Store Bought Natural Seawater?

[jellyfish4me]

I guess I should have asked this before, but I'm doing my first water change and it just crossed my mind.

My tank is a small 5.6 gal tank. I have been using the already mixed saltwater that you can buy at the LFS. At least that's what I thought it was. I know its probably more expensive to use this ready-to-go saltwater than to mix my own, but with a tank this small, I want the convenience.

Its not actually mixed salt and water like I thought. It is purified natural seawater. Does anyone use this? It talks about the manufacturer not adding any trace elements to it. Is this something that I will need to do for my future soft corals?

Sorry if this topic has been touched on before. I did a search and came up with results that involve people going to the ocean and getting there water from there. Mine is bought from Petco and/or Petsmart.

[M Reed]

since it is a small tank the price may be worth it. Trace elements for corals, etc have to be added whether you are using that water or your own. make sure the parameters are the same as your tank water before you add it or you could have issues.

[syrinx]

For tanks smaller than ten gallons- I think it is a fine idea, especially for beginners. Small tanks need water that is mixed exactly, and this eliminates one pitfall.

[agranoff]

I use nutri-seawater for my 16 gallon. Have had no issues with it. Makes things so easy. Yes its expensive vs. mixing my own salt but since I am running a small tank its fine for my budget.