Salt
Marine Salt for Aquariums:
Water Chemistry Essentials for a Healthy Reef
Maintaining proper water chemistry is one of the most critical aspects of a successful marine aquarium. At the heart of this process is the use of high-quality marine salt, carefully formulated to replicate the delicate balance of elements found in natural seawater. This synthetic salt is not simply sodium chloride but includes a complex blend of essential elements like calcium, magnesium, and carbonate, all of which support the health and growth of marine organisms, particularly corals and invertebrates.
TMC Reef Salt
It’s the same trusted formula we use daily in our fish house — a testament to its consistency, reliability, and professional-grade results.
Tropic Marin salts
Tropic Marin offers a premium range of sea salts tailored to different marine aquarium needs. Classic Salt provides a balanced, all-purpose mix ideal for both reef and fish-only tanks. Bio-Actif Salt enhances water quality and livestock health with added bioactive compounds. Pro-Reef Salt is optimised for reef tanks with stable calcium, magnesium, and lower alkalinity, making it ideal for coral-heavy systems. Syn-Biotic Salt goes further by incorporating both prebiotics and probiotics to support natural nutrient control and microbial stability.
Before mixing salt, it’s important to start with purified water, typically from a reverse osmosis system. This ensures that no unwanted contaminants affect the chemistry. The salt should be mixed thoroughly into the water, ideally with the help of a pump or powerhead and a heater to match the tank’s temperature. Once fully dissolved, the solution should be allowed to rest and aerate until it becomes clear and stable.
Consistency in parameters such as salinity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium is essential. For example, the target salinity for most reef tanks is around 35 parts per thousand, or a specific gravity of 1.025. Calcium and magnesium must be kept at stable levels to support skeletal development in corals, while alkalinity plays a key role in buffering the pH. Even minor imbalances in these elements can lead to stress in livestock or poor coral health.
Regular testing is vital for keeping water chemistry in check. Aquarists typically monitor parameters weekly, using liquid test kits to measure calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, and other key values. While hitting ideal numbers is useful, maintaining stability over time is even more important, as rapid fluctuations can be harmful.
Over time, growing corals and biological activity in the tank will deplete minerals from the water, making supplementation necessary. This might involve two-part dosing systems, kalkwasser solutions, or calcium reactors, depending on the needs of the system.
Overall, marine salt is not just the starting point for a healthy aquarium—it’s the foundation of a stable aquatic environment. By understanding and maintaining the chemistry behind it, hobbyists can ensure the long-term success and vibrancy of their marine ecosystems.
