Which salt mix is best for my saltwater aquarium or reef tank? | BRStv

[@tidalgardens]

Great video guys. I appreciate the effort and resources you put into doing comparisons. When it came to choosing salt for my systems, it really came down to our ability to buy it in pallet quantities sent on a box truck with a lift gate because big trucks can't make it up my driveway. Luckily I've been happy with the salt itself.

[@jerryebner7582]

I started with Instant ocean by Local fish store suggestion then switched by online views to Reef Crystals By Instant Ocean. I clean my mixing bucket every two times I make water. Note I make 10 gallons at a time so Its easy for me to do so. And my tank looks great.

[@gabesreef]

I love the way Ryan answers the likely question of if we didnt test your salt... that was the nicest way to say, if you want to know, do it yourself A++

[@mermaidsreef8034]

I'd love to see a salt testing group B! Esv, Aquaforest, 2littlefishies & Fritz.

[@velodim]

I've been ocean crystals guy for a while. And my last bucket mixing 1050 magnesium. I even got another test kit and it's the same. Dosing magnesium until I finish the salt and than switching to something else

[@atfinthehouse8631]

When you guys do comparatives, it is really valuable.

[@carlosbarajas382]

I got a serious question when I do a water change and I take out 5 gallons. Do I make sure the 5 gallons I put back in or the same salinity as the tank because somebody told me just to add freshwater so confused, please help.

[@Pontiuspilate666]

If you take out saltwater you put the same amount in at the same salinity as the tank. You account for evaporation with freshwater bc salt doesn't evaporate out of the tank. Always test your salinity to make sure you're maintaining a stable level!

[@bigsalty3661]

What's bulk reef supplies findings on Fritz RPM salt that you guys won't stock it or mention it either?

[@CalebChapman12]

Same

[@fordsvtmfl]

Fritz has been all over the place for me and generally has much higher ca and mg than advertised. I’m also not a fan of their customer “service” at all.

[@Vdeez]

Preston Renfrow yup. Fritz puts all their money into marketing not QAQC.

[@richardnation3379]

I would have like to have seen Fritz in that group. I had read reviews on wikipedia that put instant ocean # 1. I was surprised since its the cheapest and available at petco so I bought it and planned on using it, but then I found out my LFS used Fritz and I read high personal reviews about Fritz (which I suppose like you said every salt, can likely have good reviews by people that swear by that brand) Anyway since my lfs had fritz onsale on tuesdays for a buck a gallon I have been using that, so far so good but I have never used anything else to compare it with! So easy to buy it premixed as well!

[@bckey1440]

I think one of the most important things with reef salt is consistency. When you find a salt that you like and it produces the numbers you are looking for, you want to be confident that it is consistent from batch to batch.

[@jodia7435]

Brian, when I prepare fresh saltwater for a water change and I need to adjust the KH level... Can I put the KH additive immediately after mixing the RODI water with the salt?? Or I gotta leave the fresh saltwater rest for a while before doing KH or CA approximations??

[@aquapuncture]

Thanks for doing this BRS. Opening Pandora's salt bucket, for sure!

[@dansheets7200]

Literally spent the last 24 hours looking for a video exactly like this...

[@MythicalMasterpieces]

I would love to see aqua forest in that set as well. They are one of the few (maybe only) that gives you the ability to get the ICP test results for your batch of salt but if there is no real benefit to the higher price then that would be useful to know as well.

[@KimKim-on2ct]

Mike Cooper Red Sea blue bucket also had/have icp test

[@gabe5476]

I know a lot of people who use fritz RPM. I have personally used this salt for the last 1.5 years would love if you guys test it so I could see how it compares.

[@karennation3580]

How do I find randys video on results? I use Fritz and am fixing to switch because they dont deliver on what they say! I have to use double the almout almost so thats 1 cup per gallon almost when they say 1/2 cup plus the alk is through the roof at 12%! Could storing unopened salt mix in a hot garage affect results? Once I open the bag I keep it indoors! I heat water add waver maker, heater and slowly poor in salt into 0 tds water! Is there something I am doing wrong? How often should you clean the bin from precipitant? I mixed small batch in clean container and still get around 12 so don think thats the reason! I used to use reef crystal but it get moist and clumps after opening! I want an inexpensive salt mix with about 9.5 alk. Can you name one?

[@robertscott667]

Great effort!...What is the "so what" of the brown residue in your mixing tank? Something real like leaching (increased calcium) or just a bad feeling.

[@melachitrujillo2339]

So cosco sells sea salt or you said it as like a sponsor type thing

[@황다양-c5h]

2019년 가장 인상깊게 본 영상이였어요 다섯번은 봤습니다

[@BlueCarbonReefing]

I use liveaquaria.com salt for a few reasons. One it mixes clear fast and does not leave any Brown residue inside my mixing container . Two, it's very very close to the tank parameters that I like to keep my reef tank at. 3, it's definitely in the mid range for cost.

