Collecting Natural Sea Water for Aquarium

February 16, 2017

Question: I have a big saltwater reef aquarium in my home and would like to collect natural sea water for it. What is allowed with regard to collecting natural sea water to use in home aquariums? I live just outside the Sacramento area and am willing to drive north or south but before setting out, I want to know what the rules are or what laws must be followed. Are there any limits on where or how much I can collect? I scuba dive around Monterey a lot and know that most areas are protected and/or are designated reserves, so figured I should ask.
I apologize for the odd question. I’m just hoping to conserve freshwater by using natural saltwater, if it’s possible and makes sense. Initially, I’d like to collect around 300 gallons. Are there are any laws or restrictions that I should be aware of? (Scott F.)

Answer: No, only that collection of seawater is not prohibited as long as you do so outside of marine protected areas. For information and maps of all of the marine protected areas in the state, please check out the CDFW website.

Makes a guy wonder what is in the aquarium? I have wanted a salt water aquarium to grow my AOTY species in and make em big.

Wait. Is she saying that the water itself is protected in an MPA?  I don't think that's right.

Wait. Is she saying that the water itself is protected in an MPA?  I don't think that's right.

I believe she is implying that there may be living marine invertebrates inadvertently captured within seawater collected within an MPA.

I would be afraid of wiping out my reef tank.

There are critters in that seawater you DON'T want!

A box of instant ocean and some RODI water is way easier than the drive from Sacramento.

With the supposedly rising ocean levels, I would think it would be encouraged.

With the supposedly rising ocean levels, I would think it would be encouraged.

Good point!

 I have done this in the past, (in Puerto Rico) and learned the hard way. If you don't black out the water for a week to Kill off everything living in it, you can introduce unwanted problems into your tank. I live in the Central Valley now and use a dedicated R.O. unit and commercial salt.
 good luck

Makes a guy wonder what is in the aquarium? I have wanted a salt water aquarium to grow my AOTY species in and make em big.

A lingcod and a few verms hanging out in the living room would be awsome. And would wouldnbe good for finding new lures.  Would take a lot of years to get those verms up to Doty or Aoty size.

Monsanto feed for fish. Laden trout food, or any of that stuff they sprinkle on the women's German shot putters.