Starting and sustaining a saltwater reef aquarium is probably the most challenging yet rewarding hobby in the aquarium niche. Still, substantial information regarding these tanks is surprisingly rare and often inaccurate. Reef salt, one of the most essential elements going to the tanks, is often neglected or is advised criminally casually.
In this review article, we’ll enlist the critical parameters and specific features of each product and try to give you an outline of the best reef salts in the market.
Table of Contents
9 Best Reef Salt for Saltwater Aquarium
1. Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt
Create a thriving marine environment for your reef fish with Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt available in 3 size options for 10 gallons to 200 gallons of aquariums. This specially formulated salt mix provides the ideal balance of essential elements and nutrients for optimal coral growth and health. It protects your marine creatures from heavy metals as well.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, Trace elements, Vitamins |
| Alkalinity | 7 to 10 dKH |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.0 to 8.3 |
| Calcium Levels | 455 ppm at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1345 ppm at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | Nitrate and Phosphate Free |
| Special Features | Promotes Growth of large and small polyp stony corals. Added trace elements ensure the supply of vital nutrients to corals. Vitamins help anemones, invertebrates, and corals to have a healthy captive life. Higher in magnesium and calcium for optimum reef growth. |
Pros
- Pretty cost-effective for a premium-grade salt.
- Promotes coralline algae growth.
Cons
- The pH levels often destabilize after quick water changes.
2. Red Sea Coral Pro Salt
Specifically formulated for reef aquariums, Red Sea Coral Pro Salt is a premium marine salt mix available in 55-gallon and 175-gallon sizes. It contains all of the essential minerals and trace elements that corals need to thrive, and it is designed to create a stable and healthy marine environment. It’s also available in red color option.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, sodium chloride, natural sea minerals |
| Alkalinity | 11 to 12 dKH |
| Salinity | 34 ppt at 75F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.1 to 8.5 |
| Calcium Levels | 435 to 465 ppm at 75F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1310 to 1390 ppm at 75F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | <0.03. Essentially, nitrate and phosphate-free |
| Special Features | Promotes healthy growth of soft, LPS, and SPS corals.Added more calcium at the same salinity levels for coral and invertebrate growth. Helps grow calcareous algae.Elevated levels of magnesium and carbonate to build a more sustainable ecosystem. |
Pros
- Pretty stable pH and salinity parameters.
- Doesn’t cloud the water if aerated properly.
Cons
- Produces a lot of residue in the bucket during mixing.
3. Instant Ocean Sea Salt
Made in the US, Instant Ocean Sea Salt is the perfect choice for creating a thriving marine aquarium. It is a high-quality, synthetic sea salt that is formulated to replicate the natural seawater environment. Instant Ocean Sea Salt is available in 4 size options catering to aquariums from 10 gallons to 200 gallons.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, magnesium, trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 8 to 12 dKH at 75F and 1.023 specific gravity |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 75F and 1.023 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.1 to 8.4 |
| Calcium Levels | 350 to 450 ppm at 75F and 1.023 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1250 to 1350 ppm at 75F and 1.023 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | <0.2 ppm. Virtually non-existent. |
| Special Features | Contains most major and minor trace elements to promote the growth of marine fish and corals. Dissolves pretty fast and creates a clear, ready-to-go solution in a few minutes. Added calcium and magnesium for coral and invertebrate health. |
Pros
- Doesn’t separate during shipping or storage.
- Maintains ideal pH and keeps the parameters stable pretty well.
Cons
- Relatively more expensive than some marine and reef salts.
4. Fritz Aquatics Reef Pro Mix
Complete with enhanced buffer levels for stable pH, Fritz Aquatics Reef Pro Mix Marine Salt is a premium-quality salt mix specifically formulated for reef aquariums. It’s made with the highest quality ingredients and contains all the essential major, minor, and trace elements needed for healthy coral and fish growth.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, potassium, magnesium, trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 8.0 to 9.0 dKH |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 75F and 1.0264 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.0 to 8.4 |
| Calcium Levels | 400 to 450 ppm at 75F and 1.0264 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1300 to 1400 ppm at 75F and 1.0264 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | Nitrate and phosphate-free |
| Special Features | Specially made for reef-only and marine systems. It stabilizes pH shortly after mixing and has an enhanced buffer level. Added trace elements and minerals contribute to the well-being of corals and marine fish. |
Pros
- Don’t cloud the water or leave residue in the bucket.
- We haven’t noticed an ammonia spike after introducing it with a 20% water change.
