Ocean water for use

[blk822]

I live with in 30 miles of the pacific in washington state. I have thought about useing water from the beach but I am worried about contaminates and picking up something in the water that may be harmful to my tank. Plus this is a cold water area and all the things i nour reef set ups are tropical. Is this a bad Idea to use water from a beach or cold water ocean source? But then again I could start a cold water set up and use local animals, we actually have some really nice things growing out there.

 

[fishman830]

i think that could work (a cold water setup)

 

[seaslugs]

Hi BLK822,,
I use ocean water but not from directly offshore. I hesitate to even swim in the coastal waters here in SoCal!
I'm sure your coastal water is in much better shape and you may get a decent supply if you boat out a mile or two. If you filter the heavy stuff out and test it it may be OK to use.
I know the waters off of the Northwest coast is turbulent enough that it should serve as a good filter.