Sea water question

Lonny · Dec 24, 2016

I live in Oregon, and was wondering if the sea water off my coast is usable in my reef tank. The water here is very cold and I'm guessing higher in nutrients then tropical waters. Is there any special steps that need to be taking before using it?
Thanks

Brew12 · Dec 24, 2016

Lonny said:
I live in Oregon, and was wondering if the sea water off my coast is usable in my reef tank. The water here is very cold and I'm guessing higher in nutrients then tropical waters. Is there any special steps that need to be taking before using it?
Thanks

Yes, it is usable. The real concern isn't the nutrients, its the contaminant and parasites you could collect with the water. Most places that sell NSW at least run it through a UV filter to kill any bugs in the water.
That said, many members on here do use NSW straight from the ocean into their tanks and don't seem to have any issue with it.
@saltyfilmfolks don't you do this?

Paul B · Dec 24, 2016

I use water from here in New York and started my tank with it in the 70s. No problem yet. Cold water "may" even be better for your tank. Of course you will warm it up before you use it.

Lonny · Dec 24, 2016

Paul B said:
I use water from here in New York and started my tank with it in the 70s. No problem yet. Cold water "may" even be better for your tank. Of course you will warm it up before you use it.

Thanks for the replies. I have a boat so I can get away from the bay into open water. So warming the water doesn't kill the plankton and other critters in the water? That was one of my main concerns is putting a bunch of dead loss in the tank. Sounds like it's worked for you though.

Brew12 · Dec 24, 2016

Lonny said:
Thanks for the replies. I have a boat so I can get away from the bay into open water. So warming the water doesn't kill the plankton and other critters in the water? That was one of my main concerns is putting a bunch of dead loss in the tank. Sounds like it's worked for you though.

It will kill some of those critters but the amount of dead material is tiny compared to the other waste sources in your tank. And you really don't need to go too far. I believe Paul collects his from the shore. Just make sure the water looks clean.

Paul B · Dec 24, 2016

Lonny said:
Thanks for the replies. I have a boat so I can get away from the bay into open water. So warming the water doesn't kill the plankton and other critters in the water? That was one of my main concerns is putting a bunch of dead loss in the tank. Sounds like it's worked for you though.

Oh yeah, it will kill them. In the cold I would strain it through a coffee filter to remove the larger stuff like jellyfish and tiny shrimp that will probably die on your way home. The microscopic stuff is fine and the bacteria should also be fine.
I also have a boat, but I just walk out here with a bucket