Salt Mix Comparison for Saltwater Aquariums
One of the most important components in a saltwater aquarium or reef tank is the salt mix. These days you will not have significant issues when choosing a salt mix. More than likely it is going to come down to availability and price for most hobbyists. Some brands are definitely more popular than others with some having been around for a long time and they do have very good reputations. There have also been a few newcomers to the salt mix market recently.
Of particular note is the price per gallon when buying already made saltwater or ocean water. Often times this is way higher in price per gallon than just mixing up your own. However, if you don't have a Reverse Osmosis filter or if you have a nano tank, the premade saltwater may work out better for you in the short run. Long term though you will save money just mixing your own using pure water from a Reverse Osmosis or RO/DI filter.
These are prices as found on Amazon in August, 2013 and I didn't include shipping costs. If you are an Amazon Prime member you get free 2 day shipping. Local prices will likely be somewhat higher due to shipping and handling to get to your local reef shop. The prices shown are just for the salt mix and they are in USD. Additional costs you should take into consideration for preparing your own saltwater include the RO filter purchase price and replacement filter media.
The best indicator here is the $ Per Gallon column. The lowest comes in at $0.25 (25 cents) per gallon while the highest is the premade saltwater coming in around $6.14 per gallon! Also keep in mind that some manufacturers may be using 1.020 vs. 1.026 SG when labeling how much saltwater a bucket will make. Therefore you should consider how concentrated the mix is, coupled with the price per gallon when figuring out the best mix for you. Target SG was found in the instructions for each brand's salt mix.
The columns below are sortable. Click on the heading of each column to sort in ascending or descending order.
USD = US Dollars
AUD = Australian Dollars
GBP = British Pound Sterling
Saltwater Mixes
| Brand | Price | Bucket Size | $Per Gal. | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquavitro Salinity |
USD $74.99 AUD $82.23 GBP £48.24 |
225 gallons 852 liters |
USD $0.33 AUD $0.36 GBP £0.21 |
Target SG: 1.026 Most concentrated salt blend on the market  |
| Brightwell Aquatics NeoMarine |
USD $65.49 AUD $71.81 GBP £42.13 |
150 gallons 568 liters |
USD $0.33 AUD $0.36 GBP £0.21 |
Target SG: 1.025 Composed of ACS-and USP-grade ingredients  |
| Coralife | USD $50.99 AUD $55.91 GBP £32.80 |
150 gallons 568 liters |
USD $0.34 AUD $0.37 GBP £0.24 |
Target SG: 1.021 - 1.023 Provides the proper pH and optimal levels of calcium and magnesium  |
| D-D H2Ocean | USD $79.99 AUD $87.71 GBP £51.45 |
150 gallons 568 liters |
USD $0.53 AUD $0.58 GBP £.34 |
Target SG: 1.025 Produced by a solar evaporative process  |
| hW Marine | USD $69.99 AUD $76.74 GBP £45.02 |
150 gallons 568 liters |
USD $0.46 AUD $0.50 GBP £0.30 |
Target SG: 1.020 Boasts natural calcium and magnesium concentration  |
| Instant Ocean | USD $38.99 AUD $42.75 GBP £25.08 |
160 gallons 606 liters |
USD $0.25 AUD $0.27 GBP £0.16 |
Target SG: 1.020 - 1.023 Number 1 choice of hobbyists, public aquariums and scientific research facilities  |
| Kent Marine | USD $52.99 AUD $58.10 GBP £34.09 |
200 gallons 757 liters |
USD $0.27 AUD $0.30 GBP £0.17 |
Target SG: 1.021 - 1.023 Elevated levels of calcium, magnesium, strontium and other elements  |
| Kordon | USD $55.55 AUD $60.91 GBP £35.73 |
100 gallons 379 liters |
USD $0.55 AUD $.60 GBP £0.35 |
Target SG: 1.020 - 1.025 Contains AmQuel water purifier in mix  |
| Nutri Seawater |
USD $26.99 AUD $29.59 GBP £17.36 |
4.4 gallons 16.7 liters |
USD $6.14 AUD $6.73 GBP £3.95 |
Target SG: 1.027 100% natural live ocean saltwater with natural bacteria  |
| Oceanic | USD $59.99 AUD $65.78 GBP £38.59 |
200 gallons 757 liters |
USD $0.30 AUD $0.33 GBP £0.19 |
Target SG: not found Triple tested for quality and verified by an independent testing lab  |
| Red Sea Coral Pro |
USD $64.99 AUD $71.26 GBP £41.80 |
175 gallons 662 liters |
USD $0.37 AUD $0.41 GBP £0.24 |
Target SG: 1.025 Natural solar evaporated salt (NaCl)  |
| Reef Crystals | USD $52.99 AUD $58.10 GBP £34.09 |
160 gallons 606 liters |
USD $0.33 AUD $0.36 GBP £0.21 |
Target SG: 1.020 - 1.023 Extra calcium and trace elements , metal detoxifiers to neutralize heavy metals  |
| Seachem | USD $48.99 AUD $53.72 GBP £31.51 |
160 gallons 606 liters |
USD $0.31 AUD $0.34 GBP £0.20 |
Target SG: 1.021 Enhanced calcium and alkalinity stability  |
| Tropic Marin | USD $69.99 AUD $76.74 GBP £45.02 |
200 gallons 757 liters |
USD $0.35 AUD $0.38 GBP £0.23 |
Target SG: 1.022 - 1.025 Contains all 70 trace elements in the natural concentrations  |
| Tropic Marin Bio Actif |
USD $94.99 AUD $104.16 GBP £61.10 |
200 gallons 757 liters |
USD $0.48 AUD $0.53 GBP £0.31 |
Target SG: 1.022 - 1.025 fosters breakdown of pollutants to improve water clarity after every water change.  |
| Tropic Marin Pro | USD $82.99 AUD $91.00 GBP £53.38 |
200 gallons 757 liters |
USD $0.42 AUD $0.46 GBP £0.27 |
Target SG: 1.022 - 1.025 Contains all 70 trace elements in the natural concentrations and optimized calcium and magnesium concentration.  |