ocean water in reef tanks?

[Megalodon]

I know of people doing it. In fact that's what a lot of professional aquariums do, at least the ones near a shore, Vancouver Aquarium being an example. They don't mess with IO they get the real deal.

The main thing that would concern me are pollutants. Also, being from cold water here in Canada I wonder if parasites and bacteria would be a problem in a tropical environment or if it would all die.

Other than that, what better source of sea water than real sea water?

[hillegom]

I think it would be a very good idea. But you would have to get the water from somewhere away from urban areas, away from pollution.

[fkshiu]

The main problem is access. As you know, water is very heavy. Lugging huge containers of it from boat to shore to car to your house is a huge hassle even if you live right next to the water. Van Aquarium has the luxury of having a built-in pumping/filtration station on site. Not many people could afford to install something like that.

[Mandosh]

Originally Posted by fkshiu

. Van Aquarium has the luxury of having a built-in pumping/filtration station on site.

They do pump the majority of their water straight out of the Burrard Inlet, but the water in the one live-coral tank gets shipped from the Red Sea. Not sure how much of a difference that makes though considering my tanks look nicer than theirs using cheap salt and having very limited knowledge.

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by Mandosh

They do pump the majority of their water straight out of the Burrard Inlet, but the water in the one live-coral tank gets shipped from the Red Sea. Not sure how much of a difference that makes though considering my tanks look nicer than theirs using cheap salt and having very limited knowledge.

Yeah, their coral tank is pretty sad looking for a public aquaria. Last time I checked it had pretty much been overrun by blue mushrooms. I've always wondered what kind of surge system they used in that aquarium.

[banditpowdercoat]

Wow, all the way form the Red sea, that's cost effective for sure..

[lockrookie]

after thi thought and startng this thread what does my local fish store bring in... but ocean water ina bottle go figure a little pricey mind you 30 bucks for 4.4 g i supose it would b k to helpjump start a system with all the micro organismns in the water. who knows

[Raven34]

People live on the coast do it all the time, even if there is some toxins in the water it would be .000001 parts per million. LA fish guy on Youtube does all his water changes from the ocean.

[lastlight]

If you search for "natural seawater" on RC you'll have more reading than you can handle. Seems to be many doing it with good results but many concerns are voiced over the source, pollutants and the consistency of the water over time.