New Bucket of Salt Advice

just open the bucket or bag and mix. when I mix 5 gallons of it for my tank, I throw a powerhead in the bucket and pour my 2 1/2 cups in and it mixes right up. In about 45 min it's already clear and I leave it to cure overnight. I believe they use caking ingredients to keep the salt consistent.

 

+1 this is what i use and its hands down my fav salt. a little more expensive but worth it

 

Aqua vitro has been my favorite (salinity) it is pricy but dissolves very well. I didn't realize how well it mixed until caring for a friends tank using io or reef crystals don't really remember. But they have guaranteed mins and max and have always been right on. Downside it cost more, about .10 $/gal. However all is in the 7dkh min range mag is 11-12 something and cal is 400+ range. So is up front cost worth less dosing?

 

The potential for settling is always there, so I recommend mixing any brand salt before using. 5 minutes of rolling a bucket across the floor can prevent a lot of hassle with inconsistent parameters.

 

I started with instant ocean salt. Then switched to instant ocean reef crystals and it really seemed to make a difference with my corals. It seemed to really take off after I switched.