Anyone currently using Natural Sea Water?

Consider the location. The saltwater in Connecticut may have different concentrations of ions than that in the southern Pacific, especially in the sound. Not only that, nutrients may be much, much higher in a sound/bay than that near a reef.

If you do decide to try it, make sure to collect water in a method to avoid the surface water. When I sample water for my company, we are required (DEP SOPs) invert our collection vessel, lower it 12" below the surface, and then rotate it right side up again. This method does a good job to avoid surface pollutants (oils and the like) as well as any solids floating on the surface.

I would be hesitant to use seas water so close to shore seeing as how farm run off is causing a lot of algae issues (phosphates and nitrates). Additionally, check into your local laws on this before removing water.

 

After everything that went into \ underwater during hurricane sandy I would stay away from using the water. I believe there was even a recent spill of millions of gallons of fuel near the hudson, not to mention all the sewage that's been dumped the past few years.

 

Typically, I'm a big proponent of using NSW if clean water can be collected efficiently; But being near the Sound, I wouldn't risk it. FWIW, my job takes me to the DE and MD eastern shores quite frequently, but with the recreational activities there, along with the fact that the area is between the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays with their industries, farms, shipping channels, etc., I wouldn't even consider using that water in my tank.