Which Salt Is Best For My Buck?

[stoneriff]

I recently moved to Las Vegas. I used to use Tropic Marin Pro-Reef, but now I have to pay hefty shipping to get it here. The local LFS' are not very good. I have a local Petco that carries Instant Ocean, and Reef Crystals. Any thoughts, ideas, recommendations?
Thanks.

 

[tynman]

I use reef crystal salt and never had a problem with it. I was giving it some thought to go to the esv salt mix but the cost is a little to high and you have to mix 4 different parts to make it (to much like a science project) and then also why change anything if its not broken. Who knows what to expect if I change salts now... Good luck.

 

[basiab]

Everyone has their favorite. A year ago I switched from Reef Crystals to Seachem marine. I did it just because there was some negative stuff around then about a change in ownership.
I doubt there is that much difference between the more common brands. Just look around online for what you want plus the shipping charge and if you can get it cheaper local then go local. If not then you have to decide if it is worth the few extra bucks. Overall, how much salt do you need for a year and how much of a difference will it make which brand you use. If it is a significant difference then you have a decision to make. If not then go with what you prefer.

 

[stage3-S4]

deff switch over to ESV salt. It is by far the best salt mix. I switched over from Reef crystals and The calicum,mag, and Alk are way better.

 

[stoneriff]

I use reef crystal salt and never had a problem with it. I was giving it some thought to go to the esv salt mix but the cost is a little to high and you have to mix 4 different parts to make it (to much like a science project) and then also why change anything if its not broken. Who knows what to expect if I change salts now... Good luck.

I was thinking about the ESV myself, but there are no local dealers, and shipping is very expensive. Thanks for the advice.

 

[stoneriff]

deff switch over to ESV salt. It is by far the best salt mix. I switched over from Reef crystals and The calicum,mag, and Alk are way better.

I can't get ESV salt in Vegas. Shipping for salt for a 120 gallon reef tank is super high. I'll be paying $130.00 per 200 gallon mix. Anyone know of a west coast ESV dealer?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I switched to ESV from reef crystals also but Im sure youd be happy with RC. I only switched because of the ability to kind of taylor your salt to your systems needs a bit, I had no issues with reef crystals and you get a free towel with them lol.

 

[prattreef]

Hey Jesse, I agree on ESV salt, but you aren't going to find it out there and unless your old pals Jim and Russ can work some magic the shipping may make it cost prohibitive for you to use. Having said that, I used IO exclusively for nearly 15 yrs without issue and I'm sure reef Crystals will do you just fine as well. IMO, your personal husbandry practices ( which I know are sound in your case) are more important than the brand of salt you use.

 

[prattreef]

I just checked and Marine Depot in LA does carry the ESV salt.

 

[dubs]

i only used io and it been good for me i only have lps and softies the salt ui used is up to u but if it help dr foster and smith running 5.99 flat rate shipping every now and then and when they do i just get salt and all the heavy stuff to save on shipping hope this help

 

[motortrendz]

esv or reef chrystals..

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

Instant Ocean is what I use

 

[stoneriff]

I just checked and Marine Depot in LA does carry the ESV salt.

Thank you very much. I checked with Jim and Russ. Shipping is super expensive. I'll check with MArine Depot on the ESV. Otherwise, it's IO at Petco.
Thank you.

 

[stoneriff]

Has anyone ever had any issues with Instant Ocean, or Reef Crystals? How are the calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels?

 

[prattreef]

Reef Crystals is basically beefed up IO. If you are worried about the levels then use RC. IO is a bit lower across the board, but to make up for it in your dosing regimen is insignificant IMO.

 

[stoneriff]

Reef Crystals is basically beefed up IO. If you are worried about the levels then use RC. IO is a bit lower across the board, but to make up for it in your dosing regimen is insignificant IMO.

Thank you very much. This is why I'm so loyal to MR. Even 2800 miles from Manhattan.

 

[jrobbins]

The large Usps flatrate boxes will ship up to 70lbs. A box of esv might fit and it's really cheap from
Jim and Russ right now.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[seldin]

Reef crystals and instant ocean are usually priced lower and they are excellent. Please remember, that when going to a different brand to retest chemicals, so you know how much calcium, etc., to use in make up water and display tank.

PS. To save money on salt, I usually buy salt in bulk on sale, so I will buy several buckets for a great price.

Just several weeks ago, a local guy was selling 160 gallon buckets for $35 a bucket delivered.

 

[reefs4life]

I personally like Seachem Reef Salt. Here's a link for it on eBay for $60 with free shipping, I bought mine from them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110489382556&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[ming]

I've always used IO, cheap and effective