how do you make sea water to keep fish alive?

Answer 1

You really can't. You can mix salt be it synthetic or natural however just mixing this salt with water will not keep your fish alive. Salt water fish need a certain level of bacteria (from the water) in order to survive.

Mixing a few cups of sea salt and dumping it into an aquarium doesn't make the water safe for fish (even brought home from the ocean)

A salt tank needs to have a specific gravity 1.022, and cycled then matured to be safe for fish. This takes about 6 weeks to 3 months.

After the water has aged and bacteria are maturing your fish can survive in the water. Remember you are trying to replicate in a few weeks what Mother nature took thousands of years to do.

Answer 2

the best way is to buy the water from a store...pre-made. although they have water conditioners for tap water, there are many chemicals that are in tap water that facilitate the growth of algae, which is the biggest pain in the butt! if you're going to make your own salt water, you can buy the sea salt at any fish store, and you'll have to buy an hydrometer to measure the salt levels. anyone in the store that has a clue about salt water tanks should be able to help you with how much you'll need. i hope this helps!

Answer 3

Having owned a few salt water aquariums, I can say this. Go to your local pet store and speak with them about it. It isnt too hard to start up, but is a bit taxing to maintain the correct salt levels.

Answer 4

I like Tropic Marin, which comes highly recommended by many advanced aquarists. I've also used Instant Ocean.

My preference for Tropic Marin mainly stems from the fact that I find that it mixes very well.

Answer 5

Buy some sea salts from a pet store,read the instructions.

Answer 6

I bought a bag of Instant Ocean at the petstore that I use for my hermit crabs. They like and need to drink it. It is a HUGE bag though, at least for what I need it for. 5 pounds.

Answer 7

get a salt water tester