Reef Crystals Calcium content?

[bdare]

I just went to thier website. The phone number is:
800-822-1100. I called and left a message. I'm also going to send an email right now (info@instantocean.com).

Ben

 

[DFS/LA1]

While we await the manufactures’ research results we are conducting some of our own tests. First we understand that the general consensus on this forum is that the calcium levels are testing low. We assume that everyone is using dechlorinated water and mixing to the correct specific gravity level. Everyone has stated so far that their refractometers are properly calibrated and they are using the full container of salt when mixing their ‘batches’. We assume the water is at the correct temperature and aerated for 24 hours prior to testing. We are also mixing up batches and testing the parameters here at our facility to compare with the information we will receive. What we are researching now is what is supposed to be the calcium level of the mixture. The packaging does not state what exact level is guaranteed as we have assumed it will be 350-450ppm. We are also researching how long and under what conditions should salt be stored. We have inquired if there are more ‘cases’ of low levels and if this can be traced to a time period. We appreciate everyone’s patience and will post tomorrow with the manufacture’s response.

Jaimie A
Customer Service Manager
LiveAquaria

 

[janderson8]

Jaimie,

Thanks for all your hard work. We understand this is not somthing Drs F&S has done. But if it prevents it from happening in the future that is good enough for me.

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11466311#post11466311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DFS/LA1
While we await the manufactures’ research results we are conducting some of our own tests. First we understand that the general consensus on this forum is that the calcium levels are testing low. We assume that everyone is using dechlorinated water and mixing to the correct specific gravity level. Everyone has stated so far that their refractometers are properly calibrated and they are using the full container of salt when mixing their ‘batches’. We assume the water is at the correct temperature and aerated for 24 hours prior to testing. We are also mixing up batches and testing the parameters here at our facility to compare with the information we will receive. What we are researching now is what is supposed to be the calcium level of the mixture. The packaging does not state what exact level is guaranteed as we have assumed it will be 350-450ppm. We are also researching how long and under what conditions should salt be stored. We have inquired if there are more ‘cases’ of low levels and if this can be traced to a time period. We appreciate everyone’s patience and will post tomorrow with the manufacture’s response.

Jaimie A
Customer Service Manager
LiveAquaria

I know I have always assumed RC had NSW CA levels, or at least in the low 400's. Reading your post I went and looked at the bucket to see what levels are indicated. Of course it's not there... Oh great, my dad was right once again about assumptions :lol:

 

[SPStoner]

Gresham- your PM box is full. Check your email

 

[DFS/LA1]

Thank you everyone for your patience. Marineland has asked that you contact them directly and be prepared to send a small sample to them for testing. They have not been able to confirm any concerns yet but need your help in ensuring that their quality control measures did not miss a bad ‘batch’. Please use the following link for their contact information: http://www.instantocean.com/sites/instantocean/contactus.aspx?id=1374

If any customer is not 100% satisfied with their purchase through Drs. Foster & Smith and has not already received a resolution please contact us with your order information and we will ensure that you are taken care of.

Jaimie A
Customer Service Manager
LiveAquaria

 

[janderson8]

I did contact Marine Land. Lets just say they were less then polite. And wanted me to Pay for shipping the Salt to them. Then only offering to replace what I have used. This does not make sence I have three buckets. For them to expect the user to pay for shipping it back does not seem to be the right aproach.

Lastly I do not think this is DFS job to make this right. They are just the middle man and have nothing to do with production. I am not looking for a refund from DFS and nor do I expect one. Like I have said in previous posts.

But I do feel it is wrong for the MFG to ask for the end user to pay for shipping it back. Just my two cents!

 

[Mr. Ugly]

I emailed Marineland through their website.

I have yet to receive a reply.

I don't know if I should expect much of any helpful response from them.

"Send us your salt so we can check it" sounds like the beginning of a runaround.

You'd think they'd be able to tell right away about their bad salt as soon as reports started coming in.

We can't be the first people to have noticed.

 

[janderson8]

the best part is he wanted to know what hydrometer I use. I just read the email again and it wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't came accross like I was the one making the mistake.

 

[Ebmorri]

I think these’s are points worth mentioning.
1) If Marineland recommends mixing “In order for the Salt mix to register normal calcium levels you need to use the entire contents of the salt mix purchased”, then why do they tell you
“Note: 1.4 lbs of Reef Crystals is formulated to create 5 gallons or saltwater at a specific gravity of 1.021.” and also give instructions

“Note: To prepare small quantities, use ½ cup of Reef Crystals per each U.S. gallon of water.”

Yet no where do they state to get the correct levels you must mix the total product purchased? I do understand items settling out due to shipping and each items individual weights, but it should be close or either the top or the bottom of the mix should have a higher level of something. In this case Ca.

