What should I do?

[ryduo]

I wanna to buy some salt,but there are four salt I like.I have no idea which to choise, please help me and mark them with 'A' to'D'. Thanks! They are 'Reef crystal', 'Tropical marine', 'Marine environment', 'Bio-sea'.

 

[LA-Lawman]

Hi, welcome to reefs.org!

out of the 4 you asked about. i have only used Reef Crystals... I like it "OK" but was not heart felt about it.

please see the inland Reef Salt study post at www.advancedaquarist.com there is a detailed study that is published on the salt mixes. I believe a fdw of them are on the list. Part1 is already out and part2 should be published within a few weeks. i am sure you will get other posters chimming in so be patient...

once again.... Welcome!

here is direct link to the article

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aafeature1

 

[SnowManSnow]

IMO you cant go wrong with good ol' Instant Ocean

 

[Anonymous]

I use IO, as well.

 

[cjsrch]

i think reef crystals is IO but with more CA and stuff in it ( made by same ppl)

 

[LA-Lawman]

I am an IO user too. reef crystals used to be the hype when i was a young reefling...

 

[Anonymous]

I like IO, and use it as well.

I like the fact it is easy to keep alk and calc in control along with the b-ionic since these are relatively low in IO.

All other elements are perfect for an enclosed environment.

 

[ChrisRD]

I would go with whatever is readily available locally at a good price. I mostly use IO these days because it seems fairly consistent from batch to batch, mixes up well, it's cheap, and it's easy to find. It's generally a bit low on Ca so I bump-up the level with a bit of calcium chloride...

Years ago (when I lived somewhere it was readily available) I used Tropic Marin a lot and I liked that very much.

 

[Anonymous]

I would go with whatever is readily available locally at a good price. I mostly use IO these days because it seems fairly consistent from batch to batch, mixes up well, it's cheap, and it's easy to find. It's generally a bit low on Ca so I bump-up the level with a bit of calcium chloride...

Years ago (when I lived somewhere it was readily available) I used Tropic Marin a lot and I liked that very much.

Chris, I just want to clarify for this person, because I took the post as it is ok to just switch from salt to salt depending on whats available that day.

I think Chris means what ever salt is reguarly available in your area consistently at a price you want to pay. Do not switch salt brands from change to change...you will have a nightmare with parameters (especially calcium/alk/magnesium) flying all over the place.

Sorry....just wanted to add this

 

[ChrisRD]

Yes, I agree - try to stick with the same salt once you get started. That's what I meant by readily available locally (probably should have said regularly available) - so you won't have trouble finding your salt and end-up having to "experiment" with something new when it comes time for a water change.

 

[LA-Lawman]

someting just occured to me... you can order I/O or reef crystals from dr fosters and smith... no more weight fees for shipping. so you can order a few buckets and be good to go for a while.... I know the petco near me will custom order the big buckets for me and charge me at $37... sooo if you have good relations with your LFS or petco or other large chain... they should be able to help you out...

hope this helps

 

[Clint Lamont]

Even though I have only been doing this personaly for about 3yrs now, my father has used everything. And the new Sea Chem "Reef Salt" is amazing! Works so well.