Which synthetic salt do you use?

[Kit Walker]

I noticed there seems to be a lot of synthetic salt mixtures on the market, and some claim to be better than the next. I was just wondering which brands users on this forum use in their tanks, and if they have found any differences in using different brands?

[gcvt]

I use Instant Ocean. If they're out of Instant Ocean I buy Kent. I never had a problem with either one, but Instant Ocean is usually less expensive.

Here's an article you may find helpful:
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp

[BBN]

Instant Ocean here also!

[Elmo]

I use Instant Ocean as well. I chose IO simply because it was the most commonly available salt, was fairly cheap and it seemed like there were many people who were happy with it.

[gcvt]

Also, the IO buckets usually come with a free mini-jet powerhead, t-shirt, or plastic plants (if you're unlucky) :)

[Corax]

IO here also.

[votek]

IO :D

[BrianH]

IO

[kreblak]

Instant Ocean.... but where is this fabled free mini jet powerhead? I was offered no such enticement.

[OrionGirl]

IO--you have to buy the buckets to get the freebies. We have many, many buckets lying around.

[gcvt]

Yep, the freebies only come in the 5g buckets of IO. For a while they stopped including free powerheads and tossed in cheapo plastic plants instead :( Lately, the free powerheads seem to have come back though (yipee!). I've never seen the t-shirts in person, but I hear that was one of the perks a while back.

I've got...let me count...six or seven of these free Mini-Jet powerheads running now - great for mixing new water or for circulation in small tanks. And, much like OG, I've got a tall stack of these 5g buckets left over :)

[OrionGirl]

A clean salt bucket is being donated to our local dog park as a water bucket. We take them camping as well--great way to tote fish back from the lake. ;) I highly suggest filling them with ice and chilling your favorite beverage. :D

[VoodooChild]

I have to pick up an IO bucket. I'd like the free pump. I'd proudly wear my t-shirt any day (neeeeeerd!):D Also, I use Red Sea's stuff, and that seems fine.

[kreblak]

Ahhhh, I have only the bags of IO. Perhaps I will track down a bucket and get myself a free powerhead. Does the mini jet powerhead come with it's own power supply, or is it a plug in or what?

[votek]

I'm getting a 200g IO Bucket tomarow. 59.99 :)

I'd sure like that powerhead too

[Corax]

Originally posted by kreblak
Ahhhh, I have only the bags of IO. Perhaps I will track down a bucket and get myself a free powerhead. Does the mini jet powerhead come with it's own power supply, or is it a plug in or what?

Yeap, they call it a "mixing pump" but I actually use mine in my 29 for a circ pump. It's small, unobtrusive and moves some water, just what ya need =) I looked it up on Marine Depot and they sell for about $10, so a free one is pretty nice..

I did see the T-shirt edition of the 5g bucket, but I got the ph model instead =) I have............... 4 of em? I think..... sumthin like that now..

[jhrivera]

I was told by my LFS that instant ocean was the worst salt to get. Is this true?

[Corax]

it's only true when your LFS gets a really good deal on another brand and they want you to buy it from em. Millions of satisfied reefers can't be wrong =)