synthetic vs real saltwater

snooky

Member
When I do my water changes, should I use RO water combined with a ocean salt mixture or use real seawater that I can get at my local dealer....I just had a total fish wipeout and all my levels were right on.....only thing was I was using fresh saltwater from a local dealer....thanks
 

snooky

Member
the seawater is in huge tanks.....I live in south florida where real seawater is accsessable
 

chipmaker

Active Member
There is aproduct marketed that is called CAtaline Seawater. ***** and a few other shops sell it and its just plaiin so called filtered raw seawater. Kind of pricey. My lfs also sells bulk saltwater, which they make up with RODI, and sell cheaper than I can make it for, but I usually still make my own. There certainly is nothing wrong with either premade or make your own. Synthetic is probably the most widely used type though. YOU are checking the replacement waters paramters before using it I hope, and not just assuming its ok to use right from the dealer. If its the stuff the shop makes it can vary up or down in PH and SG and may need to be adjusted prior to use.
 

snooky

Member
another mistake!!!! I have not checked any levels for dipersing into the tank

what are the SG levels?
 

sufunk

Member
snooky, im also in south florida. Ive been using the saltwater but have considered mixing my own. Ive asked on here b4 and the "experts" opinions are its safer to use ro and mix yourself. However, i havent had a problem and i find it much easier. My sg is 1.026 (refractometer) and the water i get is 1.026 exactlyas well. I usually test it b4 i do a change and it always tests fine. Im sure its better to mix yourself but its certainly easier to use the saltwater.
Im actually returning a 46 lb tub of instant ocean to big als in like an hour and keep using the salt water
 

armoreefer

New Member
Im in Los Angeles and I use the Catalina Ocean Water (catalina is actually fairly close by) directly from my LFS for about .59/gallon. The paremeters have been fine and I havent had any problems yet. Its much easier for me rather to mix myself, but Im a lazy reefer.
 

amber1983

Member
I buy premixed ro/di saltwater at my LFS. I'm in sough florida too, but i haven't seen anyone around selling real ocean saltwater.
 
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