MIXING SALT IS DEFINITELY THE BEST WAY TO GO. I'VE STARTED A 55 GALLON AND A 155 GALLON WITH INSTANT OCEAN (MY PERSONAL FAV) AND IT WORKS GREAT. I SIPHON MY OLD WATER RIGHT OUT AND PUMP IN PREMIXED, AIRRATED AND HEATED SALTWATER INTO MY TANK. AND YES I USED WATER STRAIGHT FROM TAP EVEN THOUGH...