LFS Water vs. Mix-Your-Own

[cain]

What is the best way to go on saltwater? Lately, all of the saltwater from the LFS has had nitrate levels of at least 12.5 mg/l straight from the container. At the bottom of the containers I always find sand and crap where it looks like others have done water changes into the container and not cleaned it out.

Is this just something that happens everywhere or should I go back to mixing my own water?

Thanks for any help or opinions.

 

[liquid]

I've always mixed my own and have never had problems yet...

Shane

 

[fungia]

after one time i got stinky sulphur smelling water from my lfs, i went back to mixing my own. i dont think most lfs ever clean their mixing water tanks, the ones ive seen are all not as clean as I would like to buy from. mixing is so much easier at home and i know i use good ro water.

 

[taikonaut]

cain, you LFS is selling you sewage.

Either get a reliable RO or RO/DI water source for a reasonable cost, or consider owning a filter yourself.

 

[cain]

Well, just got back from the LFS. I took the old saltwater back for exchange. I got some Oceanic salt mix and some RO.

Any recommendations on RO filters?

 

[taikonaut]

Check out some of the RDO's sponsors' products. Brand names like SpectraPure comes to mine. Or you can see if you can get a deal on ebay, or locally in Costco (~$150 with drinking water kit).