystals when its time for me to buy some new salt

[jrsatx20]

i use IO. never had problems with it but never tried n e thing else

[txg8gxp]

I do like the sound of the ESV, I almost got some when they first released it. They claim all 4 parts can be mixed in a hour then it's ready for use. I will go with that or reef crystals and just add my own extra's too it.

I started out with Reef Crystals but switched after reading up more on salt. I have used premium salt (Tropic Marin) in the past and it was okay. Part of my decision was based on studies in regards to heavy metals/pollutants in the salt.
Right now I am doing a lot of water changes on a big tank though and I switched to the cheap stuff: Coralife. It mixes up well and even in the big bucket it comes in separate bags so it's mixed evenly and doesn't get clumpy over time.
I briefly switched to a mid range salt - Red Sea Coral Pro- because I was out of Coralife. Didn't like that one. Seemed to mix much less clean and leave white crust/film in my 44 gallon mixing trash can.
I've seen some great reviews on the ESV 4-part salt. Once I am out of Coralife I'd like to try it out.
I think if I go back to premium salt I will go to something that is really different like the ESV rather than similar bucket salt with a higher price tag. I like that you can customize the values on the ESV, that it mixes up completely clear and can be used the same day and I do believe that trace elements may really be better off in liquid form separate than all mixed in and potentially wasted in a dry salt mix.
So for now it's either Coralife cheap stuff or ESV for me.

Here's my ratings (5 star being perfect):

Reef Crystals - ***
Tropic Marin - *** (liked it better than RC but price is so high so I give it only 3 stars)
Oceanic - ** (dissolved okay but left a lot of deposits)
Red Sea Coral Pro - ** (again too much deposits)
Coralife - ****
ESV - B-ionic - will try next

[cbianco]

I've used Instant Ocean almost exclusively. I did have a brief stint with Oceanic a few years ago but my corals didn't respond so well to the switch.

IO is cheap and seems to work however, I do have to mix it overnight in order to get a "clean" batch of water. I supplement with B-Ionic 2 part and DT's magnesium.

I'm all about K.I.S.S., lol.

Christopher

[alexdmg]

I've used Kent without any problems for a couple of years now, but after reading this thread, I might give Reef Crystals a shot.