So help me out with this one!

Explain to me why I shouldnt just use the actual ocean water from the ocean and dump it in my tank. I mean its all natural isnt? That would mean no cycling and no hassle. Someone explain this to me.
PS I live 2 feet from the ocean.

 

Water isn't what really cycles in an aquarium. It is the die off of the "bugs" in rock and sand (bacteria, microorganisms, etc) that causes a cycle. Its the "hardware" that cycles, not the "wetware."

Also, you could be adding unknown parasites and contaminants to your closed system by using ocean water. I'm sure people do it and don't have any problems, though. I personally wouldn't.

If you do use seawater, just remember--you still need to let the tank cycle properly!

Cheers!

 

probably depends on where you live....lots of run off in coastal waters, so it may not be as clean as you think. Maybe if you pull it from off shore, you might be better off?

 

Yep. The water has little to nothing to do with cycling. You will still need to fully cycle the tank no matter where you get you water from.
And also, you need to be careful with where from the ocean you get the water. You can't just walk up to the shore and fill a bucket. The beach is the oceans protein skimmer.
Most people that do use sea water recommend a minimum of 1 mile from shore and a minimum depth of 50 feet for collection

 

hmm never thought about it that way, thank you for the info.
One more quick question do I need a skimmer when the tank is cycling?
Thanks for everyone repplies its help me out alot!

 

K+ Jason. That was pretty much the perfect answer.

No skimming during cycling is the general rule of thumb. Another GROT is running just actinics during this phase.