Using Sea Water?

[kw22]

Hi Guys,could I heat up water from the ocean overnight and use it for water changes??I know that lots of aquariums use water from the ocean.I am in the Republic Of Ireland.Thanks a lot,and if I was to do it it would be at high tide in a rural area,very low on pollution,there are so many gobies,blennies,starfish and more in the rockpools there!

 

[philosophile]

There is always the possibility of introducing bacteria or viruses that would not be present in a reef, but present in your area, that could infect your fish and corals.... That said, I don't know if it happens very often. But yes, you can do it. Ideally collect your water a bit further from the coast line, since freshwater sources might lower salinity.

 

[kw22]

There are not any rivers close by I am thinking about bringing my test kit and doing a test to see what it is like.Would that be a good idea?I think it should okay. Thanks for the response

P.S - Can I keep a three banded bullfish and a schooling bannerfish with softies??

 

[kw22]

Thanks a lot I will do a test of the water and see what the perametres are

 

[kw22]

**Sorry,I didn't think the first one worked :/

 

[jonesy1990]

I used to use local sea water but I found it had a lot more nutrients and algae took hold a lot easier. I am located in esperance western Australia with pristine white beaches and it still had too many nutrients. It did work but I just had to clean glass a lot more and do more regular water changes.

 

[Subsea]

Most reef tanks have skewed bacteria populations. Particularly if you are using a protein skimmer. IMO, old tank syndrome is an illustration of lack of biodiversity in these bacteria populations. Bringing in biologically active water from a healthy enviroment could easily provide you with healthy biodiversity. Check out Paul B build thread and post on this hobby forum. He collects mud from Long Island Sound. It goes straight into his tank.

 

[billsreef]

Been using SW from the other side of the pond for decades, even in winter. You'll be fine, and IMO better than ASW

 

[Mr sea water]

Been using SW from the other side of the pond for decades, even in winter. You'll be fine, and IMO better than ASW

I total agree and would never go back to bucket salt! I collect from English Channel.

 

[Shivsreef]

I would say yes as I used to be in Ireland but maybe pass the water through a uv streiliser just to be on the safe side

 

[kw22]

Thanks guys I think that I will give it a try!