water choice

[sansouci01]

I'm getting a list together to start my first salt water tank. ( 20 gallon )
My question is...is there any advantage to getting pre-made salt water from my local reef store over making it myself ? As far as price goes, it comes out about the same. As this is my first salt tank, I'm thinking doing it myself would give me the experience on how to set up the tank but getting it pre-made sure is convenient.

 

[cgthebeast]

If you make it your self the you need an ro/di unit. You'll get tired of lugging around buckets real fast though if you buy premade

 

[sansouci01]

The bucket thing would be a chore at first to set it up but they sell r/o water as well so a water change on a 20 gallon wouldn't take much plus, I love going to this place anyway and it"s right down the street. Love looking at their 300 gallon tanks...lol

 

[Rutrag]

Before you commit to buying water processed anywhere else on a regular basis, test the source for nitrates and phosphates. Sometimes the stores do not monitor their water supply and the filters int heir purification systems get old and contaminants get through.

 

[sansouci01]

Great advice.
This place is a well known salt water reef supplier so I'm sure they monitor everything but double checking the water would be a smart idea...thanks