I did use Reef Crystals, but it turned my mixing containers brown. Plus, my skimmers would go nuts right after a water change. I use Tropic Marin now. I do have to up the calcium and alk though. But, I agree Reef Crystals is a good value.
I use D&D H2Ocean Pro + salt. I use it because of the igher levels of Mag and calc. It mixes well and has been really good salt for me. Not the cheapest but not really any more than seachem or tropic marin.
I use Tropic Marin only because that's what Coral Reef sells. I'm in the store often enough, and I need such a small amount, that I feel the convenience having them mix it in the store outweighs me doing it at home. Yep, I'm that lazy.
I used to use Tropic Marin Pro when I had my 75 but it seemed hard to get and it was expensive to buy it locally so I switched to Reef Chrystals mostly due to the accessibility and price. I can get it from Fosters & Smith or Premium Aquatics at a reasonable price even with shipping. I personally didn't see any changes in my livestock due to the change. If you are using an expensive salt mix do you really see a difference in coral growth and color? You are going to dose anyway why pay so much more for the salt. I actually read some comparisons on salt mixes and there really isnt that much difference other than the ca and alk levels which you are going to adjust to match your individual needs anyway......just my 2 cents worth
I am using seachem reef. I was using Instant Ocean but I could not keep my Cal, Mag and Alk at aceptable levels. I just changed in July. I see a huge diffrence in the amount of 2 part that I need to dose to maintain higher levels of Mag Cal and Alk. With me in Indy at least 2 times a week and no shiping from PA. The cost diffrence was minimal for me. Seachem mixes up pretty well and is pretty uniform in its levels from the top off the bucket to the bottom of the bucket. My lps has more than tripled in the last few months since changing salts.
I use Reef Crystals because It has always worked well for me and my budget. You can always find fault if your looking for it. I have used it for many years and see no reason to change.More important is the quality of the water you put it in to start with.