Experience Ordering Salt Mix Online?

[mike550]

I’d like to purchase salt mix from online retailers like BRS, Marinedepot, etc. but a container for 200G mix of weighs 30-40 lbs(?) Worried about container breaking etc. Does anyone have experience ordering salt online?

If it matters I’m looking at Tropic Marin Pro Reef which comes in basically a five gallon bucket container

Thanks in advance!

 

[MTBake]

No issues after dozens of buckets ordered over the years. I usually order 3-5 buckets at a time when it goes on sale.

 

[Waterislife]

My salt comes in a box from Amazon, they can't even screw that up

 

[Reefnman2]

I believe many of us order our salts on line and I've never had an issue plus for me anyway I save nearly 25.00 a bucket over my LFS.

 

[JDnKY]

Yours won’t be the first bucket of salt that BRS has shipped! I’ve had a few buckets delivered without incident. Red Sea comes in a 5 gallon bucket, inside a cardboard box with styrofoam on the top and bottom. I was much more concerned when I ordered fluorescent light bulbs but they have that figured out too.

 

[Falco]

Depending on the salt its not really and issue. I have ordered TM Pro and ESV salt from BRS with no issues as it comes in 5g buckets that they pack inside of a box. However I did have an issue when I first started out with an order of Fritz salt as that came in a box (no bucket at all) and 2 or the 4 boxes were destroyed by shipping company.

 

[mike550]

I believe many of us order our salts on line and I've never had an issue plus for me anyway I save nearly 25.00 a bucket over my LFS.

Thanks Reefman. Honestly I try to support my LFS as best I can. While $25 is a bit steep of a price difference I’d gladly pay a few extra $ to keep a local place in business! But hard to find LFS around me that stocks this salt.

 

[Scurvy]

Ive had a few damaged buckets ordering online but overall it goes off without a hitch. Usually just a cracked bucket if anything.

 

[Billdogg]

I'm pretty sure the FedEx guy hates me. I order 5-7 cases at a time. Not only is there a significant cost savings compared to my LFS (who I support as much as I can BTW), it's delivered to my front door so all I have to do is get it to the basement fishroom

 

[Crabs McJones]

Ordered two bags if red sea blue bucket from brs. Both came intact and no issues

 

[Phyber]

I've been ordering buckets from amazon. they come in a box, which ends up delivered looking like hell, but the bucket is always ok. I'd be leery of ordering a box of salt, but ive never tried it...it may be ok.

 

[TheOne]

I buy a 200 gallon box of IO off of Amazon every time it drops below $40 with free two day shipping. It comes in a sealed bag so no worries if UPS runs over it with their truck or not.

On a side note, I have been to my local UPS several times after hours to pick up packages and you should see how they throw the packages onto and off of the conveyor belts.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I buy a 200 gallon box of IO off of Amazon every time it drops below $40 with free two day shipping. It comes in a sealed bag so no worries if UPS runs over it with their truck or not.

On a side note, I have been to my local UPS several times after hours to pick up packages and you should see how they throw the packages onto and off of the conveyor belts.

I've heard to never mark packages "Fragile" because apparently they're more prone to throw the box around thinking its funny.
Its not their package what do they care

 

[TheOne]

Yeah, It was in the wintertime also and they make them load and unload the trucks with the bay doors open. It was freezing cold and they had heavy jackets, hoodies and gloves on. You think they are looking for a fragile sticker, ha.

It could be cheaper at the LFS and I would still order it online. I've lugged enough buckets from the store to my truck and up my driveway. My UPS guy is smart and uses a dolly, ha.

 

[ruskimax]

Never had a problem until yesterday. Bag of IO RC came in clumped solid, no tears in the bag just rock hard. Having them exchange it but otherwise its always been cheaper and never had issues.

 

[Quietman]

Ordering bags (in boxes) of HW Marine...no issues to date. Banged up boxes for sure and unhappy UPS folks I'm sure, but no issues with salt not being where it's supposed to be - in the bag.

 

[Mical]

I've ordered dozens of buckets from BRS and on occasion one will come cracked or broken (compliments of our Minnesota winters and "agile delivery folks at UPS & USPS" - mark it fragile means they only back over it once)

BRS has ALWAYS gracefully accommodated a replacement and quickly as long as you notify them promptly and send them a photo.

 

[SamsReef]

The only time I have had issue when I ordered from Petco. They have periodically $30 off $100 AND they carry Tropic Marine (gold standard for reef salt).
The buckets came broken twice but I should add that Petco was very good in replacing the buckets as long as you show that bucket was broken and When it came. For me it’s very easy as I have best doorbell camera .

sam

 

[mfinn]

I've order so many boxes and buckets of salt over the years I can even begin to estimate how many and only once have I had a issue with the container ( box ) breaking.
It came with about 10lbs of tape around it and all 4 of the bags were damaged. All were taped up.
I contacted Dr. Foster and Smith and the box was replaced.

 

[Feet4Fish]

I don't think I have ever purchased salt in person! Always online and no issues!