How much
How much salt for a Innovative Marine NUVO 50?
Pre-calculated for the Innovative Marine NUVO 50 (30 × 18 × 18 in · raw volume ≈ 42 US gal · water volume ≈ 36 US gal).
By scenario
| Scenario | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial fill (cycling the tank) | 12.0 lb (5442 g) Or about 0.66 × 7 kg buckets / 0.21 × 22 kg buckets. |
| 10% weekly water change | 1.19 lb (540 g) 3.6 gal new saltwater. Many reefers settle here as a routine. |
| 20% bi-weekly water change | 2.38 lb (1080 g) 7.2 gal new saltwater every 2 weeks. |
| Annual salt budget (10% weekly) | 62 lb (28.1 kg) Plan on 5 × 7 kg buckets per year. |
Brands hobbyists actually use
Buckets reefers actually buy at this volume. Coral Pro for high-alk SPS, Pro Reef for low-alk dosing tanks, Reef Crystals for budget mixed reefs.
Red Sea Coral Pro Salt — 22 kg bucket (175 gal mix)
Best per-gallon value for SPS tanks.
View on Amazon →
Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt
7–8 dKH spec. The go-to for calcium-reactor and Triton tanks.
View on Amazon →
Instant Ocean Reef Crystals — 200 gal box
Cheapest reef salt with decent reef chemistry. Used to start.
View on Amazon →
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, reefcalcs earns from qualifying purchases.
Related
Last reviewed