[smokinreefer]

yeah a 40% water change is quite large, and usually isnt recommended...
and yeah, it's also recommended to let the salt mix for a bit before adding to the tank, but...

i dont always follow those guidelines, and i'm sure many of you havent either...(i personally havent had any issues from breaking these guidelines)

but from the sounds of it, there was something wrong with that bucket.
especially if JL tested it as well, and their results were the same as you got.

and especially since it was a brand new bucket right?

i would just get in touch with Instant Ocean, write a "nice" email and let them know youre a first time user, after hearing alot of good first hand testemonials, tell them what happenned, express your concerns, tell them all pertinent info, test results from your tests, and JL. and i am sure they will take appropriate measures to compensate and make things right by you.

good luck with this, and keep us updated.

and, sorry for your losses.