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Cheapest good options
For each category: how to judge value, then one budget pick. We pick by cost per use, not sticker price. Products haven't been picked yet. The slots below are placeholders.
Salt mix
How we judge it: Lowest cost per gallon among salts you trust. Use the comparison tool to decide.
Budget pick: [PRODUCT TBD] · Check price at BRS · Check price on Amazon · Check price at Chewy
RODI system & replacement filters
How we judge it: Low cost per gallon over the filter life, with easy-to-find replacement cartridges.
Budget pick: [PRODUCT TBD] · Check price at BRS · Check price on Amazon · Check price at Chewy
Heater
How we judge it: Correctly sized with a reliable thermostat. A controller adds protection against a heater that sticks on.
Budget pick: [PRODUCT TBD] · Check price at BRS · Check price on Amazon · Check price at Chewy
Test kits
How we judge it: Cost per test and readability. Test the parameters you actually dose for.
Budget pick: [PRODUCT TBD] · Check price at BRS · Check price on Amazon · Check price at Chewy
Filter media & socks
How we judge it: Cost per month at your replacement interval, not just the price per pack.
Budget pick: [PRODUCT TBD] · Check price at BRS · Check price on Amazon · Check price at Chewy
Fish & coral food
How we judge it: Cost per ounce fed. Use the food calculator to compare.
Budget pick: [PRODUCT TBD] · Check price at BRS · Check price on Amazon · Check price at Chewy