Brightwell NeoMarine Salt Mix

For hundreds of millions of years, marine chemists have observed a remarkable consistency in the chemical composition of seawater. This stability can be attributed to the vastness of the ocean and the interplay of physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes within it. These factors combine to maintain the equilibrium of our magnificent marine ecosystem.

NeoMarine Salt Advantages

• After years of extensive research and testing, our formulation is based on the latest knowledge in Marine Chemistry and Marine Biology. It is designed to support the husbandry of all types of marine aquaria including reef, mixed reef, FOWLR, fish-only, mangrove, sea grass, lagoonal, brackish, and more.
• Meticulously crafted to mirror the precise ratios of essential elements found in seawater, including non-conservative minor and trace elements.
• NēoMarine creates a marine environment that closely mimics the chemical composition of natural seawater. Its remarkable similarity ensures that aquarium inhabitants are unable to distinguish between water prepared with NēoMarine and filtered natural seawater from tropical reef waters.
• This product is made with high-quality ingredients that meet the standards of USP and ACS Reagent-grade.
• 134 g per 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of purified water yields a specific gravity of ~1.025 g/cm3, with a pH of ~8.30 and alkalinity of ~7.5 dKH.
• Produced in Brightwell Aquatics' in-house facility, not outsourced, maintaining the highest standards of quality. Each batch is assigned a unique lot number and meticulously sampled to ensure rigorous quality control measures are met.
• Our production process ensures consistent particle size and a well-blended, dry salt mixture.
• Developed by a marine scientist, this formulation is distinct from typical seawater evaporite compositions.

NeoMarine Mixing Instructions

Avoid mixing NēoMarine in an aquarium with live organisms. When mixed with water, NēoMarine generates a slight heat, so it's important not to handle dry NēoMarine with wet hands. Upon opening the container, you may notice a faint sulfurous odor, which is a natural byproduct of using anhydrous magnesium chloride. Rest assured, the odor will dissipate over time.

For optimal results, it is highly recommended to utilize Reverse Osmosis Deionized (RODI) water when preparing NeoMarine Salt. To achieve a saltwater mixture with a specific gravity of 1.025 g/cm3, simply add approximately 1/2 cup (134.5g or 4oz) of NeoMarine Salt per gallon of RODI water. Adjust the mixture as needed by adding more salt or water until the desired specific gravity is reached. This practice ensures the best quality and effectiveness of the saltwater solution.

Allow the newly prepared seawater to blend for 24 hours using a submersible powerhead or pump. Make sure the water temperature matches that of the existing aquarium (use a submersible heater if needed). Let the water mix, preferably with aeration, until the pH stabilizes completely, indicating the attainment of gas equilibrium.

To ensure optimal conditions in an established aquarium, it is highly advised to allow a minimum of 24 hours for thorough mixing before adding water. This additional time allows any gas generated during salt dissolution to escape, resulting in improved stability of alkalinity and pH levels. It's worth noting that the speed of salt dissolution can be influenced by factors such as water temperature and mixing rate.

To maintain proper water chemistry and benefit the inhabitants of the aquarium, it is recommended to replace 10-20% of the total water volume every 7-10 days. This practice helps uphold the desired water quality and supports the well-being of the aquarium's residents.

How Long Does it Take NeoMarine to Dissolve?

On average, when adding the appropriate amount of NēoMarine to increase the specific gravity to 1.025 g/cm3, 75°F water can clear in less than 15 minutes with vigorous mixing. However, when mixing a large batch (e.g. ≥50 gallons) all at once, it may take longer for the mixture to fully clear. The speed at which a salt mix clears in water of a standardized temperature depends on two factors: the intensity of mixing within the vessel and the solubility of the various salts in the mix.

When it comes to the former, it can be noted that the speed of dissolution is directly linked to the movement of water in the container. In simpler terms, faster water movement reduces the time needed for the mixture to completely dissolve and clarify. This assumes that samples are prepared using the same salt blend. Companies that sell sea salt blends have long promoted the quick dissolution of their products, which has become a benchmark for assessing the quality of a salt mix among aquarists. Ironically, salts that dissolve immediately in water often have low concentrations of magnesium and calcium, and may include highly-soluble hydrated ingredients that bring undesired substances into the final product (see the next section).

For optimal results, it is advisable to let saltwater sit overnight. This allows any intermediate gases formed during the dissolution process to escape, and ensures stability in pH and alkalinity. If the newly mixed saltwater does not become crystal-clear within 30 seconds, it is of little consequence.