NSW - how much better is it?

[koda_dad]

Well I had the pleasure of seeing 2 of the most amazing tanks I have ever seen.. (from 2 different people)

Interesting they have one thing in common... they both used Natural Sea Water instead of a mix...and both SWEAR by it.

Opinions? I can get a 60 gallon container for $40 cdn (delivered) or I could go get my own.... :but that strikes me as a bit of a PITA.

 

[phuture1]

where are they getting the sea water from?

 

[koda_dad]

I live in Halifax...we are on the ocean... They live outside of town away from the harbour etc..

NSW (Natural Sea Water) | www.ericsfish.com

Thats the guy who is selling it locally..

 

[tankedchemist]

Well, assuming the water is fairly pollution-free, one advantage that immediately springs to mind is food. NSW contains all sorts of microscopic food sources, which would make most corals quite happy.

 

[sen5241b]

When you look at the many analysis of the mixes compared to NSW --none can fully replicate NSW from the standpoint of the chemistry or the biological organisms in NSW. BUT NSW may be more likely to have parasites!.

 

[VAreef]

When you look at the many analysis of the mixes compared to NSW --none can fully replicate NSW from the standpoint of the chemistry or the biological organisms in NSW. BUT NSW may be more likely to have parasites!.

I'm with you. I wouldn't use it myself. I also wouldn't use LR right from the ocean either. No telling what you can get.

 

[yote]

My biggest concern would be the all the microscopic animals in the NSW.
There is a hige temp difference in our tanks and ocean up there.
I'd worry that all that zoo and phytoplankton would boil and compromise the water quality.
Parameter wise,It would be awesome to be able to use it.:D

 

[sen5241b]

I'm with you. I wouldn't use it myself. I also wouldn't use LR right from the ocean either. No telling what you can get.

I've used a lot of LR from the ocean but I let it turn bone dry and then cure it.

 

[koda_dad]

I read that anything that survives up here when heated dies.

 

[sen5241b]

I read that anything that survives up here when heated dies.

That's probably true but scientists don't even know everything that lives in the ocean. I'd use NSW -if I could get it pollution-free and run it thru a UV sterilizer.

 

[tankedchemist]

actually, a UV sterilizer probably wouldn't be sufficient. to remove all potential parasites (as well as all potential food) you'd also want to use a 2 micron, or better, 0.2 micron membrane to filter it. That would take FOREVER, and the membranes aren't cheap.

 

[dcantucson]

Sounds like too much risk and way too expensive. I would not use it.