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 comparison 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.
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 interpretation 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.