2) As far as what level we should expect from RC in regards to Ca. Although they do not list the exact amount on the product they do state “Formulated specially for use in reef aquariums, Reef Crystals contains essential reef elements in concentrations greater then those found in natural sea water” and “Extra Calcium to help ensure the growth of large and small polyp stony (LPS & SPS) as well as coralline algae.”
Yet here they are stating that mixing the entire product should give a reading of “400ppm”, is not above the normally quoted 410ppm. Also with the statement of “A 50 gallon bag of Reef Crystals mixed with 50 gallons of dechlorinated water, will have a calcium reading between 350 â€"œ 450 ppm.” That tells me that it is a crap shoot if you will get the 350ppm whenever I buy RC or will I get the 450ppm(which would meet their clam of “Extra Calcium”

I know this is not a DFS issue but I feel these are point that should be expanded per their marketing claims on their product.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11487816#post11487816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ebmorri
I think these’s are points worth mentioning.
1) If Marineland recommends mixing “In order for the Salt mix to register normal calcium levels you need to use the entire contents of the salt mix purchased” [...]

No, I don't make 160 gallons of water at a time, and I don't expect that the typical hobbyist does either.

I didn't take that comment seriously, and was being polite in ignoring it previously.

I don't think Marineland believes it either, but it's a lead in to a convenient excuse.

If it were true, then there really wouldn't be much point in them asking for a small amount of your salt for testing.

RC used to used to have good Ca and Mg levels, and now it doesn't. It's as simple as that.

 

[Ebmorri]

MR

I agree with you I just wanted to show what seems to be miss leading info from Marineland. I do not mix 160gl either and agree it is a "convenient excuse."

 

[Ebmorri]

dup post

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Yep, I realize

If Ca is unevenly distributed in the bucket in a way that is remedied by making 160 gallons at a time, then I suppose Mg and Alk and everything else would be affected in a similar way.

For every batch out of the bucket at 350ppm Ca, I might expect another batch at 490ppm to balance it out? Or maybe that could be 2 parts at 350ppm per 1 part at 560ppm?

Should I expect the same kind of thing with alk? Maybe one batch at 3 meq/L and another at 5 meq/L?

 

[DFS/LA1]

We sincerely apologize for everyone’s inconvenience and want to resolve this situation to each individual’s satisfaction. We will take care of our customers and accept full responsibility for this product. If you would like the same or different salt sent to you free of charge please PM or call us with your customer information. If you would like a calcium supplement sent to you free of charge please contact us. We will do whatever it takes to ensure our customers’ 100% satisfaction.

Customer Service phone number: 1-800-826-7206 ask for Technical Support at 225
Customer Service email: customerservice@drsfostersmith.com

Jaimie A
Customer Service Manager
LiveAquaria

 

[arbee]

Not sure what I need to do here. I just tested a new batch of RC I made yesterday in a 55 gallon drum. Tested the Ca this morning and it is showing 325ppm with an Elos test kit. Ph is 8.0 temp is 78* sg is 1.025

I switched from IO to RC because I started putting sps and clams in the tank this summer. Now I know why I've been dosing Ca 2 part like crazy to get my Ca up to 400. This was the reason I switched to RC--so I wouldn't have to dose so much......well I'm a dosing fool LOL

DFS is standing by to make this right--and that is why I order the majority of my reef supplies and livestock from them. They go above and beyond.
Now, is ML going to fix this? The Ca is testing the same as my IO salt.
If I go with another batch of RC from DFS to replace the one I just tested, I'll still be dosing alot. Or switch salts, but to what???
Rita

 

[dfs/la2]

Rita,

The salt you decide to use in your home aquarium is going to be a personal preference. As quoted, our manager Jaimie assures our customers, “If you would like the same or different salt sent to you free of charge please PM or call us with your customer information. If you would like a calcium supplement sent to you free of charge please contact us. We will do whatever it takes to ensure our customers’ 100% satisfaction.”

If you would like to contact us we are happy to discuss different salt mix options with you.

Joyce F.
Technical Support
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[diverdan814]

Just got off the phone with Dr F and S: I have 5 buckets of Reef Crystals. The one I just opened tested below 300 for Calcium. They are replacing that bucket only with regular IO. As I open the other four, I need to test each one before requesting a refund. That stinks because I really don't want to wait around to use all of this salt before getting some answers. It would be helpful if the makers of this salt released some batch numbers of the defective salt.

I know I am going to be looking for another brand when the dust settles.

 

[bdare]

I'll be sending some of my defective salt to Aquarium Systems to have them check it. If you feel your salt is also low, please call them.

You can speak with Gershwin Asari (Quality Control) by calling:
(800)822-1100 Ext. 3901

 

[Mr. Ugly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11490896#post11490896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by diverdan814
[...] I really don't want to wait around to use all of this salt before getting some answers. It would be helpful if the makers of this salt released some batch numbers of the defective salt.

It should be ok to open up your other buckets to test.

I did that and closed them up tightly afterwards.