Opinions on Seachem Reef Salt

[calaxa]

I've been offered wholesale price (which, not surprisingly is not much savings) on Seachem Reef Salt but never had any experience using it. Reviews look like a mixed bag. I was going to try out Garry's salt but did he raise prices? $75 for a 150G mix seems a bit steep compared to the price last year. Anyway, please post any experience using this.

 

[Phyl]

I also heard that Gary's prices have gone up. I have not confirmed this.

I've heard good stories from people who are using it. One of Ed's friends, RichT, etc. They are our MACNA XXI Venue Sponsor. I would love to have a batch tested to see how it holds up "in court".

 

[JasonR]

Its OK
I have a whole bucket here that is one solid block
It was like that when I opened it
It is from a group buy a year or so ago
Anyway I am going to go back to Tropic Marin Pro reef I never had any problems with that salt
Price does not matter to me because a bucket will last me almost a year LOL

Jason

 

[calaxa]

Phyl,

Well his website says $75 and looking at old threads it was $50. I can stomach $50 but at $75+shipping, that's more than TM and more than double what I would get Seachem at. Maybe I should talk to Bill.....I have his fish after all. ;D

Jason,

What do you mean TM lasts you a year? I thought you had a big tank.

 

[JasonR]

Jason,

What do you mean TM lasts you a year? I thought you had a big tank.

I did
I sold everything
Now I have a whopping 28 Gal ;D

Jason

 

[stcreef]

I've been using Seachem Reef Salt for years. Never had any issues. The higher Ca/Alk/Mg is nice. Only problem I did have in the beginning is because of the higher levels. My mixing barrel is in the basement with no fresh air. So the pH would drop and I would always get precip lining the barrel. And of course all the levels would drop. So I now mix with a needlewheel power head and draw fresh air in from outside. Keeps pH up and no more precip. Since then I have had no problems. Consistent readings from bucket to bucket and even from the bags too. I do pre shake all buckets with an old vibrating paint mixer first though.

 

[Danw]

Ive never used the seachem reef salt, ive been using reef crystals salt, and have had no problems, and for a 160gal bucket its about $45.

 

[calaxa]

The higher Ca/Alk/Mg is nice. Only problem I did have in the beginning is because of the higher levels.

Do you happen to know the levels when mixed to SG 1.024 or 1.026? What salt were you using before? I periodically go to a higher Ca/Mg mix that has lower alk (Oceanic) cause my alk gets too high.

 

[vangvace]

Seachem Reef comes in at around 540 CA 10 Alk 1450 Mg at 35 @ SG 1.264 per here My own testing of Ca and Alk jive with it too.

I've only been using it for two weeks now, but I have noticed a jump in coralline growth. Adventure Aquarium uses it for their reef tanks as well btw.

Also, I bought my bucket for <$50 from the Hidden Reef on the 1st.

 

[reeferwanabe]

I've been using it for about 6 months and think the levels are pretty good. I get it when I go to p.a. that fish place for 39.89 a 160 gal. bucket

 

[Phyl]

I wonder what the silicates test out at... can anyone who has been using it for 6mo+ tell me if it leaves behind a diatom/brown film on the mixing container?

 

[rarena]

I have never used it personally but the numbers seem way too high if you run it at 1.026 SG. They may have higher cal and alk but for that price not much else.

 

[reeferwanabe]

never saw it in the container but I get it on my glass sometimes.

 

[NYCREEFER]

I read somewhere that Seachem and Reef Crystals are mixed/prepared in the same factory. And quite possibly the same product!!! I have a question about changing salt mix, do I do it gradualy or can I simply stop using one and start using a new one???
Thanks

 

[Phyl]

I posted that. While they are mixed at the same factory it is unlikely that they are the same formula and my not even use the same components.

 

[stcreef]

I do not have any problem with any film or diatoms in my mixing barrel. I have had that issue with a few older bags of the mix in the past, but I dont use the bags anymore. But just looking at the older bags I knew I was taking a risk. Sure enough.

 

[vangvace]

I read somewhere that Seachem and Reef Crystals are mixed/prepared in the same factory. And quite possibly the same product!!! I have a question about changing salt mix, do I do it gradualy or can I simply stop using one and start using a new one???
Thanks

Gradually is the preferred method.

 

[Phyl]

Small water changes more frequently rather than 10-20% changes. Don't mix them together when changing the water though.

 

[pnoyreefer]

I've been using Seachem Reefsalt for close to a yr and never had problems. I was a RC user for many years but since the problems came out with batches and lost quite a few corals I then swith to Seachem. I love it and people who have seen my tank last time is the only proof I have

 

[calaxa]

OK, I guess enough good feedback for me to grab a palette at wholesale. Anyone who wants a bucket, send me a PM. Will sell at cost (it's not a big savings though so unless you live close to me, don't bother). Your LFS is probably only make $2-$5 on it anyway.