Step 1 — Environmental Parameters / SPS Macro Probiotic Salt

Reef Essential® · Macro Probiotic Series

Built for corals that grow fast, and won't forgive a swing.

SPS Macro Probiotic Salt mixes to the lowest, tightest alkalinity in the Quantum line — 7.4–7.7 dKH — matched to small-polyp stony corals that lay down dense skeleton quickly and are highly sensitive to parameter swings.

Hybrid natural + synthetic Macrobiotics & probiotics Includes ICP report

Why the alkalinity runs low Compare all five salts

LABEL READOUT @ 1.025–1.026 S.G.

S.G.	Calcium (ppm)	Alkalinity (dKH)	Magnesium (ppm)	Potassium (ppm)
1.025	405	7.4	1230	375
1.026	420	7.7	1280	390

0 dKHAlkalinity spectrum across the line13 dKH

SPS (this salt) Mixed LPS FOWLR

Sizes

2.2–22kg

Mix rate

34.6–36.0 g/L

S.G. range

1.025–1.026

Batch report

ICP included

The other end of the spectrum

Why does SPS salt run so much lower alkalinity?

SPS corals lay down dense, fast-growing skeleton continuously, and they're far less tolerant of parameter swings than LPS. A low, tightly controlled alkalinity target reduces the risk of the kind of swing that can cause SPS to bleach or reject growth — precision matters more here than headroom.

That's also why SPS keepers tend to test and dose far more frequently than LPS keepers — this salt is built to be the stable, low starting point you dial in from, not a buffer to lean on between water changes.

7.4–7.7
dKH

SPS alkalinity — the lowest and tightest of any salt in the line.

10.1–10.5
dKH

LPS alkalinity, for comparison — high and steady, the opposite end of the same spectrum.

70+
elements

Trace elements carried in from the natural South Australian seawater base, riding alongside the buffering minerals.

What's actually in the bag

Same clean formulation process across the whole line — here's what makes it up.

Hybrid seawater base

Natural seawater from South Australia blended with a synthetic mix — the ecosystem benefits of real seawater with the batch-to-batch consistency of a synthetic.

Macrobiotics & probiotics

Natural macrobiotics, probiotics and vitamin precursors formulated in to improve mineral uptake, support beneficial bacteria, and enhance fish vitality.

Humidity-controlled formulation

Mixed in a humidity-controlled environment for purity and stability, batch after batch — not just mixed and bagged.

Included ICP report

Every bag or bucket ships with a batch-specific ICP report — exact mix-to values plus the full trace element panel, tested in-house before it leaves us.

SPS-tuned Ca, Mg & K

Calcium and magnesium are calibrated for rapid skeletal deposition without pushing alkalinity past the tight target this tank type needs.

Pairs with Step 3 & 4

SPS tanks typically draw down calcium and alkalinity faster than LPS — Aragonite Enhancers and Bio-Active Color Intensifiers top up what growth consumes between water changes.

Not an SPS-dominant tank?

Each Quantum salt is tuned to a different tank type — here's the rest of the line.

LPS

LPS Macro Probiotic Salt

The highest, steadiest alkalinity, for fleshy large-polyp corals.

Mixed

Mixed Macro Probiotic Salt

One balanced target for tanks running SPS and LPS side by side.

FOWLR

FOWLR Macro Probiotic Salt

Wide S.G. range for fish-only-with-live-rock, no coral demand to chase.

Mineral Oasis

Mineral Oasis Mineral Sea Salt

Non-probiotic, dual-purpose salt for reef aquariums and baths.

Questions about this salt

How much SPS salt do I need for my tank?+

Roughly 34.6–36.0 grams per liter of RODI water, depending on whether you're targeting 1.025 or 1.026 S.G. For an exact figure based on your tank volume and water change size, the Quantum dosing app will calculate it for you.

Do I still need Step 3 and Step 4 supplements?+

Yes, and often more so than with LPS — SPS tanks typically draw down calcium and alkalinity faster due to rapid skeletal growth. Step 3 Aragonite Enhancers and Step 4 Bio-Active Color Intensifiers top up what water changes alone can't keep pace with.

Can I use SPS salt in a mixed SPS/LPS tank?+

You can, but the Mixed Macro Probiotic Salt is built specifically for that instead of running SPS salt in a tank with real LPS demand as well.

What's in the included ICP report?+

Each bag or bucket includes a batch-specific ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) report — the mix-to values for calcium, alkalinity, magnesium and potassium for that exact batch, plus the full trace element panel from the natural seawater base. Tested in-house before the batch ships.