Where to Buy Aquarium Systems Sea Salt Instant Ocean

For marine aquarists seeking consistency, balance, and reliability, Aquarium Systems Sea Salt Instant Ocean is a name that stands out. It’s one of the most widely used sea salt mixes for reef and fish-only tanks, trusted by hobbyists, breeders, and public aquariums alike. Available now at Pacific Fish Depot, this marine salt offers optimal levels of essential elements like calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity for healthy corals and thriving marine life.

What Makes It Different

Instant Ocean isn’t just another salt mix—it’s a formulation refined through decades of marine biology research. Designed to replicate the precise conditions of natural ocean water, it includes every major, minor, and trace element needed to sustain a healthy marine environment. This salt is especially favored for its fast-dissolving properties and low residue, meaning less cloudiness in your tank and quicker readiness for livestock.

The mix is made from pure, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, blended in exact ratios to ensure consistent quality with every batch. Whether you’re running a 10-gallon nano reef or a 200-gallon predator system, Instant Ocean offers a stable baseline to build and maintain marine health.

Ease of Use and Performance

One of the most attractive features of Aquarium Systems Sea Salt Instant Ocean is its user-friendliness. It dissolves quickly in RO/DI or dechlorinated tap water with just a powerhead or air stone, reaching full salinity in under 30 minutes. The pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels stabilize quickly, minimizing downtime between water changes or new setups.

This product supports steady biological cycling, allowing nitrifying bacteria to thrive and ammonia levels to remain low. Many reef keepers use it as a base salt before supplementing for advanced coral demands, while fish-only keepers often use it straight out of the bucket with zero additives. It’s also safe for invertebrates, clams, and macroalgae systems.

Proven Reputation and Trust

Instant Ocean has been used by aquarists for over 50 years and is the preferred salt mix for institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Shedd Aquarium. It’s regularly recommended by major marine retailers and educators. In fact, marine science sites like Reef Builders list Instant Ocean among the top reliable choices for both beginners and professionals due to its affordability, consistency, and broad compatibility.

The salt is packaged in moisture-proof, resealable containers that keep the mix fresh and clump-free. It’s available in sizes ranging from small 50-gallon bags to large reef-ready buckets, making it convenient whether you’re maintaining a desktop reef or a commercial-grade aquaculture system.

How to Buy

You can order Aquarium Systems Sea Salt Instant Ocean directly from Pacific Fish Depot. Simply select your preferred size and checkout through their secure, streamlined platform. Shipping is fast, and the team ensures all salt products are stored in climate-controlled environments to preserve quality. For larger systems or long-term needs, bulk pricing may also be available.

Tips for Mixing and Storage

Store your unused salt in a dry, cool place with the lid tightly sealed. Always measure salinity using a refractometer or hydrometer, and mix only as much saltwater as you’ll use within a week. When preparing for a water change, allow the mix to aerate for a few hours to stabilize temperature and pH before introducing it into the tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use Instant Ocean for reef tanks?
Yes, it’s commonly used in reef tanks. Some advanced hobbyists add calcium or magnesium supplements for SPS-dominant systems, but it’s reef-safe as-is.

2. How long does mixed saltwater last?
Mixed saltwater made with Instant Ocean can be stored for up to 5 days in a sealed, aerated container as long as it’s kept at room temperature and agitated.

3. What salinity does it reach?
At the recommended ratio (1/2 cup per gallon), it reaches a specific gravity of 1.020–1.022. For reef tanks, use 1/2 cup + 10% to reach 1.025.

4. Does Instant Ocean include trace elements?
Yes. It contains essential trace elements like iodine, strontium, and iron, though advanced reef keepers may supplement further depending on coral load.

5. Will it cloud my water?
No, it dissolves quickly and completely when mixed correctly with good circulation, leaving little to no residue or cloudiness.