- Easily maintains specific gravity and salinity.
Cons
- The price is on the higher side.
5. Red Sea Salt Mix
Moderately alkaline and suitable for matured tanks, Red Sea Salt Mix is a premium-grade aquarium salt specifically formulated to mimic the natural seawater conditions found in the vibrant coral reefs. This high-quality salt mix provides all the essential elements needed to create a thriving marine environment for your fish and corals. The bucket can produce 55 gallons of seawater.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, magnesium, trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 7.5 to 8.5 dKH at 77F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| Salinity | 35ppt at 77F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.1 to 8.5 |
| Calcium Levels | 415 to 445 ppm at 77F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1270 to 1350 ppm at 77F and 1.021 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | <0.3 ppm. Virtually absent. |
| Special Features | Balanced for mature reef tanks and low-nutrient SPS systems. Lower KH salt reduces alkalinity. Test and adjust the parameters before the water changes. Added minerals and trace elements promote coral and invertebrate growth. |
Pros
- Doesn’t leave residue in the bucket and mixes pretty evenly.
- Optimum pH and alkaline parameters. Rapidly stabilizes water parameters during mixing.
Cons
- The buckets are pretty fragile and often get damaged during shipping.
6. Coralife BioCube Marine Salt
Hiding its USP in reducing phosphate levels in the aquarium, Coralife BioCube Marine Fish Tank Aquarium Salt is available in 15 and 30-gallon packs. It is made with a blend of high-quality ingredients that provide the essential minerals and trace elements that your fish and invertebrates need to thrive. It also claims to reduce chlorine and chloramines from your tank. However, its low alkalinity may not be suitable for growing reef tanks.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, vitamins, trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 8 dKH at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | Around 8.2 |
| Calcium Levels | 380 ppm at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1260 ppm at 77F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | Nitrate and phosphate-free |
| Special Features | Neutralizes chlorine and chloramine and works as a saltwater conditioner. Can be used with both RODI water and tap water. The limited amount of calcium and magnesium is delivered by the trace elements present in tap water. Reduces phosphate in the tank to help restrict algae growth. |
Pros
- Small package suitable for small saltwater tanks.
- The fine grains of the salt are pretty easy to dissolve and stabilize.
Cons
- Attracts a lot of moisture; consider getting a sealed container.
7. Brightwell Aquatics NeoMarine
Enhancing the natural vibrancy of corals and fish, Brightwell Aquatics NeoMarine gives your marine life the best possible environment. The precision salt blend is specifically formulated for SPS reef aquariums and is available in 6 size options from 16 to 5000 gallons. This high-quality salt mix replicates the natural seawater ratios of all major, minor, and trace elements, ensuring your fish, corals, and invertebrates thrive.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Salts, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 7.5 dKH at 77F and 1.025 specific gravity |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 77F and 1.025 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.3 |
| Calcium Levels | 413 ppm at 77F and 1.025 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1290 ppm at 77F and 1.025 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | Nitrate and phosphate are absent |
| Special Features | All non-conservative trace elements and minerals found in seawater are included for optimum marine environment. Contains food and reagent-grade ingredients. Produced in a lab and is safe from pathogens found in seawater evaporites. |
Pros
- Anti-caking agents to prevent crystalization in humid conditions.
- Doesn’t cloud the water if poured slowly, and the temperature is optimum.
- Mixes pretty fast and doesn’t leave residue.
Cons
- Smells a bit like sulfur when mixing.
Also Read: Duncan Corals: Complete Guide To Care, Placement, Tank Setup, Propagation & More
8. Seachem Vibrant Sea
With enhanced potassium levels and anhydrous formula, Seachem Vibrant Sea is a highly concentrated synthetic sea salt specifically formulated for marine and reef aquariums. This unique blend replicates the natural composition of seawater, ensuring your fish and corals flourish in a vibrant and healthy environment. It’s available in 60-gallon pack.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, magnesium, sodium chloride, trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 8-11 dKH at 75F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 75F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.4 to 8.5 |
| Calcium Levels | 425 to 445 ppm at 75F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1250 to 1350 ppm at 75F and 1.026 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | Negligible nitrate and phosphate levels |
| Special Features | Suitable for all kinds of marine and reef aquariums. No natural seawater evaporites are used to produce this marine reef salt. Produced by blending all the necessary trace elements required in marine ecosystems. |
Pros
- Works pretty well with dechlorinated tap water.
- Quickly dissolves and leaves minimal residue.
- Highly concentrated and doesn’t need a lot of salt to process the water.
