offminded

this is probably very stupid to ask, but water evaporation will lead to a higher reading on my hydrometer, right? in order to balance it out i just add fresh water to the tank to top it off...right? can i just buy drinking water that is sold at the grocery store? sorry for sounding like a complete idiot, but i have to ask...thanks!

Wolfgang8810

yup water evaporates not salt so when water goes away salt goes up. You CAN use the drinking water but look on the jugs for wither distilled or reverse osmosis water.

offminded

which do i choose?

Peterpiper

RO Water is the best to top up with. don't use distilled water as it has no minerals (you should not drink it! ) if you use anything but RO water you will need to treat it some as tap water.. ie get rid of the chlorine

offminded

ro water is readily available in stores, right?

agsansoo

RO/DI or distilled water (Sparkletts-distilled) is fine. You will replace trace minerals with your saltwater changes (salt mix). Where in California are you located. Many LFS carry NSW (natural saltwater) here on the west coast.

offminded

i am near the bat area...i actually started my tank with seawater from a local store. they sell it for 99 cents a gallon. i just know that i top off with pure water and then change the water with seawater

agsansoo

I buy RO/DI and NSW from my LFS. RO/DI water is .25 a gallon, NSW is .50 a gallon. I'm going to try Red Sea Coral Pro Salt mix too. I've heard great reviews about about this salt mix.

offminded

wow...50 cents...where is that?

agsansoo

Down here in L.A. Here LFS are like liquor stores, there's one on every block ... LOL

offminded

dang...must be nice. i know that i am going to have to make my own...but it makes me nervous!

agsansoo

Also free NSW saltwater at UCSB Santa Barbara . A hose and a spicket and help yourself !

offminded

are you serious wow...next time i drive down that way i'll bring my water jugs!

agsansoo

It's easy ... 5 gal bucket, air stone or powerhead and a small heater. Let it stir for 24 hours and your good to go. Just follow directions on the salt mix bag.

offminded

yeah...i guess its not that bad...probably cheaper in the long run

Peterpiper

Hi Agsansoo, long time no see. I have been using Red Sea Coral Pro and must say the limited corals I have love it, has all the trace elements... even gave the coraline a nice boost, but it must only be mixed with RO water

agsansoo

Thanks for the tip Peterpiper ! I'm going to be ordering some today or tomorrow. Yeah a lot of people use to use Tropic Marin Pro Reef around here, have switched to Red Sea Coral Pro.