I say take 1 gallon of distilled water and add some salt at a time and record it until you get the level you want then record it. This is your base then add whatever spices you like, if you like dill, add dill seed, dried dill, and lots of fresh dill. Another important ingredient is Ball Pickle Crisp, google it. I only leave mine on the counter for two days then in the fridge in a glass jar with loose lid. Low and slow is my recipe. If you slightly roast the dill seeds don't blame me for the flavor output! :) I love fresh garlic in mine but I also have made with some onion or shallot, yeah I'm weird.