Reef Discussion

[RVH082]

Just wondering what salt people recommend for best results in FO ( for the time being) tank.

 

[Sam Parker]

Whatever is cheapest and easiest. NSW springs to mind :)

 

[RVH082]

Whatever is cheapest and easiest. NSW springs to mind :)

??? I'm not sure what you mean?

 

[Sam Parker]

My bad, NSW = Natural Salt Water :)

 

[RVH082]

My bad, NSW = Natural Salt Water :)

lol sorry I'm a bit of a newbie to this. Only my 2nd tank. I was thinking of going natural but I can't be sure there are no contaminants

 

[Sam Parker]

All good mate!

Well it's up to you, but for a fish only tank I don't think you'd need any fancy salt (they just have elevated levels of certain elements for corals). NSW just seems easiest to me, but if you'd prefer to make RO then mix in salt - that's up to you :) I couldn't be bothered that's for sure!

Sam

 

[daveH]

If you can get to somewhere close enough to gather natural sea water by all means do so.
If you follow a few basic rules of when and where to get your water it's certainly the cheapest and best way to keep up your water supply.
I only gather when -
It hasn't rained for around 3 days (water is cleaner and salinity is better)
1 hour before high tide (incoming)
Away from boat activity (contaminates in the water)
That's about it. It will keep well in drums until you need it. I always do a quick water test on each batch just to make sure it's OK, mainly salinity and I've never had a problem.

 

[Sam Parker]

Also - depending on where you are located, there are lots of LFS's that sell NSW and even people that will deliver it. Just makes it all too easy :)

 

[daveH]

Also - depending on where you are located, there are lots of LFS's that sell NSW and even people that will deliver it. Just makes it all too easy :)

Thats so true, my LFS sells NSW dirt cheap and always excellent quality but I enjoy going out in the morning sunshine to get my NSW. (which tests the same as what I can buy.)

 

[Down South Aquariums]

If u are unsure of the quality of your collection spot you could try and get blue treasure sps salt. Depending on where you live it can be fairly cheap

 

[Down South Aquariums]

I'm not sure who is, but I do remember the manufacturer saying there was someone importing blue treasure into Adelaide. Sorry cant help more..

 

[daveH]

If u are unsure of the quality of your collection spot you could try and get blue treasure sps salt. Depending on where you live it can be fairly cheap

The water I collect is always brilliant, I don't think I'd ever go back to ASW.

 

[RobbieMVFC]

Now back to the orginal question ....lol
I use red sea (Blue bucket) and just boost the Alk up to 8.5.
@oascar85 posted this http://thereefuge.com/threads/interesting-read-on-reef-salt-mix-comparison-chart.6370/

 

[Down South Aquariums]

cheers for the link, interesting to see how those 8 compare at least, shame they don't have others..