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Comparison Table of Primary Elements in Some Top Brand Name Sea Salt Mixes

To help you easily compare the differences between essential elements contained in some of the top brand name sea salt mixes sold on the market, we compiled this quick reference elements comparsion table based on actual test results that were conducted by the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology reported in Marlin Atkinson and Craig Bingman's "The Composition of Some Synthetic Seawater Mixes" article published in the March 1999 issue of Aquarium Frontiers Magazine, and in reference to other Web resources.
~Debbie & Stan Hauter

View Table Below ¬


<< Sea Salt Mixes - Part 2: Which Brand is the Best to Buy?
>> Sea Salt Mixes - Part 1: What to Look For When Choosing a Mix
 
Comparison Table of Primary Elements Contained in
Some Top Brand Name Sea Salt Mixes
Compiled by Debbie & Stan Hauter
Although there are other elements and compounds to evaluate when buying a sea salt mix, in this table we only address those considered to be primary. Refer to Marlin Atkinson and Craig Bingman's The Composition of Some Synthetic Seawater Mixes Report for more details on Buffer System Components in relation to pH factors (see Table II), Nutrients (see Table III), and Trace Elements (see Table IV). The codes in this table reflect our own interpetation of the test results from this report. Also keep in mind that since the tests were conducted, some manufacturers may have made changes to their formulas.
Color Key Codes
E = Relatively Equivalent  •  H = Relatively Higher 
L = Relatively Lower
(+ or - added denotes slight higher or lower, but noticable different)
(* added denotes substantial difference)
Sea Salt Mix-->
Element
(Symbol)
Instant Ocean
Reef Crystals
Coralife
Tropic Marin
Red Sea
Kent
Sea Chem
HW Marine Mix
Calcium
(Ca)
Test Results
L
L
E
L
L
E
E
L
Chloride
(Cl-)
Test Results
E
E
E+
L
E
E
L
E
Magnesium
(Mg)
Test Results
E
E-
H*
L
E+
E+
L**
E
Potassium
(K)
Test Results
E-
E-
E-
E-
E-
E
E+
E
Sodium
(Na)
Test Results
E
E
E
E-
E
E
E
E+
Sulphur/Sulfate
(SO4:S)
Test Results
E
E
L*
L
E
L
H
E
Sea Salt Mix-->
Element
(Symbol)
Instant Ocean
Reef Crystals
Coralife
Tropic Marin
Red Sea
Kent
Sea Chem
HW Marine Mix
Carbon
(C)
E
L**
L***
L*
L*
H***
L***
H
Boron
(B03)
Test Results
E
H+
H**
L-
H
H
H***
E
Strontium
(Sr)
Test Results
H***
E
E
E
E
E
H***
H**
Silicon/Silicate
View Table lll SiO3:Si
(**ICP Test Results)
H**
H***
H**
H**
H**
H***
H**
H**
Sea Salt Mix-->
Element
(Symbol)
Instant Ocean
Reef Crystals
Coralife
Tropic Marin
Red Sea
Kent
Sea Chem
HW Marine Mix
Ionic
Nitrate
View Table lll NO3-:N
Test Results
H*
H*
H**
H**
H*
H**
H**
H*
Phosphate
(PO4:P)
Test Results
L**
H*
H***
H***
H*
E
L*
H**
Ammonia-
Nitrogen
(NH4+:N)
Test Results
H**
H**
H**
E+
H*
H**
E+
H**

<< Sea Salt Mixes - Part 2: Which Brand is the Best to Buy?
>> Sea Salt Mixes - Part 1: What to Look For When Choosing a Mix

More Related Quick Reference Tables
• Table of Major & Minor Elements in Natural Sea Water
• Table of Top Trace Elements in Natural Sea Water
• Table of Common Element Compounds to Watch Out For
• Sea Salt Mixes Poll
Related Resources
• Sea Salt Mixes & Making Up Saltwater Solutions
• Test Kits & Testing Aquarium Water
• Water Quality & Chemistry Issues
• Sea Salts Product Information
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