Reef Crystals or Instant Ocean
- Thread starter levon15
- Start date
DrBDC
Active member
Reef crystals typically contain more ca and mag as well as other trace elements more suited to reefs than standard IO. There was a problem with what seemed to be IO in reef crystal buckets. That problem is "supposed" to be corrected. Be sure to test just in case you get an old bucket. If so, it will require a little ca and mag increase just like IO. It's hard to beat the price at DFS.
DrBDC
Active member
I usually order 3 or 4 at a time and it ends up right around 35-36 per bucket after shipping. I was talking to a LFS owner and he pays 44 a bucket for the RC and gets a couple buckets free when he orders a full pallet of 20 something buckets. That's why it's usually about 60 bucks a bucket locally.
gnarlyswine
New member
By the various tests ive seen - and my own testing - There is less Mg in reef crystals. More Ca but I run a reactor anyway so have gone back to IO
I received 2 buckets from DFS a few months ago and both were short in Ca and Mg. I've also noticed since switching from IO that a brown clay like substance forms in the brute I mix it in. I've read about many people getting the same thing. Some say it's binders used in the salt mix. I'm not sure what the binders are though. I will be trying Coralife for the next couple of buckets. Then depending on the results I may switch back to IO. Boosting Ca and Mg is cheap anyway.
Jamie
Jamie
Most retail stores mark items up 100% to cover overhead. IE pay 30 charge 60, but when you figure in building, utils, employees, they do not make a full 30 on each.
I believe DFS charges 17 dollar shipping regardless of how much you order. So getting a group buy together is a great thing to do.
I know I am going to run Oceanic on my system.
I believe DFS charges 17 dollar shipping regardless of how much you order. So getting a group buy together is a great thing to do.
I know I am going to run Oceanic on my system.
Kraash and I were thinking of doing a group buy from DFS if you are interested.
tall_jason79
Active member
i think i paid 36 a for5 g bucket of IO, i like it but then again its the only salt i have tried so far
reefergeorge
New member
They used to sell it a tropical world pets in S. county for the same price as IO ($39), but it recently went up to $49. Not as good as online, but better than $60.
I use reef crystals, and I got that same clay-like substance at the bottom of my mixing barrel, not sure what it is but it didnt seem to harm anything. Since I switched from buying water at my LFS pre-mixed to making my own with reef crystals, I have had a forest of Halmedia start up on some of my rocks. Dunno what they were using for salt at the LFS(in Cape Girardeau), but my tank is much happier with my own mixture.
Kraash and I may be interested.
kraash
New member
I will be ordering this month, the last time I ordered, I got 10 buckets of RC for $31.99 a bucket, and only $17 for all shipped. I have not found a lower price than DFS. I am thinking of ordering 20 buckets for myself, if anyone is interested in tagging along, just let me know. I am in Vandalia IL if you want to check mileage for pick up. TIA
Kraash, I will have to get 3 buckets of Oceanic when you order. Let me know.
Kraash, when you ordering?
spooda420
New member
I wonder if any one has priced a pallet of buckets or perhaps bulk salt recently... how great would that be to have 1000 lbs of salt delivered by frieght to a central location and everyone helps to defray the cost. Im sure we can some how weigh it and sell it... I could use 200 lbs of salt at a bulk price... I need to fill 2 - 150 g sumps.... 
