Filling my tank with water and salt

[Automaticboy6]

So I am upgrading from my 55 to a 90. I used tap water and red sea salt mix to begin the cycle for the 55. The 55 I now empty as I wait for the 90 gallon tank. Am thinking I will begin a cycle of water in my 55 to add the water to my 90 gallon tank. Should I use tap water, red sea salt and maybe some sort of bacteria to start the cycle? Is there a better salt mix (that's affordable). Thanks.

[Toxiq Reef]

Learn now, ro/di water only, for aquaria, not tap

[+Mel in Elgin]

I agree with Toxiq Reef... If you don't have an RO/DI system you can buy the water at the local fish stores for something like 1.00 for a 5 gallon bucket. It's worth the money and the trip to the LFS to avoid all the problems tap water can cause...

[Automaticboy6]

New to hobby so didn't know importance of RO/DI . I am going to use it for my 90 gallon. What brands, and gpd should I be looking for?

[stoneroller]

I'd start here http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/reverse-osmosis-filters-and-systems

There should be another group order in the near future. Or keep your eye on for sale threads under hardware.

[Aqua-Dome]

Not that RO isnt a step above, but i've been keeping mixed aquaria for 10 years using dechlorinated tap water from new braunfels and north and south austin. Use seachem prime.

[Timfish]

I use R.O. and R.O. D.I. but I've also been using tap on this tank for 3 1/2 years and haven't seen a difference:

Irregardless of which one you use you;ll want to keep your eye on the phosphates. I would also encourage you to get Vol 3 of Sprung and Delbecks :The Reef Aquarium" and read ch. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. It covers stuff in much better detail than can be covered in a post here. But one thing this website is great for is connecting with people who have hands on experience with keeping and growing stuff.

See also DoMa's tank for a 300 acro tank maintained with tap.