[@gdoggie368]

Is there a benefit to using the same brand salt and supplements? For example, if you use Red Sea 2 part, trace elements, etc is there a benefit to using Red Sea salt? Or will I get a similar result with Tropic Marin salt with Red Sea supplements?

[@ChrisAquatics]

I'm definitely looking forward to this. Great videos BRS

[@That_Bender]

UV stability, ORP levels (initial and sustained) and DOC levels. Those are my questions.

[@Botzz28]

I am preety much done with waiting for tropic marin to come into stock sadly...if you had to choose a second best that mixes clean and clear like pro reeeef which one would it be ?

[@BRStv]

If you can't wait for more Tropic Marin salt, the HW salt is probably your next best option. Mixes clean, parameters similar to TM Pro (slightly higher alk), and is even less expensive. www.bulkreefsupply.com/hw-marinemix-reefer-salt-mix.html

[@Botzz28]

@@BRStv do you like HW better than fritz?

[@reeftheseaforever]

I always use instant ocean now I’m thinking of switching thanks

[@tsurro8086]

What about that bio-activ tropics Marin salt? I think the alk level is spot on but not sure about the bacteria it adds, does it really affect the tank? Or how about adding it to an existing tank? Thx

[@brocklowe118]

Great topics and I will be waiting on fridays to learn a little bit more about reefing. Thank you!

[@kylesappington9661]

Very insightful setting up a 120 gal right now

[@skookumchuckreefer978]

I got 20% off. When I bought a skid of reef crystals Sooo. Guess I’m going to use it up before I change brands.

[@Lukas-jo5jg]

I have to say that I've tried all of the salts being tested but I've stuck with the Red sea Blue Bucket. Why? After trying elevated elements and cheap I decided to go with what most closely matched NSW and wasn't the most expensive. That having been said I've been eyeballing TLF Accurasea1 with more than a passing interest but I'm through with being a trailblazer. It would be nice to have a single bag sold in "200 gallon box" bulk that I could mix the full bag in a brute trashcan. I wish it had made the cut so my curiosity could be sated, but I'm happy where I am for now.

[@kenhickey4730]

outstanding thanks for testing salt mixes...

[@frankcava8073]

I love this site, watch it every single day. But I think we have discussed this haven't we?

[@johnmarcinski7924]

Tropic Marin is the best salt in terms of quality. Nothing else compares to it, and I've been a SW aquarist for over 40 years. I've tried most of them, and Tropic Marin is superior to them all.

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

Only bad thing about tropic marin is the low alk that it has.

[@johnmarcinski7924]

@@marcelrodriguez2067 Not a problem in fowlr or fish only aquaria, and it's infinitely easier to adjust alkalinity upward to an ideal level for coral than it is to reduce dangerously high alkalinity. In any case, I think Tropic Marin sells a salt version with that issue fully addressed.

[@joevillavicencio6548]

Thank you for this Video. It really opened my eyes

[@javiersreeftank6212]

Your videos are always great. Have you done one on how to plumb a skimmer to a manifold?

[@kurth6027]

Timely. I am looking to switch from Red Sea Pro to something more stable and less likely to precipitate out and leave a mess.

[@Ammar_23]

What about waterbox salt

[@nealenns7869]

@BRS You really should included Fritz RPM salt mix in this. Its a high quality low cost salt that mixes fast and clean. Many reefs are using it and I know I would like to see some testing done on it. I switched from HW to Fritz and am very happy with the similarities betwe3n the 2 salts.

[@Vdeez]

Neal Enns Fritz’s quality control is garbage.

[@karennation3580]

@@Vdeez agreed! Plus it mixes at 12 % alk and have to double the amout they say at 1 cup per gallon to get 1026! My LFS switched for same reason! It would actually be cheaper to go through the hassle to get from her!

[@skyfsa]

Informative thanks, I'm starting to lean towards DIY salt recipes, as I come to the same conclusion it's about care and maintenance.

[@shybrencessa6848]

I think balling then dosing. Either so low, or way high at what the tank is needing

[@shybrencessa6848]

I am curious. I have done so well not checking pars for two years almost three. Now that I do it seems all crazy, can't get it perfect. Way high, no dosing and the change slowly and so low still can regulate. What's the deal here? Me?

[@Botzz28]

seems like tropic marin salt is going to die off because of unreliable availablity issues… what is the next best salt similar to tropic marin pro reef ?

