Fresh Ocean Water Or Salt Mix??

[Queenslander]

I am very lucky to live very near the ocean and have a boat so I can easily pump fresh ocean water into drums and the water quality where I am is very good.

Now the questions are : -

1. Ocean water of salt mix?
2. How long can I store Fresh Ocean water before ading to my tank?
3. How long can you store mixed salt mix before it goes off?

I have heard different stories that you have to use it within 24 hours/3 hours etc

[aquaman67]

When you use ocean water, you're not 100% sure what else you are getting with the water.

But you can't beat the price!

It would be hard for me to decide which one I'd use if I could get seawater free.

As for storing, synthetic saltwater will be ok for a month or more if stored in a closed container.

Seawater wouldn't last as long as there are living things in it.

[vinstr]

I'd stick with the mix...you just never know what else you might get with the seawater. I don't mean polution, etc but live critters/bacteria..ich. Stuff that occurs naturally in seawater but can reak havoc in a confined aquarium...

[Putawaywet]

Sorry, but I just find it humorous that everyone is so afraid of NSW. You'll eagerly add live rock, live sand, fish, corals..... but NOT seawater?

Brett