Here’s the truth: for 90% of beginner tanks, tap water + dechlorinator + a good test kit is your best friend. Fill a bucket, add the drops, wait five minutes, and pour it in.
But test your water first! Get a liquid test kit (not the dip stick kind—those are useless). Check pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. If your tap water is wonky, you can adjust it with stuff like peat moss or crushed coral.
Remember: fish don’t care about brand names. They care about stable, clean, and stress-free water. Juggling multiple water types will just give you a headache—and likely, dead fish.
What About Saltwater?
Oh, you’re going there? Fine. Saltwater tanks need RO/DI water mixed with synthetic sea salt. Never tap water for corals—the metals will nuke your reef. Yes, it’s a pain. Yes, it’s gorgeous.
For saltwater, buy your water from a local fish store if you don’t have a unit yet. It’s cheap, and they’ve already done the work. You’re welcome.
