Should I buy a 200 bucket of IO?

[dtorrent]

Thanks to Kenny, I found out that Pet Warehouse/Dr. Foster Smith is running a deal on IO with 200 gallon buckets for $40.49 + $7.99 shipping. That would be a really good deal for me since I am paying high LFS salt prices.

The issue is that I have a small 20 gallon tank and only change 5 gallons a week, so it would take me 40 weeks to go through this bucket. Does the bucket keep the salt fresh and airtight? Would the salt go bad or separate after this extended period? I don't want to sacrifice my tank's well-being to save money on salt, with all of the $$ of have invested in it!

Thanks!

 

[dtorrent]

Okay, the title should obviously read 200 GALLON bucket of IO!

 

[witchdoctor]

Yes, the containers are air-tight, and the salt lasts quite a while. I would go ahead and get the bucket. I think it's better that way, since the bucket seals, and the bags don't.

 

[Ben1]

I always get the bucket, for 36$ at my LFS.

 

[JerseyReef]

I just received the new issue of Pet Warehouse/Dr. Foster Smith and it lists IO 200gal bucket for $34.95 + shipping. Are you sure that the price correct?

Lucky for me my LFS sells it for $34.95

 

[Ryan22]

$36

All the LFS's around me sell the 200 gallon buckets for close to and many times over $100.00, I've even seen them as high as $114.00 I bought my last bucket for $89.00 and paid $25.00 for a 50 gallon bag. I think I need to start ordering them by mail, but I was always worried about shipping cost. $7.99 for shipping doesn't sound that bad

 

[amcarrig]

Hey Ryan: Where the heck are they charging that much for salt? I think mail order is in your future and mine

 

[AuroraDave]

I just got another catalog from them and they are having a 10% off sale. Normal price is $34.95 minus 3.50 is $31.50 + S&H.
If it helps the cat.Ref# is "Stingray"
My LFS are $50 to $70.

 

[dtorrent]

The sale price is on their website:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=4854

So the general thought is that the gradual use of this 200 gallon bucket of salt over a 10-month period (5 gallon water changes a week) would not degrade the salt quality? It would be a big savings for me as I currently pay $25 + tax for a 50 gallon bag at the LFS.

 

[JerseyReef]

I would mention the price in the catalog, they should match it.

To your second question, as long as you keep the bucket closed. It shouldn't be a problem.

Plus you can't beat the extra bucket!

What reefer couldn't use more buckets?! LOL

 

[ShagMan]

Those are $59 locally for me (as a data point)