Coral Only tank, which salt?
 

I'm building a frag tank and was wondering which salt brand is most recommended for coral only tanks? or if the salt isn't so important as which types of boosters should I be using?

Oh boy... here we go. Lol.

Too open of a question? haha maybe it is open to too many personal opinions. I havent had a marine tank in 3 years so I'm a bit behind on all the new discoveries and options available.
I'm starting off with Coralife just to get the tank started and cycling but once it's ready to go I'd like to use a better quality mix.

I'm currently using Reef Crystals, I will probably try out Aquaforest in the near future as it's being carried by many of the LFS now.

I use reef crystals too. Mainly because I stock up when it goes on sale for cheap. On my last bucket so may try something new when I'm out.


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Pretty much the bottom line is : all brands of salt are good.

Some people have favourites... just because, experience. Some people hate certain brands... just because, experience. There is no correct answer, or wrong answer. Just pick one.

Some mix dirty.

Some mix clean.

Some are cheaper.

Some are expensive.

Some have low values.

Some have high values.

I've seen amazing tanks on cheap salt...

and I've seen crappy tanks on expensive salt.

Either way, corals need consistent levels of Alk, Cal, and Mg. So no matter which salt you choose, you will need to dose, or do frequent water changes.

Best you can do is find a brand that mixes closest to the values YOU want to maintain and is affordable for YOU.

Here is a database I started.

Use the salt that will closely match the parameters you are trying to keep.

Saying that, my friends have positive result with Aquaforest Reef.

This. ^

Having said that, what parameters do you want to keep? What types of corals?

Also, I'd highly recommend you plan to add some fish to the frag tank for a couple reasons: to provide nutrients (poop) for the corals, and to help clean the corals (keep algae off, maybe pests). Naso Tangs are my favorite fish to keep with corals because they eat pretty much any algae, and many of them will eat Bubble Algae too. However, most frag tanks are way too small for a Naso - maybe a small Tomini would be a decent choice, prob won't eat Bubble Algae though. Some Blennies are good, though I've seen Blennies nip/bite/damage corals too. Wrasses like a Melanurus or Yellow Coris are really good at pecking off critters like flatworms.

Great advice already. Thanks a bunch. While we're on the topic of parameters which test kits have you had the best results with? I remember awhile ago they were coming out with electronic testers, did those ever become a big thing or are the strips and drops still the best?

I use Hanna for phosphate and alk
Salifert for alk,ca,mg, and nitrates
Elos ca alk and mg

Electronic testing is extremely expensive still unless your talking about the colormeters and test strips are good for hot tubs or pools but not if you have the equivalent price of a small/used car invested in your reef!

Damn, I was really hoping those would have become a bigger thing...more affordable. Okay thanks a bunch, I'll look into those brands, they last a long time?

I'm the exact same, where did you get your elos kits from?

Are you refering to the Hanna Checkers? The alk and po4 checkers are great. The Ca one imo is poorly designed.

I think its iDip

Maybe. I assumed she meant a longer time period ago.

Hey buddy these I've had for a few years some have expired but I just use the Elos up since I already have it. I obviously check after with a new box of salifert... certain test kits are ok to use if they haven't been expired too long for instance when I check my Hanna alk which is expired against the salifert they are only off by .03/4. But for Hanna I would advice if you have expired or close to expired po4 tests to not use because they're off by quite abit.

Your original question about salt I like aquaforest reef salt

Neither.

The most important thing is stability, within the broad parameters that the living things you want to keep in your tank need. In over 30 years of fishkeeping, including 15 years of saltwater, this is what I have found gives the most successful tanks. Whether you manually add and test, dose and test, or use reactors and test, the most important thing is to keep stable parameters and test. This will give you a successful tank.

Charles

Alright so I see some common salt favourites, good to know. I'm not actually new to saltwater reef keeping, its just been 5 years since I had a tank and wanted to see if any new technology was out since the hobby is constantly advancing