Complete artificial seawater salt blend with an ionic composition corresponding to Red Sea values at S=40. Values of major ions and select minor and trace ions (specifically, those not considered by researchers to be phytotoxic and which exhibit a nutrient-type depth profile in open oceanic waters) correspond to Red Sea average values (S=40). Clean; no residue in mixing vessels.
NOTE: Ionic consistency between batches produced by the technician or aquarist is determined by the accuracy of measurements made of the four individual components. Accurate component measurements yield nearly 100% ionic consistency between batches, making pre-testing newly-mixed seawater to determine concentrations of important ions such as Mg and Ca unnecessary (the values are consistent every time, regardless of volume of seawater prepared, when targeting a specific salinity value). Any volume of sea water (up to the volume for which components have been purchased to prepare at the stated salinity value) may be prepared and will yield a consistent ionic fingerprint, in other words.
Formul8 salt blends consist of four components:
- Component 1, NaCl, ≥99.5% purity, free of any additives including anti-caking agents. User may source this material locally in order to save on overall cost. In North America, three commonly available examples are: Morton Purex (not TFC Purex, which contains Sodium ferrocyanide as an anti-caking agent); Cargill Hi-Grade Granulated; U.S. Salt Superior General Purpose. These products meet Food Chemical Codex (FCC) standards, and are available from regional suppliers in pallet quantities of 49 bags (50 lbs. each).
- Component 2, MgSO4 | 7 (H2O) (aka Epsom salt), USP-grade, free of any additives including anti-caking agents. User may source this material locally in order to save on overall cost. Any brand of material meeting these specifications is suitable.
- Component 3, one of the two solution blends required.
- Component 4, the other of the two solution blends required.
There are three purchasing options available:
- 1 - 4, the complete mix;
- 2 - 4, requiring that the user supply their own suitable NaCl (Component 1);
- 3 - 4, requiring that the user supply their own suitable NaCl and MgSO4 | 7 (H2O) (Components 1 and 2, respectively).
If sourcing Components 1 and/or 2, then please note that per 80-gallon mix of this salt blend, the following quantities are required:
- Component 1: 21.872 lbs. (9,900.486 g)
- Component 2: 5.535 lbs. (2,510.573 g)
Formul8 RSW 80 USG (S=40)
- Purchase of this item requires that purchaser agree to Terms and Conditions, and to Return and Refund Policy. This step is completed at checkout.



