local water and sand.

kk
I've read that you can use local sea water in your reef tank if it's from a super clean area.
Can you use local sand if it's nice, silt free stuff?
maybe mic in some argonite or crushed coral? what's the deal with the argonite sand anyway?

what about local rock. would local stuff fit th aquarium definition of "live"?

sorry about the newb questions.

 

It depends. Usually to collect sea water, you need to go a few miles out to make sure its pure enough. Sand can be an issue too. It needs to be carbonate based, not silicate based or you will encounter nuisance algae that you won't be able to get rid of. As for local rock, I wouldn't use it unless you are positive it is carbonate based as well. Non-carbonate based rock can leach unwanted heavy metals and compounds into the water. Where do you live?

 

north atlantic, Newfoundland.

 

i would look into it because i think down here where i'm at i heard it was illegal to take san from the beach ( not saying anyone would bust you if caught) also look into possible places that may clean the water because in san diego the scripps institute of oceanography pulls it from the ocean and cleans it for public use

 

How about your local aquariums for seawater? My local aquarium provides as much seawater as you want with a membership which is like $40 yearly.