I've been using reef crystals for a long time, nearly 20 years and never had an issue, yes it's cheap and it's not perfect for everyone, but testing and keeping your parameters in check are the biggest factor in reefing, in my opinion. I've been using Tropic Marin "all for reef" for my sps tanks for nutrient balance and have had amazing results!
Reef crystals killed every coral in my tank by adding in toxic amounts of iodine, I couldn’t figure out what was killing everything so I tested my water for every parameter and iodine was off the charts so I mixed up a fresh batch of reef crystals and the iodine on that was off the charts, I tested three different batches and they all came back way to high, I ordered Red Sea blue bucket and tested that and it came back normal range, so I spent the next 30 days switching salt periodically testing my iodine levels “witch was going down” by the time I switched over my iodine levels were in a good range, I never wanted to pay for expensive salt but the price I paid was more expensive I lost over $1000 worth of corals because of that Salt, I don’t know if I got three bad batches or what but I’m not willing to risk it and neither should you I’m guessing the quality control of that salt is not very good
@@truereefkeeping6022 yes you are "guessing" and I that's why I stated testing is so important I've been doing this for nearly 20 years and have learned long ago testing is our #1 priority as reefers! Well we live and we learn, it's part of reefing and life.
@@ericsfishingadventures4433 you literally missed the whole point lol, it killed 1000$ worth of corals I DID TESTING witch led me to find out it’s a terrible product, all I said was I guessed that the quality check was terrible but that doesn’t change the fact that IT IS A TERRIBLE PRODUCT
@@truereefkeeping6022 reef crystals isn’t terrible. Any salt with elevated elements can run away and kill corals if you’re not mixing and testing properly. I use Both Reef Crystals and NeoMarine. Both are fantastic.
Another great FB video!!! I could watch/listen to March read the phone book for hours....LOL Such a breath of fresh air on RUclips! I started my reef tank about 4 months ago....stressed for weeks and weeks about choosing a salt, and wound up going with this salt for my system (Red Sea Coral Pro)...very happy with my decision so far!!! Looking forward to the next FB video...
I've been told that the brown stuff (mud?) is a binding agent that helps prevent calcium/alkalinity components in IO salt mix from precipitating (becoming solid) when mixed with water.
I left TM because it still leaves residue over time, but I also tested my fresh salt, and consistently read .06 phosphate with TM pro. Red Sea Blue box FTW here!
I used to use Redsea pro and would always get that nasty residue on my mixing bin. Used it for about 2 years before switching. You’ll probably notice it if you let it mix longer than 2 weeks. I’m sure you go through water faster than that to notice any types of film in your bins. Switched to TMP and haven’t had any issues at all. I can leave the salt mixing for longer than a month with no residue. For $30 (US$) more over RSP, it sure is worth it for me to stick with tropic marin pro.
@@Myst8891 instant ocean has been having serious issues with batches. If you have any left...can you mix a gallon and test nitrates. I.o. has nitrates.
@@anniejefferson4642 I have none left. Thank you for the info though. I just looked into other salts when I started to get low as I know instant ocean isn’t a bad salt but more of a beginner salt. Tropic Marin Pro Reef mixes very fast and very well.
Your corals are extremely healthy! I bought a gsp frag and leather a few weeks ago and they came in beautiful. The leather is extremely hardy and the gsp basically grows right before my eyes.
Aquaforest is the best for closest to average natural seawater as a base, it's always good to return to average seawater levels if things go weird. From there you can adjust trace levels for sps colouration.
I've been catching up on your videos this morning as you may know. When I started 1hr 30mins ago you were at 9.21k subs and now you are at 9.22k, keep up the great work March, if I ever make it to Toronto we gotta meet.
Just my experience and BRS have confirm it is that the red sea doesn't store well, I tend to mix a week ahead since just in case I don't have time on Friday and Saturday. They tend to loose some of their parameters and you have to mix it at 76 degree I believe and here in Arizona, some times the water is mid 80s. I've used all of them(red sea, tropic marin, reef crystals, fritz) and all of them have residue, some a little more than another but all of them produce residue especially if you are storing it. I have been using Fritz and I know they had the issue with ALk a few years back, but I always test ALK when I open a new box. They are relatively cheap and available everywhere and ALK is 7.5-8.2. The Aqua forest line are not common here and I don't want to rely on the internet for salt, I want it near me. I whole heartedly agree with March, don't change salt, it actually does not matter, I went a couple of years switching every 6-9 months and saw absolutely no difference in my tank with any of them, but corals like stability so stick with one salt but choose one that is readily available locally.
