Cheapest way to make saltwater

[fhawk362]

Whats the cheapest way to make saltwater, im thinking about starting a salt tank but am trying to keep it in my budget, so what have you guys come up with when it comes to making cheap saltwater, any websites or brands or something that are cheaper than others, and give me an idea of how much it would be.
Thank you

 

[cellowithgills]

sounds like a recipe for failure.

Salt is just one of those things you have to spend money on. Kent and Instant Ocean are fairly "cheap".

 

[nonstophoops]

sounds like a recipe for failure.

Salt is just one of those things you have to spend money on. Kent and Instant Ocean are fairly "cheap".

I 2nd that.

Personally I think Instant Ocean is the cheapest. You can get 200 gallon boxes of the stuff for 50 bucks. That is 25 cents a gallon. Anything you make is going to cost at least that and will most likely not be formulated with the right combination of minerals and what not.

 

[Gasha]

you live in florida... grab some 5 gallon buckets and get movin

 

[nonstophoops]

you live in florida... grab some 5 gallon buckets and get movin

Not a good idea.

Around the shore the water quality could possibly be quite poor. Also, you are risking introducing all sorts of parasites and disease. Just not worth it.

Not to mention how heavy water is and how little fun it is to haul places.

 

[fhawk362]

you live in florida... grab some 5 gallon buckets and get movin

That was my initial plan lol, except I moved to orlando, Im not near the coast anymore.

And to the rest, Im not planning on concocting anything, was more so just trying to get an idea of where you guys buy yours and what brands you used to keep costs down.

 

[komodo182]

I would love to do a salt tank myself, just don't think I have the money for that one yet.
So for that reason I am subscribing to this thread just in case something neat comes up.

 

[fhawk362]

I would love to do a salt tank myself, just don't think I have the money for that one yet.
So for that reason I am subscribing to this thread just in case something neat comes up.

Well here in florida all you need to get fish is a recreational salt license so next time I go home Im going diving and picking up some fish, I already have the tank, light and filter, I have some sand left over too, so the only thing I need to buy is the salt, Im planning on doing plenty of water changes though cause I hear saltwater params fluctuate more frequently than in fresh, which is why cheap salt is beneficial

 

[Chaz88]

Well here in florida all you need to get fish is a recreational salt license so next time I go home Im going diving and picking up some fish, I already have the tank, light and filter, I have some sand left over too, so the only thing I need to buy is the salt, Im planning on doing plenty of water changes though cause I hear saltwater params fluctuate more frequently than in fresh, which is why cheap salt is beneficial

I am sure it varies from set up to set up but on my salt tank having the live rock and protein skimmer seams to keep water conditions more stable than my FW, at least after everything cycles and has a chance to mature. However it is more work and expense when a water change is needed.

You might also check with some of the local public aquariums, sometimes they have free filtered salt water for locals.

P.S. even with a fishing license you want to check if the fish you are collecting are protected or if the season is open or closed on them. Outside of 12 miles you can general catch whatever you want but transporting back across state and federal waters can be a problem. From experience the Florida patrols normally just stay by the inlets and ramps and do random checks.

 

[fhawk362]

I am sure it varies from set up to set up but on my salt tank having the live rock and protein skimmer seams to keep water conditions more stable than my FW, at least after everything cycles and has a chance to mature. However it is more work and expense when a water change is needed.

You might also check with some of the local public aquariums, sometimes they have free filtered salt water for locals.

P.S. even with a fishing license you want to check if the fish you are collecting are protected or if the season is open or closed on them. Outside of 12 miles you can general catch whatever you want but transporting back across state and federal waters can be a problem. From experience the Florida patrols normally just stay by the inlets and ramps and do random checks.

For sure, yea I've already looked into the regulations and the fish I can catch and keep and such and already have an idea of what I will try for.