Synthetic sea salt
Mixture of mineral salts that recreates the composition of natural sea water. It dissolves in osmosis water to obtain salt water for the aquarium.
Detailed explanation
Synthetic sea salt is a complex mixture of over 70 elements. The main ones are sodium chloride, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulphate, carbonate. Then there are dozens of trace elements.
Salts are divided into two main categories. "Standard" salts reproduce the composition of natural sea water (NSW) with balanced values. “Pro” or “reef” salts have high levels of calcium, magnesium and KH to compensate for coral consumption.
The most used brands in Italy are Red Sea (Salt and Coral Pro), Tropic Marin (Pro Reef), Instant Ocean, Fauna Marin, Aquaforest (Reef Salt). Each brand has its own formula and the values obtained vary.
Correct preparation is essential. We always start with osmosis water. The salt is added, mixing with a pump and left moving for 12-24 hours. The target salinity is 35 ppt (1.025-1.026 density). It is checked with a calibrated refractometer.
Never use tap water to dissolve salt. Chlorine, heavy metals and phosphates in drinking water ruin the mixture.
Don't suddenly change salt brands. Each brand has its own chemical profile and the abrupt transition can stress the corals. If you want to change, do it gradually over several water changes.
The temperature of the prepared salt water must be the same as that of the aquarium before the change. The salinity must also match. A change to water with different salinity stresses the invertebrates.
Store salt in an airtight container. Humidity causes it to harden and alters its composition.