Issues with Reef Crystals metal found in salt

[AD87]

I wanted to reach out to the community on how I should handle an issue with Reef Crystals. When mixing up a batch of salt I found some metal in the bottom of my mixing container that came from the salt batch.

I reached out to Spectrum which now owns Instant Ocean and got zero help. I provided pictures of the lot number,salt, metal, proof of pruchase and pics of the box of salt. Does anyone else have some suggestions on course of action?
I have a full blown reef and decided to ditch the salt because I didn't want to risk metal getting into the reef tank. 44 gallons worth of salt and fresh water wasted. Now I understand it may not have been an issue but why risk it.

Keep in mind there is no other way metal could have entered freshly opened bag. And my mixing pump has zero damage.

Thoughts?

 

[eg8r210]

What sort of inspection did you perform on the bottom of the mixing barrel prior to adding water and then salt?

 

[Akida17th]

There isn't much you can do in regards to initiating some sort of refund or compensation IMHO. If it's a reputable company that understands exceptions will occur on their behalf, happened to me with red Sea test kit and they sent me a brand new kit within a week, they should issue you a replacement. Unfortunately it sounds like they aren't that type of company if they aren't answering you, which happens more often than not in this hobby. I've noticed inconsistency with their salt but only use it as a hospital qt salt while using red sea pro reef for my mini display. Good luck friend.

 

[Sabellafella]

I wanted to reach out to the community on how I should handle an issue with Reef Crystals. When mixing up a batch of salt I found some metal in the bottom of my mixing container that came from the salt batch.

I reached out to Spectrum which now owns Instant Ocean and got zero help. I provided pictures of the lot number,salt, metal, proof of pruchase and pics of the box of salt. Does anyone else have some suggestions on course of action?
I have a full blown reef and decided to ditch the salt because I didn't want to risk metal getting into the reef tank. 44 gallons worth of salt and fresh water wasted. Now I understand it may not have been an issue but why risk it.

Keep in mind there is no other way metal could have entered freshly opened bag. And my mixing pump has zero damage.

Thoughts?

Oh wow, i would contact the store you bought your salt from.

 

[AD87]

What sort of inspection did you perform on the bottom of the mixing barrel prior to adding water and then salt?

Since reef crystal causes a brown residue I clean my brute with vinegar after ever use.

 

[jsker]

That is one of the reason I switch away. Myself personally did not experience foreign objects, mine was more inconstancy in the salt of late. There are more unhappy comment about IO and IORC then positive. It a great salt to start a tank though.

 

[AD87]

I also took apart my mixing pump to make sure it didn't fry while mixing.

 

[AD87]

Oh wow, i would contact the store you bought your salt from.

Tried that, I don't feel it's the stores fault since I bought a sealed box 200 gallons worth.

 

[andyg1960]

If you are as sure as you can be that the metal was in the salt mix, I would contact the manufacturer in writing, reference your previous correspondence, and give them 5 business days to make it right, or you will escalate your issue to the Better Business Bureau. Most companies don't like that type of publicity, and step up their customer service. If they don't, you can file a complaint with the BBB online

 

[Reefahholic]

Wow, that's messed up! It's clear to me looking at that piece of metal where it came from. It looks like something that clearly fell into the salt ingredients as the salt was being made. Look at the texture of that piece.

 

[Reefahholic]

Tried that, I don't feel it's the stores fault since I bought a sealed box 200 gallons worth.

I agree with you there. I don't feel it's the stores fault either, but the company that made the salt should definitely reimburse you for at least what was lost in water/salt and also look into the lot number of the bag and go find out how this happened. If they don't have any regard for what happened, I'll be changing salt brands also. This needs to be looked into and addressed.

 

[AD87]

If you are as sure as you can be that the metal was in the salt mix, I would contact the manufacturer in writing, reference your previous correspondence, and give them 5 business days to make it right, or you will escalate your issue to the Better Business Bureau. Most companies don't like that type of publicity, and step up their customer service. If they don't, you can file a complaint with the BBB online

The company denied that they are at fault. I spoke with a rep in writing and after 7 emails back and forth as well as a slew of photos they want me to ship the salt back at my cost and they would replace.

Good idea about the BBB.

 

[andyg1960]

The company denied that they are at fault. I spoke with a rep in writing and after 7 emails back and forth as well as a slew of photos they want me to ship the salt back at my cost and they would replace.

Good idea about the BBB.

In that case, file a complaint with the BBB now. You have done your due diligence with the company

 

[tj w]

Wow, I would have definitely expected more from that company. We as consumers are the ones that can change it though. I will no longer be purchasing IO or IORC. Fritz it is

 

[Reefahholic]

I agree, if they don't own up to this...I'm switching as well.

You are wrong Instant Ocean.

Maybe we should all by magnets and run them through our bags of salt.

What if there's ground up metal...then what?

 

[twilliard]

Have you used a magnet to confirm iron?
I stopped using that salt from inconsistent results and heavy materials.

 

[AD87]

Have you used a magnet to confirm iron?
I stopped using that salt from inconsistent results and heavy materials.

I don't know if it's iron specifically but it's metal for sure.

 

[Sabellafella]

Tried that, I don't feel it's the stores fault since I bought a sealed box 200 gallons worth.

Nooo deffinitly not the stores fault, udually places like bigals marinedepot brs would just send you a whole new box for free

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

+1 to the BBB. It's more of an old school thing anymore, but at least it goes on record and it's searchable on the net now.
I would bet like some other aquarium companies, they've let the money go to their head. So anything other than the company is at fault.

 

[WilRams]

Can't believe they wouldn't step up to make it right. I started to find little small bits of debris in my RC salt. I didn't think anything of it and just plucked and threw away. Wish I would have taken a closer look now that I see this thread. Either way I switch from RC to aquaforest. I was tired of the inconsistency and most of all the way it mixes. Aquaforest is crystal clear in minutes and no residue!