Cons
- The elevated levels of macro elements can be a bit tricky to manage.
9. Tropic Marin Pro Reef-Bucket
Formulated with pharma-grade ingredients and delivering crystal-clear water, Tropic Marin Pro Reef-Bucket is a premium solution for creating a thriving reef ecosystem. This 200-gallon bucket of high-purity salt mix provides all the essential elements your corals and marine life need to flourish. It also has lower alkalinity to support SPS systems, seawater fish aquariums, and matured reef tanks.
Key Features
| Features | Details |
| Composition | Calcium, magnesium, trace elements |
| Alkalinity | 7 dKH at 77F and 1.027 specific gravity |
| Salinity | 35 ppt at 77F and 1.027 specific gravity |
| pH Stability | 8.0 to 8.4 |
| Calcium Levels | 440 ppm at 77F and 1.027 specific gravity |
| Magnesium Levels | 1350 ppm at 77F and 1.027 specific gravity |
| Nitrate and Phosphate Levels | Non-existent nitrate and phosphate levels |
| Special Features | Contains all the major and minor minerals and elements. Suitable for both fish and reef aquariums. Resists algae bloom by eliminating nitrate and phosphate from the tank.Maintains proper balance and carbonate and bicarbonate for optimum coral growth. |
Pros
- Dissolves fast and cleanly. Doesn’t leave residue or cloud the water if poured slowly.
- Absorbs very little moisture when kept properly. The bucket is pretty well-suited for storage.
Cons
- Alkalinity drops rapidly. Suitable for saltwater fish aquariums and matured reefs, but may prove to be lacking for growing systems.
Also Read: Torch Coral: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size, And Disease
Buying Guide
When it comes to reef salts, a few degrees of deviation in pH and salinity can make huge differences in terms of effectiveness and budget. Trying to adjust the parameters while not knowing what you’re doing may even waste whole batches.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of parameters that you need to look into when buying reef salt for your saltwater aquarium.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity plays a critical role in maintaining pH levels in reef aquariums. It acts as a buffer and stabilizes the pH levels within a specific range for the well-being of the corals and other marine creatures.
Furthermore, it makes calcium carbonate ions available to the corals—promoting optimal growth and robust skeletal development. A healthy alkaline level also supports the photosynthesis process in coral tissues and zooxanthellae algae. It also resists the acidification of organic debris.
Salinity
A proper salinity level is critical for the well-being of coral reefs and marine creatures. The optimum levels of salinity in saltwater aquariums range from 33 to 35 ppt or 1.025 to 1.027 specific gravity. Reef salts come with clear instructions for mixing to achieve the desired outcomes.
You must be aware of your inhabitants’ requirements to determine the optimum salinity levels.
For example, corals thrive between 1.023 to 1.026 specific gravity (34 – 36 ppt), while saltwater fish flourish in specific gravity in the range of 1.019 – 1.026 (30 – 35 ppt). These general characterizations may even fail to address the true requirements of a specific creature. You’re advised to do proper research before zeroing in on a number.
pH Stability
Most biological processes of aquatic creatures depend on the pH levels. Photosynthesis of the algae, skeleton formation of the corals, maintenance of ion balance, and overall tank stability are achieved by maintaining optimum pH levels.
Ensure that your reef salt can match the pH level requirements of your aquarium inhabitants.
Calcium and Magnesium Levels
These two minerals, among many others, ensure the proper growth and well-being of coral reefs. An abundance of these minerals and other trace elements is necessary to sustain a reef aquarium. Consider buying a reef salt that has added calcium and magnesium present in its ingredient list.
Calcium levels of more than 350 ppm and magnesium levels of more than 1200 should be adequate for most coral reef tanks.
Also Read: Nano Reef Tank Setup And Maintenance
FAQs
Reef salt contains a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium to support the growth of corals and invertebrates. Whereas, marine salt contains lower levels of minerals to sustain the optimum ecosystem for saltwater fish species.
35 ppt or 1.024 – 1.026 specific gravity is optimum for reef aquariums. Most products strive to maintain these levels, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt required per gallon to sustain the parameters.
Don’t mix salt in the tank ever. Always mix the products into a bucket and aerate them overnight (optimally 24 hours) before introducing them to the aquarium water. Add the water to the salt in the bucket as well, rather than putting the salt in first.
The Bottom Line
We’ve reviewed the best reef salts for marine aquariums in this article, and hopefully, you’ll now be able to choose the right product that promotes the growth of your coral reefs and keeps them healthy in the long term.