Not sure why, but my pulsing xenia was always sluggish or would stop pulsing when I used Red Sea Coral Pro (but would still grow like crazy) When I switched to AquaVitro Salinity and the xenia started pulsing rapidly
If you are getting residue or cloudy water while mixing Red Sea salts, you're mixing it incorrectly. Red Sea needs to be mixed in cooler water. If you don't run your AC and your home stays 80 degrees, then your salt will mix cloudy as the water is warmer. Warmer water expands molecules and when you add salt, there is a chemical reaction that happens and produces heat. If you mix Red Sea salt in cooler water you'll have no issues. DO NOT heat your water before you add salt. Add the cool water to your container, pour in the correct amount of salt, mix thoroughly by hand, then add your powerhead and heater to continue mixing and bring your water to correct temp.
Great video as always, I see you have a shoal of chromis in one of your aquariums, do you have any problem with bullying or are they good with each other? Only asking as I have 2 and want more 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Well, define "best" I use Tropic Marin Pro and I still have to wash my salt bin every 3-4 months as some trace elements precipitate out.... I also I kinda dislike TMpro is 100% lab made so if "best" is a natural salt then RedSea blue and DD H2O are "better" Is "best" the cheapest that works? Then TMpro looses again, its one of the most expensive out there...
@@ricardocarneiro7797 I have used many salts in the past this salt mixes the fastest and the cleanest. You can also jus run your hand through the salt and just feel it’s quality .. look up the tests BRS did tropic Marin is the cleanest
@@Botzz28 I follow BRS, and I have seen the their tests but beyond mixing 1 batch the traces still precipitate out somehow and leave these dark stains, similar to how their allforeef also precipitates a in the container...well regardless the salt mixing clean doesnt mean it grows corals I use TMpro because I do automatic water changes and it works well But best and happiest corals I have seen have been on Red Sea salt, simply anecdote though, we learn by talking to each other
Salt should be packaged in cardboard boxes not black plastic containers which will not degrade/break down for 500 years. So ironic that we love this hobby but these companies keep packaging salt in these forever containers and we keep buying this packaging. Sad and pathetic !
Well, he means to use lower alk salt that meets your parameters, so if you keep your alk at 7.5 you should not use a salt that has a dkh of 12 because the water change itself will cause a alk swing and potentialy annoy your acros, alk swings are bad up or down. If you keep your acros at 12 dkh in your tank then go for it, however hardcore acro guys tend to keep their tank near natural sea water so 7-9 dkh therefore March's advice on using lower dkh salt is sound for most.
I've been using reef crystals for a long time, nearly 20 years and never had an issue, yes it's cheap and it's not perfect for everyone, but testing and keeping your parameters in check are the biggest factor in reefing, in my opinion. I've been using Tropic Marin "all for reef" for my sps tanks for nutrient balance and have had amazing results!
Same here
Reef crystals killed every coral in my tank by adding in toxic amounts of iodine, I couldn’t figure out what was killing everything so I tested my water for every parameter and iodine was off the charts so I mixed up a fresh batch of reef crystals and the iodine on that was off the charts, I tested three different batches and they all came back way to high, I ordered Red Sea blue bucket and tested that and it came back normal range, so I spent the next 30 days switching salt periodically testing my iodine levels “witch was going down” by the time I switched over my iodine levels were in a good range, I never wanted to pay for expensive salt but the price I paid was more expensive I lost over $1000 worth of corals because of that Salt, I don’t know if I got three bad batches or what but I’m not willing to risk it and neither should you I’m guessing the quality control of that salt is not very good
@@truereefkeeping6022 yes you are "guessing" and I that's why I stated testing is so important I've been doing this for nearly 20 years and have learned long ago testing is our #1 priority as reefers! Well we live and we learn, it's part of reefing and life.
