New Bucket of Salt Advice

So I've had my 55g for about 10 months now and the corals and fish are doing well. I'm almost at the end of my first bucket of salt (Instant Ocean). I am wondering what else is out there as far as salt mixes go, and is there really a big difference? I have a mix of softies and SPS corals in the tank so I'd possibly like something that is good for them. I currently do water changes with treated tap water at the right temp and dissolve the salt in a bucket for 15 mins till the water is clear then add it to the tank. I don't really have the setup to pre-mix the day before like many people do, so something quick dissolving would be preferred.

 

hmmmm.......well, I'll just answer about the Instant Ocean. There is salt out there that everybody kind of likes for various reasons. I think if IO has been working for you, then why change?

 

There could be something better out there I don't know about..

 

If your looking for something that's quick mixing red sea coral pro salt is good. I switched from reef crystals to it and I prefer the red sea. Instructions advertise it can be ready in 30 mins to 2 hours.

 

You will not find a more consistent salt mix then IO. There batch testing is second to none. IO is a synthetic salt that I have used with good result for a long time. I tried Red sea coral pro but got a batch with low calcium 350 that nearly wiped out my corals.

 

x2 ...........

 

+1

Many of us "long-timers" have tried various other salt brands periodically over the years, but have always went back to IO for that very reason.

 

Reef crystals for me.
IO is a reliable salt but geared more for Fish only. Reef crystals has higher Magnesium, Calcium and Alk therefore more apppropriate for a reef system.
I just Filled 300 Gallons worth of mostly IO salt. Mag: 1100, Alk 5.5, Calcium 360.
So nothing wrong with IO but you will need to bring up the Alk before you do the water change.. especially if it's a big water change.
Reef crystals is made for reef tanks. Same people make both.

 

reef crystals here, monthly water changes and i add kalk to my top off water....only thing i don't like about reef crystals is the calcium is way up there along with mag, but overall good salt, grows my sps.

 

Do the reef crystals dissolve quickly? or settle and layer in the bucket during shipping so it has to be re-shaken?