Less expensive sources of salt

[Artuk]

Hi,

When I suggested we try salt water for our next tank, my gf pointed out how much the salt costs at the pet store and how much we would need to spend monthly on just that (presuming a 55-75 gal tank).

Are there less expensive sources then what looks like will be a $20-$30 /mo salt cost at the pet store to do regular water changes?

Thanks,

Artuk

 

[wonder371]

how do you plan on doing your water changes?

My LFS sells pre-mixed RO Water with salt already in it. Its about $1 U.S. a gal. I just bought myself a RO so i will have to be adding my own salt as well. When i start searching for my salt i will tell you what works best but right now i don't need more salt. but i will be purchaseing the salt online so the best deal i find can be used by everyone who orders there stuff online. My salt keeps climbing and climbing due to using the pre-mixed water.

P.S. when mixing ur salt or adding water into your tank. I strongly reccomend you don't use tap water. Only use personal RO or RO from your LFS.

 

[Artuk]

I was planning on mixing the salt & water in a bucket marked off in gallons for that purpose when I do partial water changes.

I suppose to keep salinity correct one would need to top off after evaporation, THEN do the water change.

Really, I am just getting info on what costs would be beyond initial setup vs freshwater. Salt and more difficult feeding requirements of a lot of the fish seem to be the primary issues. And fish cost, of course, but since I will have less fish per gallon that would seem to be less of an issue.

Regards,

Artuk

 

[ostrow]

What size tank are you planning on? What sort of tank? Fish only? Reef? How frequently do you imagine you need to do water changes and how large?

I have had a 75G reef tank since June. With it I acquired a nearly full 200G bucket of Instant Ocean salt. It is still 1/4 - 1/3 full. The bucket new costs about $35 (if you are a smart shopper).

Your estimate is wildly inflated.

Now, if you had said the cost of calcium and alkalinity additive, I'd say your estimate is merely inflated, but perhaps not wildly.