Hello, fellow reef enthusiasts! Welcome back to Blue Earth Aquariums’ blog. Today, we’re looking into a crucial topic of Natural vs. Artificial water – selecting the perfect water for your reef aquarium. Nestled in West Palm Beach, we at Blue Earth Aquariums are excited to share our insight on Natural Sea Water (NSW) versus Artificial Salt Water (ASW).
Natural Sea Water (NSW): A Glimpse of the Ocean
NSW brings the ocean right into your aquarium. It’s brimming with essential microorganisms and trace elements, fostering a balanced marine habitat. However, sourcing NSW has its challenges. We must ensure its collection doesn’t harm the environment. Also, preparing NSW for your tank involves some effort (Link to study on responsible sourcing).
Insightful Comparison of Sea Salt Brands
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together a detailed comparison of various sea salt brands:
| Brand Name | Alkalinity (dKH) | Calcium (mg/l) | Magnesium (mg/l) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reef Crystals | 13.0 | 490 | 1440 |
| Red Sea Coral Pro | 12.2 | 450 | 1340 |
| Coralife | 11.0 | 560 | 1380 |
| Instant Ocean | 11.0 | 400 | 1350 |
| Seachem Reef | 10.0 | 540 | 1450 |
| Tropic Marin – Classic | 10.0 | 375 | 1230 |
| E.S.V. B-Ionic Seawater System Salt Mix | 9.0 | 450 | 1400 |
| hw-Marinemix Reefer | 9.0 | 445 | 1380 |
| Oceanic | 8.5 | 580 | 1650 |
| Kent Marine | 8.5 | 540 | 1200 |
| Fluval Sea | 8.5 | 490 | 1425 |
| Aquaforest Reef Salt Mix | 8.0 | 450 | 1390 |
| Red Sea | 7.7 | 410 | 1280 |
| Brightwell NeoMarine | 7.5 | 413 | 1290 |
| Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt | 7.0 | 430 | 1450 |
Natural Filtered Sea Water: Our Approach at Blue Earth Aquariums
At Blue Earth Aquariums, we utilize natural sea water (NSW), filtered to ensure purity and balance. This water is collected with a deep respect for the ocean’s ecology, ensuring sustainability. Our NSW offers an authentic marine experience, rich in beneficial microorganisms like Phyto, Zooplankton, and trace elements, vital for an aquatic ecosystem. After a water change, we observe our corals showing more polyp extension, indicating they’re happy and healthy. This quick response from our sea life demonstrates the excellent quality and balance of the NSW we use.
Artificial Salt Water (ASW): The Versatile Alternative
For those who prefer a more controlled environment, we also provide high-quality Artificial Salt Water (ASW). This option is perfect for inland aquarists with no access to NSW or those seeking consistency in their water parameters.
Reverse Osmosis (RODI) Water: A Pure Foundation
In addition to NSW and ASW, we offer Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. RO water is stripped of impurities and minerals, providing a clean slate for precise water chemistry management. It’s an excellent choice for aquarists who prefer to customize their water parameters to specific needs.
