Complete artificial seawater salt blend with an ionic composition formulated for coral growers. Concentrations of Mg, Ca, K, and Sr are linearly increased, while Na is decreased to maintain appropriate salinity value. Enhanced alkalinity. Mixes to a final salinity value of 35.4. Minor and trace elements included are specifically those not considered by researchers to be phytotoxic and which exhibit a nutrient-type depth profile in open oceanic waters. 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: 18.828 lbs. (8,540.094 g)
Component 2: 4.839 lbs. (2,195.072 g)
 
Ionic consistency of the fully-blended seawater is directly proportional to the accuracy of component measurement by the User.  An accurate digital scale, with a resolution of 0.1 g, is generally adequate for weighing dry components in this application; recommended is to ensure that the scale is properly calibrated at least once a month using calibration weights.  For measuring liquid components, a set of graduated cylinders or beakers with molded-in graduations is recommended.  All of these items are available through online resellers, and need not be expensive.  Their initial cost is gradually offset by the savings of not needing to perform tests on the finished seawater to determine values of Ca, Mg, alkalinity, etc.
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Follow the mixing procedure; failing, precipitation may occur and prolong mixing process.  Pre-measuring the four components prior to beginning mixing is recommended.  Do not directly mix Components 3 and 4 together, as they will precipitate.  If using the same beaker or graduated cylinder to measure Components 3 and 4, then rinse measuring vessel with fresh water after measuring Component 3, and again after measuring Component 4.
 
If using purified well water or other untreated ground water to prepare seawater, then aeration may be required to expel entrained CO2 prior to mixing with salt components.  Failure to do so may result in depressed alkalinity and pH values when water is mixed to standard salinity.
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Follow mixing procedure as directed below, filling mixing vessel to approximately 75% of final desired volume with purified water before proceeding as directed.  
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Per 1 gallon of seawater to be made at S=35.4, use the following amounts:
 
Component 1: 106.0 g
Component 2: 27.4 g
Component 3: 50.0 mL
Component 4: 12.125 mL
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Mixing Procedure:
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1. Fill a clean mixing vessel with purified water to approximately 75% of final desired volume with purified water.
2. When water depth in mixing vessel is sufficient, begin circulating with a submersible pump.
3. Slowly, avoiding splashing, add appropriate mass of Components 1 and 2, and permit both to dissolve entirely before proceeding; with moderate water circulation, this generally takes ≤3 minutes.
4. Add appropriate volume of Component 3 to mixing vessel, allow solution to circulate for 60 seconds, then add appropriate volume of Component 4 to mixing vessel. Do not directly mix Components 3 and 4 together, as they will precipitate. 
5. Add purified water until desired salinity value (not target water volume) is achieved. Circulate solution until pH value remains stable. For lower salinity value, dilute with additional purified water until desired salinity is reached. Store unused seawater solution in sealed vessel. Ensure that temperature of seawater solution matches system water temperature before use.