[@BRStv]

We expect a big improvement to availability this summer. If you need an alternative in the meantime, the HW reefer is a great salt choice. www.bulkreefsupply.com/hw-marinemix-reefer-salt-mix.html

[@claudiadavies8786]

What salt do you use

[@BRStv]

In the BRS office, we use Tropic Marin Pro Reef

[@SeekoGT]

Just in time. I need to resupply today

[@RuneyBoy99Videos]

Idk about that no salt mixes that are toxic comment. I realize any good hobbyist wouldnt use a petsmart brand mix but they were my only local option and they got rid of their reef Crystal's in favor of their new salt concentrate with conditioner, figured wth, I'll give it a shot. I would never put that stuff near anything living. I left it mixing for over 4 days and it didnt clear at all, and my blue bucket is still white and that was over 2 months ago.

[@jonathanchristian9776]

I thought I was seeing things on Facebook when I saw Costco under the BRS logo and then you showed up lol.

[@devisissy1]

Going right back to Kent.

[@aaroncgodwin]

Would love to see fritz

[@PufferLover]

Cant wait ✌🏻

[@JCSReefing]

Too bad TLF accurasea wasn't tested. Individual bags is hard to fool how much it takes to mix a 5g bucket. Oh, and it is also Pharma grade. :-)

[@JCSReefing]

Completely understandable! Thanks for all y’all do!

[@trureef2319]

Beluga whales are white haha. Had to add that. By the way I am a Instant ocean type guy. Using both purple and orange buckets. Do great for me.

[@jackwhitetron]

Kudos to whoever wrote this script.

[@longjohndingel]

Absolut ocean from ati. What else?

[@UBWR2022]

It’s disappointing not having Fritz salt there. It’s even a local American product !

[@BRStv]

Definitely understand, but in the end these tests are pretty expensive to run and we're just not able to test them all.(Time, effort, products, video production, etc.)

[@rsgfhfdhh1362]

Jay was In-Salted.......I'll get my coat..

[@halosawz]

Fritz RPM for me

[@SkyHigghReef]

Aquaforest probiotic salt is the best by far!

[@SkyHigghReef]

BulkReefSupplyCom yea I love it. Trace elements, 10min mix, low levels to start big three, nice purple bucket and probiotic Bactria that basically is nopox! Works great for me!

[@acanskywalker5631]

IO always sends me $10 off coupons, whenever theres a sale I buy a 200 gal box of their Reef Crystals, cost is usually about $43. Before use empty a bag into a 5 gallon bucket, cover tightly & shake the shit out of it for a minute or two!

[@anonymousm5805]

Read my post bro... Get some other salt...

[@sylvester7800]

Aquaforest hands down is best.

[@bigrazzer]

please try fritz salt in your test

[@devisissy1]

It's garbage.

[@bigrazzer]

@@devisissy1 why you think fritz is garbage for. when its most stable salt out there. I have tested lot different salt and none them keep same level like fritz. And instance ocean had lot problems and gave me super high alk and kill my corals i had over 15 years. I had my friend store test my salt from instance ocean came back with same results.

[@bigrazzer]

way i look if going to do a test of best salt out there then do them all or do not do test for us. Because make you look prejudiced of different companies.

[@MicrobiusBlue]

Well the baby Rowan Atkinson is something i can't unsee...that's just wrong 🙃

[@jasepoag8930]

When BRS Pharma Grade sea salt? haha

[@jasepoag8930]

@@BRStv True, with the economy of scale and all that, it would probably just be a rebranded version of an existing salt like what LA did.

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

Well you lost 5mins of my life and the answer was DON'T KNOW😂😂😂😂

[@lordraptor11]

13 minute vid that didnt really say anythign. chalk it up to desperate for attention click bait

[@BRStv]

The point is, there really isn't a "best salt" and the debates we see on the forums and Facebook groups on this subject can get a little silly sometimes.

[@lordraptor11]

@@BRStv again click bait, a 13 minute vid for somethign that could have been said in less than 1. anyone with common sense knows there is no "best" salt mix, i think your vid could have been MUCH better. i can tell you the best salt mix and that is one that mimics natural seawater exactly without any extra additives, after all natural seawater isnt dosed. with that having been said i have been looking at salt mixes for several days online and comparing them and i have to say that the fritz RPM seems to be the best choice in regards to its comparablility to natural seawater and price for 200 gallon mix, IO and IO reef crystals are cheap but are also the worst as they would require some form of additives

[@allanc7654]

after six minutes of saying nothing of use I called it a day......

[@brikbravo]

you talk too much... 👎🏼 incomplete message🤷🏻‍♂️

[@yurigumatay315]

Use table salt jk

[@anonymousm5805]

Do not buy Instant Ocean salt EVER....was battling ammonia issue and turned out that my RO water test 0.0ppm and after mixing 1.5 day or week after doesn't matter. Now I know why can't lower ammonia and Nitrate. Shitty shitty salt.