@@ericsfishingadventures4433 you literally missed the whole point lol, it killed 1000$ worth of corals I DID TESTING witch led me to find out it’s a terrible product, all I said was I guessed that the quality check was terrible but that doesn’t change the fact that IT IS A TERRIBLE PRODUCT
@@truereefkeeping6022 reef crystals isn’t terrible. Any salt with elevated elements can run away and kill corals if you’re not mixing and testing properly. I use Both Reef Crystals and NeoMarine. Both are fantastic.
Another great FB video!!! I could watch/listen to March read the phone book for hours....LOL Such a breath of fresh air on RUclips! I started my reef tank about 4 months ago....stressed for weeks and weeks about choosing a salt, and wound up going with this salt for my system (Red Sea Coral Pro)...very happy with my decision so far!!! Looking forward to the next FB video...
I've been told that the brown stuff (mud?) is a binding agent that helps prevent calcium/alkalinity components in IO salt mix from precipitating (becoming solid) when mixed with water.
Tropic Marin user. Mixes very fast, very clean and no sludge. Back up is Red Sea Blue bucket.
I left TM because it still leaves residue over time, but I also tested my fresh salt, and consistently read .06 phosphate with TM pro. Red Sea Blue box FTW here!
not to mention stock issues.
Love the daily vids thanks for making them they help so much.
Love the daily videos almost everything saltwater I’ve learned is from the daily videos!
I used to use Redsea pro and would always get that nasty residue on my mixing bin. Used it for about 2 years before switching.
You’ll probably notice it if you let it mix longer than 2 weeks. I’m sure you go through water faster than that to notice any types of film in your bins.
Switched to TMP and haven’t had any issues at all. I can leave the salt mixing for longer than a month with no residue. For $30 (US$) more over RSP, it sure is worth it for me to stick with tropic marin pro.
I love the tropic marin. Finding it hard to get. No brown sludge.
I just switched to Tropic Marin Pro-Reef from instant ocean. So far so good.
@@Myst8891 instant ocean has been having serious issues with batches. If you have any left...can you mix a gallon and test nitrates. I.o. has nitrates.
@@anniejefferson4642 I have none left.
Thank you for the info though.
I just looked into other salts when I started to get low as I know instant ocean isn’t a bad salt but more of a beginner salt.
Tropic Marin Pro Reef mixes very fast and very well.
Your corals are extremely healthy! I bought a gsp frag and leather a few weeks ago and they came in beautiful. The leather is extremely hardy and the gsp basically grows right before my eyes.
I use the Red Sea coral pro for my Fluval evo 13.5 it mixes pretty quickly when I have a circulation pump in the bucket. Your videos are great!
Aquaforest is the best for closest to average natural seawater as a base, it's always good to return to average seawater levels if things go weird. From there you can adjust trace levels for sps colouration.
I've been catching up on your videos this morning as you may know. When I started 1hr 30mins ago you were at 9.21k subs and now you are at 9.22k, keep up the great work March, if I ever make it to Toronto we gotta meet.
Just my experience and BRS have confirm it is that the red sea doesn't store well, I tend to mix a week ahead since just in case I don't have time on Friday and Saturday. They tend to loose some of their parameters and you have to mix it at 76 degree I believe and here in Arizona, some times the water is mid 80s. I've used all of them(red sea, tropic marin, reef crystals, fritz) and all of them have residue, some a little more than another but all of them produce residue especially if you are storing it. I have been using Fritz and I know they had the issue with ALk a few years back, but I always test ALK when I open a new box. They are relatively cheap and available everywhere and ALK is 7.5-8.2. The Aqua forest line are not common here and I don't want to rely on the internet for salt, I want it near me. I whole heartedly agree with March, don't change salt, it actually does not matter, I went a couple of years switching every 6-9 months and saw absolutely no difference in my tank with any of them, but corals like stability so stick with one salt but choose one that is readily available locally.
