salt for saltwater fishtanks?

Question

what is the overall best brand of seasalt that i should add to my fishtank that won't break the bank?......P.S. i am just starting a saltwater tank an if you have any additional info....please let me know!!!!!!!!......please!!!!!

Answer 1

If you're only planning to keep fish, Instant Ocean is one of the less expensive brands, one of the most widely available, and is fine to use.

Along with the salt, buy a hydrometer - this will measure the salinity of the water. The directions will tell you to add 1/2 cup per gallon of water, but I have yet to find any brand that will give the correct salinity at this ratio. For a fish-only tank, you want the salinity to range anywhere fron 1.017-1.026 unless you're keeping wild-caught Red Sea species - then you want it to be around 1.027. The lower range means you can use less salt (so it will be a little cheaper for you), but invertebrates and parasites/pathogens don't like the salinity below 1.023 - it'll help keep the fish healthier, but your corals, snails, shrimp, crabs, etc. won't do well - they'd prefer something in the range of 1.024-1.026. Also, salinity changes around 0.001 for every 10o F temperature change. All the marine fishkeeping books I've read recommend using only cold water to mix up saltwater - hot water hold more dissolved metals and minerals you don't want in the tank - so you should only measure it when the water is at least room temperature (when mixing new) or at the temperature of your tank (which should be around 76-80o).

Beyond that, I'd say watch the ingredient/composition for the salt mix you choose. Some are evaporated sea water, but these can contain more than just salt and water - they can contain pollutants and organics (nitrate, phosphate) that you don't want in your tank either. I like the synthetic blends - they contain the same minerals found in saltwater, but without the chemicals you don't want. Higher-end mixes (more $$$) are formulated for more trace elements, which are fine for corals, clams, anemones, and other sensitive inverts, but these aren't necessary for a fish-only tank.

When you first mix up the salt, it's fine to do it right in the tank, but you won't be able to add any fish, live rock, etc. until the water comes to the correct temperature and you get the salinity adjusted. After this, you'll need to mix the salt in a separate container - I use a five gallon bucket and a 30 gallon plastic garbage can for this - I mix what I need for water changes a few days ahead of time, let it warm to room temperature, then drop in a heater to bring it to tank temperature before I make any salinity adjustments. After you've done it a few times, you'll get a feel for just how much salt you'll need to use for the volume you're mixing.

Best additional advice I can give you is to get a good marine aquarium book - it can help you with all the questions I've seen that you've been asking - and lots more you haven't thought of yet! Two that really helped me when I was starting out were The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-52-1 and The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-02-5. Either one is a terrific reference book, and both are written so that they cover everything a beginner needs to know - and they're easy to understand.

Answer 2

I've used Instant Ocean's reef crystals forever and never had a problem with them. They aren't to expensive and do fine. What brand is better is as highly debated as what car maker makes better cars. Setting up a saltwater aquarium can be pretty expensive if done right.

Answer 3

Please tell me you aren't planning on dumping salt into your tank?
You can buy pre-mixed saltwater at your local fish store or just buy the bag and mix yourself....the price is just around the same for all brands.
If you are concerned about the cost of saltwater, you will be just "floored" at the future expenses you will have.