What salt mix are SPS-ers here using?

[Nht]

I've currently been using Red Sea Coral Pro for the last year on my sps dominant tank and although have had decent results with it, would like to see what's out there that's better. What're you guys using and how do you like? Feel free to share your experiences. Thanks for sharing

 

[dailydriven911]

I've currently been using Red Sea Coral Pro for the last year on my sps dominant tank and although have had decent results with it, would like to see what's out there that's better. What're you guys using and how do you like? Feel free to share your experiences. Thanks for sharing

I'm using seachem reef salt. It's consistent and developed for use in tanks that require higher levels of cal/mg. So far so good. I've heard good things about D-D salt and TM as well.

Here's a thread for ya...http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1589965

 

[Myteemouse]

I know alot of people use Instant Ocean and reef crystals by instant ocean..
I use IO..

 

[tike]

+1 IO I have never had a problem with it.

 

[G&NSalty425]

IO for me too

 

[trido]

IO three years running strong.

 

[Nht]

Thanks for the replies. Dailydriven. I actually have a bucket of Seachem on the way as there are several well respected reefers with gorgeous tanks that are using Seachem. Don't mean to insult IO and it's users but I will never use it again. I know that a lot of people are using it with good results but the two buckets that I've bought measured up to 13 DKH and that's unacceptable for my tank. I try to keep mine at 7-8 DKH so my second bucket is still sitting in the garage.

 

[DonW]

I would only use io I'm to cheap to use the more expensive brands. The money save is enough to boost ca and mg along with all dosing needs. It probably the most consistant salt in history to date.

Don

 

[dailydriven911]

IO is good to just a little low in cal and mg. Nothing that a little supp dosing can't fix though...

 

[reedman]

another for IO here. It's been rock solid for me for 7+years now.

 

[returnofsid]

IO and nothing else for all of my tanks for the past 4 years.

 

[kevinpo]

I know that a lot of people are using it with good results but the two buckets that I've bought measured up to 13 DKH and that's unacceptable for my tank.

Hello,
There was a bad batch that had high alkalinity. You should return it and get a refund. I returned a dozen or so buckets that were running in the low 13's dKH. It should be 8-9 dKH (2.5-3.0 meq/L).

All the salts I've used have had mfg problems from time to time. I would recommend testing each new batch before adding it to the tank just to be safe and for peace of mind.

I also advise that once you choose a brand stick with it or change over slowly. I've had trouble doing large water changes when changing brands.

I use Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[villious]

Hello,
There was a bad batch that had high alkalinity. You should return it and get a refund. I returned a dozen or so buckets that were running in the low 13's dKH. It should be 8-9 dKH (2.5-3.0 meq/L).

All the salts I've used have had mfg problems from time to time. I would recommend testing each new batch before adding it to the tank just to be safe and for peace of mind.

I also advise that once you choose a brand stick with it or change over slowly. I've had trouble doing large water changes when changing brands.

I use Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals.

Regards,
Kevin

Kevin. When you say you've had problems doing large water changes when changing brands.....can you elaborate?

 

[kevinpo]

Kevin. When you say you've had problems doing large water changes when changing brands.....can you elaborate?

Some corals instantly retracted their polyps and began to slime up. Some SPS corals lost tissue on their tips or totally in a few hours. No effect was observed on fish.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[Bricky]

I initially used Seachem's salt and was quite happy with it. After my first 12 buckets I thought I would give the Tunze salt a go. I'm 4 buckets deep into the 16 I bought. As of right now I'm more happly with the Tunze. Yes, it is more expensive, but I think my animals are worth it. Two buckets is mixing up 210 gallons at 1.025 (77 degrees), and I go through that much water in about two months of water changes. Not alot for 900 gallons of system water.

 

[DonW]

What makes you more happy with it?

Don

 

[Bricky]

To be honest. The salt mixes better and cleaner ( no more brown buildup), corals have actually colored up some more, my tests are more accurate (Seachem Kh and Ca were always off and I think that is due to the buffer they use). My coralline and coral growth has actually increased also with no other changes to the system. I'm happy with the investment and would recommend Tunze to all.

 

[DonW]

Thanks that's what I was looking for.

Don

 

[dailydriven911]

To be honest. The salt mixes better and cleaner ( no more brown buildup), corals have actually colored up some more, my tests are more accurate (Seachem Kh and Ca were always off and I think that is due to the buffer they use). My coralline and coral growth has actually increased also with no other changes to the system. I'm happy with the investment and would recommend Tunze to all.

Hmm I haven't had any problems yet with seachem. Maybe I'll give Tunze a whirl... Thanks for the review.

 

[Nht]

Thanks for the wonderful in depth reviews. I guess what I was looking for is for someone to vouch for seachem as I already have a bucket on the way hahha. I guess if it doesn't work out I'll definitely give Tunze a whirl. Out of curiosity, what were your levels when you mixed up a batch of Seachem? Does anyone here test for Potassium?