Not sure why, but my pulsing xenia was always sluggish or would stop pulsing when I used Red Sea Coral Pro (but would still grow like crazy)
When I switched to AquaVitro Salinity and the xenia started pulsing rapidly
If you are getting residue or cloudy water while mixing Red Sea salts, you're mixing it incorrectly. Red Sea needs to be mixed in cooler water. If you don't run your AC and your home stays 80 degrees, then your salt will mix cloudy as the water is warmer. Warmer water expands molecules and when you add salt, there is a chemical reaction that happens and produces heat.
If you mix Red Sea salt in cooler water you'll have no issues. DO NOT heat your water before you add salt. Add the cool water to your container, pour in the correct amount of salt, mix thoroughly by hand, then add your powerhead and heater to continue mixing and bring your water to correct temp.
How long can Red Sea last in your mixing container
Everyone in my family uses Red Sea coral pro with good success. It’s semi expensive but consistent and if Fragbox uses it then it’s gotta be good.
red sea blue bucket
Great video as always, I see you have a shoal of chromis in one of your aquariums, do you have any problem with bullying or are they good with each other? Only asking as I have 2 and want more 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Tropic Marin.......if you do auto water changes then its a must.
The scum line and white/lightbrown is caking agents in the salt mixes
Fritz is what my LFS uses, so naturally, I use it also :3
The Ambassador Bridge is now open, next up check customs. I already had my shot. Brantford here I come.
Reef Crystals checks all the boxes!
Some of us are in Canada.......and my vote is for aquaforest.
Every time I mix coral pro it mixes at around 20 on Alk sometimes it even mixes at 6 I don’t understand
Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt, 44.8 lbs. still best sea salt because never had no problem with my fish
Kosher salt works great! Just kidding I use IO reef crystals and always will.
What are the water parameters of the show tank with all the fluffy acans? Thanks!
What do you keep your alk at in the store
Please where is this store location and number because have questions
I use Tropic marin reef pro, have been using it for 3 years and have yet to see any brown sludge buildup
I use red sea also but what u recommend i dont hv hard corals i only have soft corals ?
Brightwell NeoMarine all the way
Hey March, can you do an episode on how you frag Zoas?
I think is good but little pricey i switch to HW Marine
I’m always so sad you guys don’t ship to US 😢. I love your videos though.
Is there any salts you don’t recommend?
Abe from Coral Euphoria uses RS Coral Pro. So do I.
could you take the nicrew 100w PAR test
Yup tropic marin is No1
Fritz Reef Pro is awesome salt !
tropic marin pro reef is the best salt...fact!.. coral pro is way to high in alk and is horrible for nano tanks
Well, define "best" I use Tropic Marin Pro and I still have to wash my salt bin every 3-4 months as some trace elements precipitate out....
I also I kinda dislike TMpro is 100% lab made so if "best" is a natural salt then RedSea blue and DD H2O are "better"
Is "best" the cheapest that works? Then TMpro looses again, its one of the most expensive out there...
@@ricardocarneiro7797 I have used many salts in the past this salt mixes the fastest and the cleanest. You can also jus run your hand through the salt and just feel it’s quality .. look up the tests BRS did tropic Marin is the cleanest
@@Botzz28 I follow BRS, and I have seen the their tests but beyond mixing 1 batch the traces still precipitate out somehow and leave these dark stains, similar to how their allforeef also precipitates a in the container...well regardless the salt mixing clean doesnt mean it grows corals
I use TMpro because I do automatic water changes and it works well
But best and happiest corals I have seen have been on Red Sea salt, simply anecdote though, we learn by talking to each other
Salt should be packaged in cardboard boxes not black plastic containers which will not degrade/break down for 500 years. So ironic that we love this hobby but these companies keep packaging salt in these forever containers and we keep buying this packaging. Sad and pathetic
!
Low alk for sps?
Well, he means to use lower alk salt that meets your parameters, so if you keep your alk at 7.5 you should not use a salt that has a dkh of 12 because the water change itself will cause a alk swing and potentialy annoy your acros, alk swings are bad up or down.
If you keep your acros at 12 dkh in your tank then go for it, however hardcore acro guys tend to keep their tank near natural sea water so 7-9 dkh therefore March's advice on using lower dkh salt is sound for most.
First ha ha