Brightwell Aquatics NeoMarine Salt Mix was extensively-researched and tested over a multi-year period, with a formulation based on current understanding of Marine Chemistry and Marine Biology as they pertain to the husbandry of all marine aquaria (e.g. reef, mixed reef, FOWLR, fish-only, mangrove, sea grass, lagoonal, brackish, etc.).

• Produces 16 gallons of saltwater
• Precision-formulated to replicate the natural seawater ratios of every major element, as well as all non-conservative minor and trace elements
• Creates a marine environment so chemically-similar to natural seawater in all important respects that aquarium inhabitants are not likely to discern any difference between water prepared with NēoMarine and filtered natural seawater from tropical reef waters
• Contains USP- and ACS Reagent-grade ingredients.
• 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
• Manufactured by Brightwell Aquatics in their production facility (not outsourced) under the strictest standards of quality. Every batch is lot numbered and sampled for quality control.
• Utilizes a production process that promotes particle size uniformity and a dry, homogenous salt blend
• Formulated by a marine scientist; not composed of seawater evaporite

Technical Background
Marine chemists estimate that the chemical composition of seawater has remained relatively constant over the past several hundred-million years (perhaps longer than the last billion years); this stability is largely a result of the immense volume of the ocean and the physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes taking place within it. The so-called “modern day” corals largely responsible for building reefs in tropical marine environments have been in existence for well over 200-million years (soft corals have been around much longer than that!), and more primitive life forms (such as sponges) have been around still longer, collectively evolving and thriving in relatively stable chemical conditions. Recent findings by advanced aquarists and scientists in many countries confirm what has long been suspected: there is no obvious benefit to maintaining the concentrations of calcium and other elements depleted by reef-building organisms at grossly elevated levels; in fact, this practice can be detrimental to their long-term survival. All of these points taken into consideration, it seems elementary to replicate the most important aspects of natural chemical composition of seawater as closely as possible to properly care for delicate marine creatures in captivity. The single most important contributor to success with a marine aquarium is maintaining water parameters within tolerable ranges; no amount of lighting and filtration can compensate for water that is lacking in numerous essential elements and that does not meet the criteria required for survival by marine organisms. A successful marine aquarium therefore begins with quality seawater.

Brightwell Aquatics NēoMarine Salt Mix creates an ideal marine environment for aquarium inhabitants by providing all major elements, all non-conservative (depleted by natural chemical and biological processes) minor and trace elements, and elements known to be utilized in the production of biological pigments (biochromes) in precise natural seawater ratios; all ions are formulated to be present in natural seawater concentrations. Conservative minor and trace elements are not depleted in marine environments, indicating that they are not utilized by marine life or do not take part in chemical reactions in seawater; as such, they are not necessary for the survival of aquarium inhabitants, and are not part of the NēoMarine formulation. NēoMarine is not formulated to have enhanced concentrations of certain elements at the expense of sacrificing others and creating a solution with grossly inaccurate elemental ratios; this formulation is based wholly on current marine science data and extensive testing.

NēoMarine is manufactured in Brightwell Aquatics’ production facility in Alabama, ensuring that we maintain absolute control over quality; NēoMarine is not outsourced as many competing US-manufactured salts are. Additionally, elements are provided by individual salts (no seawater evaporite is used); this enables us to maintain a consistent formulation and appearance to the finished salt mix at all times. Ingredients are measured using an extremely accurate process, and each batch of NēoMarine is blended in a dry, clean environment. Our production process promotes uniformity of particle size and homogeneity throughout each container. Small batches are created and lot numbered to maintain the highest standards of quality control. NēoMarine utilizes ingredients of superior grades, and contains no detectable ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, or organic substances at standard specific gravity. It dissolves completely to create crystal clear water. NēoMarine has been extensively tested over a multi-year period with 100% success on all manner of marine invertebrates, fishes, and desirable algae; numerous species of fishes, corals, and mollusks have reproduced freely when maintained in water prepared with this salt blend. NēoMarine is formulated for all marine organisms, not just fish or reef inhabitants.

Instructions and Guidelines
Do not mix in an aquarium containing live organisms. NeoMarine creates slight heat when mixed into water; therefore, do not handle dry NēoMarine with wet hands. NeoMarine may have a slight sulfurous odor when the container is first opened; this is a result of the use of anhydrous magnesium chloride and will dissipate.

Each 134.5 g of NeoMarine added to sufficient purified water to create 1 US-gallon total saltwater will result in specific gravity of ~1.025 g/cm3. If not using an accurate scale to measure salt, in a clean mixing vessel dissolve approximately 4 oz., or half a cup, of NeoMarine per gallon of purified water and adjust specific gravity as needed by adding more salt or water to increase/decrease specific gravity, respectively. It is strongly recommended that water purified via reverse osmosis and/or deionization be used for seawater preparation. Allow the freshly-made seawater to mix thoroughly with a submersible pump. Always use an accurate hydrometer or (preferably) refractometer to determine the specific gravity of prepared seawater. Ensure that the water temperature matches that of the established aquarium (use a submersible heater if necessary). Allow water to mix, preferably while being aerated, until pH becomes completely stable, indicating that gas equilibrium has been achieved. It is strongly recommended that at least 24-hours of mixing be allowed to pass before adding the water to an established aquarium; this extra time enables gas formed during the salt dissolution to escape, further stabilizing alkalinity and pH. Note that water temperature and mixing rate will influence the speed with which the salt goes into solution. It is recommended that 10 - 20% of the total water volume in an aquarium system be replaced every 7 - 10 days; this helps maintain proper water chemistry and consequently benefits aquarium inhabitants.