Quick question about different waters?

[Squado]

While holding a couple of corals, some inverts, and fish is there really a big difference between the quality of mixing your own salt water or buying premade saltwater? The company I am asking about is Catalina Water company.

 

[roka64]

Hmmm, I can't help you on packaged water. My guess would be the pH might be low and I would test it and heat it before adding it to the tank. I found pre-mixing my salt water for 24-48 hours before hand gives me a chance to monitor salinity/temp/pH and to let the funk settle. To be honest, I kinda like doing it....LOL!!

I just re-read your question.....About holding corals and inverts. I would test the temp and pH. Then, for the inverts, you will have to acclimate them from the packaged water to your tank's water parameters.

 

[vsnsofadrgn]

i think its all a matter of the quality of water that you are dealing with. for example, if you make your own water, are you using tap, bottled water, ro/di water... after answering that, how is that quality (water parameters?) i found that using the lfs water, here, wasnt far from the tap in my apt and i had to buy premade "ocean" water from petco, and it was far better, although FAR more expensive ($10 for 5 gal, OUCH). it also depends on the acclimation process...... hth

the key is testing i spose......

 

[Squado]

My waters parameters as of right now are: Ammonia = 0, Nitrite = 0, nitrate = 5, ph 8.2, calcium = 500, dkh = 13. The water that I was reffering to is the "ocean" water from petco. The petco near me has the water for $6 for 5 gallons though I would give it a try, what do you think about it?

 

[2revup]

depends where they get it from the ocean. the shoreline i wouldnt touch but if it was from in the ocean about 1mile out then yes i would buy it.

 

[roka64]

Just a question.....why don't you mix your own?

 

[vsnsofadrgn]

My waters parameters as of right now are: Ammonia = 0, Nitrite = 0, nitrate = 5, ph 8.2, calcium = 500, dkh = 13. The water that I was reffering to is the "ocean" water from petco. The petco near me has the water for $6 for 5 gallons though I would give it a try, what do you think about it?

i used it for awhile, it was good stuff, i would still use it if it wasnt so expensive..... now i just make my own...

 

[Feron]

If you total up salt mix cost, RO/DI unit, powerhead, heater and a 30g trashcan..
well let's just say the initial expense is faaaaaaaaaaar cheaper then buying your water from any place..

 

[Squado]

I have been mixing my own, I was just wondering what was more benefecial for the tank. Anyway, what should the parameters be for R/O water anyway. I got some today and was just wondering if what they sold me was actually real or not?