Salt blends are different... most marine salts don't have the concentration of minerals and nutrients that a reef blend would have... And most salt blends have the same minerals and nutrients in them, just different mfgs put different amounts from each other.... some mix better than others, in my experience... Some have higher PH spikes during mixing etc... it's all trial an error man... What works for you may not work for others... IO is good I used it and reef crystals for awhile... if it works, use it... When you start growing specific things you may want to look at the numbers, till then invest your time in researching/studying other things(IMO).
And I don't believe there is every really time to catch up on anything in this hobby, and no matter how hard you study and how perfect you are doing something, it can all go south in a heartbeat in this hobby.