Salt

[Matt]

I'm about to need salt again. Last time out, I was frustrated with the Red Sea salt I started out with, for a number of reasons. I switched to Kent on the last Edmonton group order. While mine didn't mix badly, I'm unimpressed with the way the company responded to their well-known issues.

So, I need a new salt. I'm not starting a "what's the best salt" debate!

I am looking for specific experiences with people who have tried Reef Crystals and Fritz Super Salt. I'm also interested in knowing if any local retailers (or coastal retailers) do or are willing to carry the Fritz at a reasonable price.

Anyone? Anyone?

Matt

[albert_dao]

Have you looked into other well-reviewed brands like Tropic Marin Pro and Ocean Pure Pro?

[Matt]

Have you looked into other well-reviewed brands like Tropic Marin Pro and Ocean Pure Pro?I have looked into TMP, but Ocean Pure is new to me. I just read a thread at RC about it, and it looks promising... do you carry it?

Matt

[Beverly]

Have been doing a little research on salt this morning, not related to this thread. I began at this maunfacturer's website. Start reading down the right hand side starting with the article "How to Judge a Good Marine Salt".....

http://www.aquacraft.net/

Then, for a review of the website.....

http://www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com/Articles/Web_Site_Review_Marine_Aquarist.html

And a few words from WetWebMedia.....

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seah2ofaq4.htm

FWIW, for my money, I'm not interested in any of the higher prices salts. I don't believe they are worth the extra money. I'd just as soon buy IO and be done with it. Alk is easy to adjust with a combination of inexpensive baking soda and "baked" baking soda. And for Mg and Ca, I can get these additives from littlesilvermax (ChemMaster) here on this board.

[Snappy]

I have used Reef Crystals almost exclusively since Oct 2004 and have had pretty good results. In the two instances the LFS was out of RC I used IO and Sea Chem and was not impressed with either of them; salt took longer to desolve and I found a higher rate of algae growth over these periods when using those two buckets. These two instances were spread about a year apart so I think the different brands of salt were a factor. I think the idea is to find what works for you and stick with it as many find different results with the same product ........if it aint broke, don't fix fix it.

[OCDP]

Been using IO since day 1 and have no complaints.

As Snappy said , if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I guess this doesn't really help you at all though, sorry.

[littlesilvermax]

Just use IO, it is tried and true, mixes easier and costs less. My 250 does fantastic with it.

Here is my logic:

Dehydrated sea water is the basis for our salt, but it is not all that simple. If you add water to it you do not end up with the same stuff, because chemical changes happen when it is dehydrated.

All of the salts that have higher levels (better for reefs) don't mix very good and I have heard about problems with almost all.

Before mixing your water add magnesium then add some calcium then add the salt. My levels are:

1380 mag
430 cal
10-11 dkh alk

works well and is easy.

IMO a two or three step process in making up water is always better, the salt manufacturers just can't do it as well in one step.

[littlesilvermax]

For detailed instructions on how I mix my water check out this thred:

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=26590

[Matt]

I should have known that this would turn into a "what salt is best" thread...

Oh well. Bump for the original question: input on Fritz or Reef Crystals experiences or local (affordable) resellers.