Salt time, need options and opinions

[jstan]

So I need to buy new salt, and I've been looking at all the choices out there. And well there's a lot to choose from normally I'm a reef crystals guy.

But I'm thinking of switching to either
Neo marine from brightwell aquatics, but read mixed reviews when it hit the scene a few years ago. Has it gotten better, or lived up to its claims yet ?

And the other option is tropic Marin pro reef salt mix. A bit pricier but nothing but great reviews.

So what do guys and girls think/use ? Let me know,thanks.

Or if there's a better option, not mentioned, I'd like to hear it.

[AJ :)]

I use reef crystals or instant ocean , but i'm thinking of trying out Seachem Salinity salt. My LFS has switched, and that has me thinking. For me availability is important as it is 35 minutes to my LFS.

[MizTanks]

If it isn't broke why fix it? I've been using RC for 3 years and personally it's been a great salt mix, at a great price.
I get a bucket or box delivered to my door, free shipping via DFS for $54. Same bucket at my LFS is $74
It's a good salt period! So why pay more for the same results?

[jstan]

Cause I've been having issues with the last few batches I've mixed up. Low salinity and such, time for a change. Besides sometimes change is good.

[jim48442]

i switched to salinity and mag lvls are always great no dosing and the rest are pretty good as well corals seem to like it better as well works for me

[jstan]

Switched to which one

Neo marine
Or
Tropic Marin pro.

[binford4000]

Switched to which one

Neo marine
Or
Tropic Marin pro.

I really like the neo marine. Levels are rock solid and unlike any other salt a fresh mix actually has the same levels advertised on the bucket. Switching salts can be very hard on your corals as Poseidon pointed out.The transition to another brand should take at least six months. Neo marine actually has instructions on the bucket for best results of changeing to their salt. Tropic Marine is also a very good salt but before you decide to make this drastic change I would really think hard of what species you want to keep in the future and is the salt brand available near your home and constantly in stock! Either one would allow you to keep a stable water column for advanced to beginner systems. Like Miz stated R/C is also a good salt and no other brand is used more often but does have alk level issues from time to time but this can be easily correct with doaseing or buffering depending on the alk level you maintain. So price,availability and species demand all need to be considered. In my book neo marine is the best cost effective salt that meets my demands tho. Just my 02 tho.

[Poseidon]

Switching salts is the single most dangerous thing you can do to your Reef... If you choose to make a change do it SLOW.

I had an AWFUL experience last time I switched salts, I went to that "Bio Assay" salt from I forget who that Dr Ron had shown good results with. I ended up bleaching corals, and losing some too, and this is when I was NEW to corals, and had hardy pieces like Stylophora. (I followed the instructions on RC for switching, making only small water changes... etc.)

[04charedcompg]

I have been running tropic marin for a year and half now and am extremely happy with it, i had low alk in my last bucket but this one and the one before that were great! just switch supppperrrr slow!! i did a full water change like a dumb a#* and lost a few corals but now i couldnt be happier with it!

[jstan]

Thanks both for the going slow advice. I would've just jumped in without a thought.
Still haven't decided on one or the other, though I'm edging towards Tropic Marin.