Salt Analysis

[cdamiano]

Here is some interesting information on some tests that were done on the various types of salt mixes that are used in the hobby.

http://aquariumwatertesting.com/AWT_Salt_Analysis_0208.pdf

[billsreef]

There's a couple of issues to keep in mind when reading that article. AWT's parent company manufactures one of the salt mixes, and if you read some of the info on AWT's testing services in the chemistry forum, you'll find their testing is somewhat suspect.

[cdamiano]

Is there another unbiased/more accurate document that can be referenced for this type of information?

[MIKE NY]

not as detailed as that analysis, but gives the big three #s special thanks to Bertoni


Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium

Aquatic Gardens
430
8
1240

CoraLife
560
9
1380

Crystal Sea Marinemix
340
9
1050

Crystal Sea Marinemix Bio-Assay
340
9
1050

D-D H2Ocean
450
10
1380

Instant Ocean
350
12
1070

Kent
540
11
1200

Marine Environment
480
7.5
1450

Oceanic
580
8.5
1650

OceanPure
510
10
1320

Red Sea
400
8
1300

Red Sea Coral Pro
490
7
1300

Reef Crystals
420
12
1260

Reefer's Best
420
11
1200

SeaChem Marine Salt
500
10
1400

SeaChem Reef Salt
540
10
1450

Tropic Marin
375
10
1230

Tropic Marin Pro Reef
450
8.5
1380

Tunze Reef Salt
420
9.5
1350

[dickenscd]

Oceanic has the highest numbers for Calcium and Magesium, does it mean that it is the best choice?

James

[cdamiano]

I guess that's a good choice if you have a need to raise both the Calcium and Magnesium levels during water changes. Based on those numbers, that one will raise it more then the others.

[MIKE NY]

I use to mix Oceanic and IO to get better levels, but Oceanic was very inconsistant from bucket to bucket.....sometimes buckets were well over 600 in cal.

[cdamiano]

I started using Coralife a few months back after reading some positive information about it on some of the forums and it seems to be working out well for me. It's relatively inexpensive compared to some of the other brands and the levels of CA, MG, and ALK all seem to work well for my needs. I'm curious what others have been using and if you have had any positive or negative experiences with any of them.

[cdamiano]

I was thinking of trying the SeaChem brand since I have also heard some good things about their salt. Anyone using that brand?

[dnsheavy]

I tried SeaChem and did not like the results. I use Red Sea Coral Pro.


--Dave--

[Jeff]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13970361#post13970361 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billsreef
There's a couple of issues to keep in mind when reading that article. AWT's parent company manufactures one of the salt mixes, and if you read some of the info on AWT's testing services in the chemistry forum, you'll find their testing is somewhat suspect.
I've heard the same thing but the nimber's that Billybeau1 got were pretty close on a lot of things. Those were the numbers I posted a page back. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=11485017#post11485017

[fio1022]

I've been using Coralife since day one and haven't had any issues.I think its reasonably priced and the t-shirts that come with it with are great!