anyone use ?

[Kitteness]

Does anyone go to the aquarium and get there saltwater that they sell? And if so how much and how does it work?

 

[dnjan]

Have used it for a couple of years. Do a search.

 

[snobanker]

I know a few peope here use it and like it and some recommend against it. Heres a couple of links where it was discussed, including the link to the Seattle Aquarium HTH


http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12148&highlight=seattle+aquarium

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8539&highlight=seattle+aquarium

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4109&highlight=seattle+aquarium

http://www.seattleaquarium.org/about/sales/

 

[Kitteness]

Does anyone have any experiences with the water they now sell boxed up at the stores?

 

[Kitteness]

okay maybe this is a stupid question but if you fill your tank up to start off with aquarium water(to cut the intial price) then switch over to the reef crystals for water changes and so forth do you have to cycle the tank? isn't the ocean water already cycled? I think I know the answer but I not sure if its the right one.

 

[dabears26]

Well kitteness,I have used ro/di water from my local fish store but had to start adding buffers and had ups and downs in my alk..So went back to my secret recipe water and has been fine ever since...But what works for one may not work for another.....And if you were to ask anyone 9 out of 10 would recomend RO/DI .......Just my input..Oh Yeah the box stuff is nice for nanos but pricey$$$$

 

[Bruddah_Chrispy]

okay maybe this is a stupid question but if you fill your tank up to start off with aquarium water(to cut the intial price) then switch over to the reef crystals for water changes and so forth do you have to cycle the tank? isn't the ocean water already cycled? I think I know the answer but I not sure if its the right one.

Aloha e Kitteness,

Changing salts, whether switching brands or moving from purchased saltwater to home brewed, should not cause your tank to cycle. But it should probably be done gradually since any formulation of salts will introduce different ratios of trace minerals into your tank.

 

[Skimmy]

okay maybe this is a stupid question but if you fill your tank up to start off with aquarium water(to cut the intial price) then switch over to the reef crystals for water changes and so forth do you have to cycle the tank? isn't the ocean water already cycled? I think I know the answer but I not sure if its the right one.

not a stupid question, because your asking it now
you will have to go through a cycle no matter how you slice it, even when you use water and live rock from an established system. granted, in that case it's usually a much shorter cycle, with effects that arent as drastic as a new set up, but it will occur none the less.
take for instance when i move an established aquarium, even though you use all the previous components from the tank , plus a little new water, there is definately a period of time when the livestock are at risk because the bacteria strains (which invariably get disturbed during the move) have to re-colonize every surface you drained and cleaned, and the rock , if it spends more than an hour out of water will have a decent amount of bacterial die off as well.

 

[dnjan]

okay maybe this is a stupid question but if you fill your tank up to start off with aquarium water(to cut the intial price) then switch over to the reef crystals for water changes and so forth do you have to cycle the tank? isn't the ocean water already cycled? I think I know the answer but I not sure if its the right one.

Couple of ways to interpret your question:
Starting with NSW will not mean you don't have a cycle period in a new tank, because (as mentioned above), you need to establish the bacteria on and in the rock, sand, etc.
Once that bacteria film is established, switching over to artificial salt mix (with no bacteria) will not require a new cycle. But, it should be done gradually (as also mentioned above) because changes in the salt chemistry can be stressful.

If, however, you were asking if starting with NSW could eliminate new tank cycling completely, the answer is no.

 

[jetaero]

The boxed NSW at petco, is made by catalina water company, and comes out down there. Most of the wholesalers use it, and I find it very good, but high in price.

 

[Kitteness]

Hmm.. good thing I asked that ?

 

[dnjan]

I just noticed that 4:50 am posting time for your last post (above).

Planning on keeping nocturnal fish ???

 

[Kitteness]

I am very nocturnal! I wish we had cheaper kwH rates at night so I could run it all lights at night