jeff_pdx Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I am currently running a 14 Gal BioCube. The tank has been set up for about 18 months. I have recently grown tired of mixing my own saltwater, and I am considering using salt water from a LFS in town. I am sure everybody has an opinion on this, so I thought I would ask. Is there a noticeable difference from one store to the next in terms of water quality? Also, how should I make this transition from my water to using pre mixed water. Your responses are appreciated. Thanks, Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 The only thing I worry about with store bought saltwater is the TDS before the salt was added. You have to take the LFS word for it that the water was pure before salt was added. Some of the stores are good about changing RO/DI filters and some are not... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benny503 Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Use seahorse's saltwater, I am using it and haven't change water for 6 months. My coraline and zoa growth pretty well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowman Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I am currently running a 14 Gal BioCube. The tank has been set up for about 18 months. I have recently grown tired of mixing my own saltwater, and I am considering using salt water from a LFS in town. I am sure everybody has an opinion on this, so I thought I would ask. Is there a noticeable difference from one store to the next in terms of water quality? Also, how should I make this transition from my water to using pre mixed water. Your responses are appreciated. Thanks, Jeff There cab be huge differences from store to store. It depends on how fresh their filters are, how well they clean the saltwater storage tanks, the kind of salt they use, the SG of said water, temperature of the water. A lot of things can go wrong. I know it is a bummer to make your own water, but in the end, why "fix it if it aint broken"? You could go to each store, ask for a sample and test some of the water quality parameters for your self. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Water isn't that hard to make. Just continue to make your own. That way you know exactly what is in your tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I would have to agree with Michael here. I used to buy pre mixed from stores all the time, but I have to admit I have had the best results ever since I decided to just make my own. I used to only do it once in a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Making your own salt - you keep the quality high. You can make it eaiser to "make" salt, I use a 55gal drum, divert some water from the ro/di, add the salt and mix the saltwater in that with a mag 12, usually a couple days ahead of the WC. then just pump it out to the sump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfisher Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Depending on your situation, I can't think of a easier no brainer set up than the one I have. Large garbage can on wheels. 1200 pump in the bottom to circulate salt mixture and use as a transfer pump ie: stick it in the tank with long hose for drain and then stick it in the can to tranfer salt mix from can into tank. Mounted the RO/DI outside next to the faucet and can let the can fill without a headache. over run goes in the dogs bowl and then runs off to the grass. I had been using 5 gallon water jugs and they worked fine also, just have to remember to switch the hose to the other one. It seems to be a good way to do it, but if you are only sticking to 14 gallon cube and a 20% change every week nets you roughly 2.5 gallons It may work out best to stick with one store, better consistancy, one or two 5g jugs and store them in a closet until needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pledosophy Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 I buy my water too. I can mix it, but with the space we have setting up the RODI would be tight and it is just easier to buy it for me. Since Waves has closed I haven't done a waterchange so . . . if you find a good spot LMK. The last time I tried getting water at seahorses, couple years back there were detectable nitrates, phosphates and the calcium was in the low 300's. It has been some time, maybe just a bad batch, I might try them again to see if things have changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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