Natural Sea Water

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am have a question about using natural sea water versus synthetic salt water. I have had a brand new tank started for about 3 weeks and have a problem with algae, pH, and various other difficulties. I realize that cycling a new tank comes with these problems but have recently come upon the availablility of natural sea water. My question is, is natural sea water as good as some people say it is? Does it really provide a more balanced environment from the start? If I wanted to start using natural sea water, does it need to be cycled like synthetic water? Finally, if I use the natural sea water, would it be ok to completely empty and clean my tank and refill it with the natural sea water? Thanks for your help. I am new to saltwater and want to do whats best for the inhabitants. Thanks!

ANSWER: hello,

I would use it under certain conditions.
1. Store this water in a cool place for 3 days.  Let the sediment settle to the bottom. Make sure salinity is 1.023-1.025

2. siphon out the rest and place it in your tank.  Leave about an inch or two on the bottom of the storage container.
3. Place in tank with nothing in it,  just filter and equipment. Let it filter for about a week with no animals in it.
4. check water every day for balanced chemistries, ph, ammonia, nitrates and nitrites if all are good. The tank should be fine. make sure if you are planning to put live rock in it place this in the tank during step three.

5.  if done properly natural sea-water is good. Just make sure your water chem is up to par meaning ph 8.0-8.3  NH3 is 0  nitrite is 0 nitrate 20 ppm.
good luck Todd

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help. I have two more questions though. If I buy pre-filtered and clean sea water, should I still let it sit? And, other than cycling for the week with equipment and live rock, does it have to cycle like tap water for several weeks to be ready for inhabitants (assuming all the specs, pH Nitrite Nitrate and Ammonia, are good)?  

Answer

Hello,

If you are buying natural pre-filtered water the chemistries will be fine.  You do not have to let it sit.
When using this type of water I would still let it cycle when adding live rock because there will be some die-off from the live rock. This die-off can affect/raise ammonia and nitrite so that is why I would let it cycle a bit.  It depends on how much rock you are buying as well. I like mine two sit for one to two weeks.  I have tried using this type of sea water and I love it. I use it now when doing water changes. You can place the cured live rock in the tank and perform daily water tests for at least one week.  If all is good just add one fish and watch/test. Also please buy cured rock.

Good luck
Todd