You can get saltwater for fish by either making it yourself or purchasing it premixed.
Preparing Saltwater at Home
If you choose to make saltwater at home, remember these key points:
- Use RO/DI water: Always use filtered Reverse Osmosis/Deionized (RO/DI) water when mixing salt. This water is free of harmful chemicals and minerals that can harm your fish. You can purchase RO/DI water if you do not have an RO/DI filter at home.
- Mix with dry salt mix: Combine the RO/DI water with a dry salt mix specifically designed for marine aquariums. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for proper ratios.
Purchasing Premixed Saltwater
Another very convenient option is to buy premixed saltwater.
- Purchase from a local fish store: You can purchase premixed saltwater in convenient 5-gallon plastic carboy-style jugs from your local fish store.
- Transport: When transporting the water, be sure to keep the threaded caps for mess-free transport!
Summary
Here's a quick summary of your options:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| DIY Saltwater | You will need to purchase a dry salt mix, and RO/DI water. You will then mix these two based on the manufacturer's recommendations. |
| Premixed Saltwater | Purchase premixed saltwater from a local fish store. It is typically sold in 5-gallon carboy jugs. The caps are threaded for easy and mess-free transport. |
