Salt selection in western Canada is terrible

Potatohead · #1 08-01-2017, 05:55 PM

I don't know how much a pallet is, but I would assume about 30 boxes/buckets? One supplier out east sells FM by the pallet, and it's 27 units.

If anyone wants in with either Fauna Marin, Brightwell or Red Sea (I don't know if it has to be all the same type for RS), I am down for 3-4 units. Still a long way to thirty though. Price would have to make sense too for everyone.

albert_dao · #2 08-01-2017, 06:30 PM

They're all the same. Used one, you've used them all.

Potatohead · #3 08-03-2017, 04:50 AM

So, Fauna Marin got back to me and has offered a group buy. We would need to hit ten boxes, price is $128.25 per 20kg box and free shipping. Also because it's from out of province it should only have GST but I would have to verify that. I imagine it would have to ship to one location together and distribute from there. I can receive it if necessary. Overall savings is about 18% from standard shipped price.

I would be willing to grab 3-4 boxes so if anyone else is interested just let me know.

Cujo#31 · #4 08-08-2017, 10:23 PM

The only real difference (feel free to correct me here anyone) is in the guaranteed analysis of elements in any given salt mix. As Albert says, used one, used them all.
"Higher grade" salts claim they can be used as soon as 2 hours after mixing (although I have never pushed that envelope) while many salts recommend a 24 hour stand time.
As long as you stick to the bare bones basics of any reef tank husbandry practice which is to test and match perams you should not have any issues.
Other mixes are just more convenient in allowing us to not be so concerned about dosing to top up as much in certain elements after we do a WC.
I used IO for quite a while and really only found that the salinity tended to vary a bit from batch to batch and I learned thru trial and error to leave enough room in my mix barrel to fine tune the water before I completed a change.

DKoKoMan · #5 08-11-2017, 06:51 AM

I am in need of a new salt close to NSW parameters as AF isn't working for me. The LFS's don't appear to have the variety like they used to.

albert_dao · #6 08-11-2017, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

I am in need of a new salt close to NSW parameters as AF isn't working for me.

Close NSW is MOST reef salts on the market IME.

You weren't using that ridiculous probiotic salt product, were you?

Potatohead · #7 08-11-2017, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albert_dao

Close NSW is MOST reef salts on the market IME.

Not really. Even the ones that advertise as such are still typically 440/8.5/1400 or around there at 1.026. I want something like 420/7.5/1300 which is basically Tropic Marin Pro, maybe Red Sea blue (alk is higher) and maybe Brightwell? I haven't been able to try any so I don't know for sure. Fauna Marin is close too but also slightly higher alk. Aquaforest is also higher parameters than NSW IME.

At the end of the day it probably doesn't matter and doing a 10% water change isn't really changing tank parameters that much, but it would still be nice to have the option of something different.

DKoKoMan · #8 08-11-2017, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albert_dao

Close NSW is MOST reef salts on the market IME.

You weren't using that ridiculous probiotic salt product, were you?

Lol no I wasn't, just the Reef Salt. That being said I have had nothing but diatom / cyano blooms since changing. I will most likely go back to Reef Crystals.