Natural vs RODI Saltwater

[NoxAeternus]

Hello all,

I recently moved from Chicago to San Diego. I'm hearing that there is a research institution that provides filtered saltwater to the public.

Previously I was using RODI saltwater from my LFS.

What are the pros/cons of using natural vs synthetic? Should I be safe using this natural filtered seawater? I'm mostly concerned with adding harmful contaminants to my tank.

Thanks

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Here's the deal. NSW is a gamble. RO/DI water is 100% controllable.

Lots of people use natural sea water, and if it's being provided by a reputable organization, then it's probably safer than collecting it yourself. However, the potential for variations would make me nervous - there's really no way to be 100% sure you're testing for or removing everything that could potentially be problematic, without destroying the water's makeup and starting from scratch.

 

[loosecannon]

Noxaeternus: Ask whats in the institation`s water. Than test it your self any way.

 

[busybee04]

If you're talking about Scripps water in San Diego, it's one of the best NSW available. A lot of people from LA County make the drive down there just to get barrels of Scripps water for their tanks.

 

[barbra]

You are speaking of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla. When I lived in SD I got my water from there to do the original fill, and then used RO/DI to make up replacement. It's easier to make the water yourself than to use Scripps' water. Those trips get to be a burden.

 

[NoxAeternus]

It must be the Scripps Pier then. After google mapping it, it's pretty close, so it doesn't seem like that would be much of a burden to drive there.

Since it appears that this water supply is reputable, does natural sea water provide benefits that RO/DI does not?