Tropic Marin salt is time-tested and has produced consistent results in countless saltwater aquariums across the globe. Thomas sat down with Lou Ekus from Tropic Marin to ask the hard questions about salt mix.
Why does Tropic Marin Salt Mix cost more than other salts?
Based on a BRStv Investigates experiment back in 2019, Tropic Marin Salt Mix isn't all that much more expensive when compared to other salt mix brands of similar purity and performance. While the prices have changed since running the experiment, the cost difference is still only pennies per gallon of water. When using Tropic Marin Pro Reef or Classic salt formulas, you might end up paying anywhere from $2.50 - $4.00 more per month with a weekly water change schedule using water mixed to 35 PPT salinity; a small price to pay considering the proven benefits.
Like anything, you get what you pay for and in this case its a cleaner, more consistent salt mix! The process of refining the raw materials is what sets Tropic Marin Salt apart from its competition in terms of cost. This purity of the ingredients means the dry material will dissolve quickly and cleanly, reducing the risk of stacking up contaminants in your aquarium AND providing you with more consistent saltwater every time you mix it.
Since its inception, every batch of Tropic Marin Salt Mix has been formulated with ALL the elements found in natural seawater, not only those we know corals to use. This precise formulation and quality control results in synthetic seawater that mirrors the conditions found on natural reefs as closely as possible for a healthier, happier marine aquarium.
Which Tropic Marin Salt is the best?
There are four different formulas of Tropic Marin Salt Mix and each one has a specific use case. While Pro Reef is the most popular, the best salt to use is solely based on how you run your aquarium.
- Tropic Marin Classic: Formulated for fish-only aquariums. Contains a higher level of alkalinity (9-10 dKH) and a slightly lower level of calcium and magnesium compared to Pro Reef. Mixed water can safely be stored and used with automatic water change systems.
- Tropic Marin Pro Reef: Formulated for reef aquariums containing stony corals. A lower level of alkalinity (7-8 dKH) and more elevated levels of calcium and magnesium. Mixed water can safely be stored and used with automatic water change systems.
- Tropic Marin Bio-Actif: Pro Reef formulation with added polymers (Reef Actif) for carbon dosing. Carbon dosing helps to reduce excess nutrients and make those nutrients biologically available for corals to consume. Should not be stored and used with automatic water change systems.
- Tropic Marin Syn-Biotic: Pro Reef formulation with added polymers (Reef Actif) for carbon dosing and probiotics to aid your fish and corals in digestion. Should not be stored and used with automatic water change systems.
What is the most common mistake when mixing saltwater at home?
Based on Lou's experience working with reef tank owners in the United States, the most common mistake is incorrect salinity levels as a result of inaccurate salinity measurements. Saltwater that is not mixed to the correct salinity level results in an improper ratio of all elements including carbonates, calcium, and magnesium.
We recommend that you always use both a floating glass hydrometer and a calibrated refractometer to measure the salinity of your water before using it in your tank. Should discover your salinity levels are incorrect in your display aquarium, it is important to slowly adjust the levels back into an acceptable range so as not to shock your tank's inhabitants.
Learn More: Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt Mix Q&A With Thomas
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tropic Marin Salt Mix cost more than other salts?
Tropic Marin can cost more because of the refinement of raw materials and tighter quality control aimed at producing a cleaner, more consistent mix that dissolves quickly and helps limit unwanted contaminants. In the 2019 BRStv Investigates cost experiment, the real-world difference versus other premium salts worked out to pennies per gallon. Depending on your water change routine and salinity target, the monthly difference may be modest relative to the consistency benefits many reefers are looking for.
Which Tropic Marin salt should be used for a fish-only aquarium?
Tropic Marin Classic is commonly used for fish-only aquariums. It mixes to a higher alkalinity (about 9 to 10 dKH) with slightly lower calcium and magnesium compared to Pro Reef, and mixed water can be stored for use with automatic water change systems.
Which Tropic Marin salt is best for stony coral reefs?
Tropic Marin Pro Reef is formulated for reef aquariums with stony corals. It mixes to a lower alkalinity (about 7 to 8 dKH) with more elevated calcium and magnesium, and mixed water can be stored and used with automatic water change systems.
Can Tropic Marin Bio-Actif or Syn-Biotic mixed saltwater be stored for automatic water changes?
No. Tropic Marin Bio-Actif and Syn-Biotic include added polymers (and Syn-Biotic also includes probiotics) intended to support carbon dosing-related benefits. Because of those added components, mixed saltwater is not recommended for storage and use with automatic water change systems.
What is the most common mistake when mixing saltwater?
The most common mistake is ending up with the wrong salinity due to inaccurate measurement. When salinity is off, the ratios of major elements like carbonates, calcium, and magnesium are also off. Use a floating glass hydrometer and a calibrated refractometer to verify salinity before adding new saltwater to the aquarium, and make any salinity corrections slowly to avoid stressing livestock.
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