Saltwater Aquarium Species & Local Water Conditions
Starting a saltwater aquarium is a rewarding journey, however, one of the most ignored components in being a successful hobbyist is knowledge of your local water conditions. The very traits of your municipal water supply will heavily dictate what marine organisms can live in your system.
Building Your Ideal Marine Ecosystem
Successful saltwater aquariums are all about learning your conditions and working with them, not against them. Choosing the right species and having good water quality ensures that both fish and corals can thrive in your aquarium.
If you need professional help with setting up your systems initially to ensure your parameters are stable, or help with stocking your tank properly, the Reefco Aquariums team have years of experience. We specialize in creating systems that are built to function with your local water conditions and reflect your aesthetic vision while achieving desired maintenance. At Reefco Aquariums, we’re here to support you in this exciting journey. From selecting the right aquarium equipment to servicing and maintenance.
Understanding Your Local Water Profile
If you are looking to set up a saltwater reef tank in New Jersey, then you must know about the local water conditions. With mineral-rich, hard water around many areas in New Jersey, especially in Northern NJ, the introduction of hard water can easily disrupt the delicate balance of a reef system.
In most areas, tap water is full of calcium, magnesium and other impurities which can cause algae blooms, affect fish osmoregulation, or lead to coral distress. To create a thriving aquarium with vibrant fish and corals, you must balance the water conditions to match their ideal water parameters.
While some hardy corals like zoanthids and mushrooms can tolerate small fluctuations, if you have hard water, you should ensure it is within your coral's water chemistry limits. Some aquarium fish (like clownfish and royal gramma) will adapt to moderately hard to hard water, provided they are acclimated properly, however, you should maintain hardness levels that your entire aquarium system will thrive in.
How To Measure Water Hardness In Aquariums
The best way to measure water hardness is by using a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor. TDS stands for the total dissolved organic and inorganic substances present in a particular volume of water. High TDS levels indicate hard water. In a saltwater aquarium, we also measure two main types of hardness: general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH). If you are new to the hobby, take a quick read of our guide to saltwater aquarium water chemistry and parameters.
Ways To Soften Hard Water In Saltwater Aquariums
Whether you're setting up your first tank or have years of experience, an RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/Deionization) system is one of the most valuable tools for maintaining a healthy saltwater aquarium. While it's possible to buy pre-treated water from your local fish store, owning an RO/DI unit at home offers greater control, convenience, and long-term savings, often paying for itself within a year!
How RO/DI Systems Work
RO/DI systems are designed to remove virtually all dissolved solids from your water, reducing TDS to zero (or near zero). The system connects to your home’s water supply and filters water through a series of stages. The result is purified product water and a separate stream of wastewater.
For every gallon of RO/DI water produced, 1–3 gallons of wastewater may be generated. While the product water is collected for aquarium use, wastewater can be directed to a drain or repurposed for outdoor tasks like watering plants or washing vehicles.
Filter Stages in an RO/DI System
Water flows through the system in a specific order to ensure efficient filtration:
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Sediment Filter – Removes dirt, silt, and debris
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Carbon Filter – Absorbs chlorine, chemicals, and organic compounds
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RO Membrane – Removes up to 99% of dissolved impurities, thus reducing water hardness
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DI Resin Filter – Eliminates any remaining ions for ultra-pure water
Choosing the Right RO/DI System
All RO/DI units follow the same basic four-stage filtration process, but additional accessories can enhance performance:
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Booster pumps for homes with low water pressure
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Dual RO membranes for faster water output and less waste
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Pressure gauges & TDS sensors to monitor system efficiency
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Extra filter stages for high-volume needs or specific contaminants
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Float valves to automate water production
Start with a standard 4-stage unit and upgrade based on your water quality and usage needs.
Tap Water Connection Options
You can connect your RO/DI system to your home’s water supply in several ways:
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Faucet diverter – Ideal for temporary setups or apartments
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Garden hose adapter – Great for use near a washing machine; use a hose WYE fitting for dual use
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Permanent under-sink connection – Use an EZ angle stop adapter or self-piercing saddle valve for a cleaner install
Wastewater Drain Options
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Use a drain saddle for a permanent connection under the sink
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Run the waste line to a sink drain or into a garden area
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Collect and reuse wastewater, but monitor containers to prevent overflow
Need Help?
Contact the Reefco Aquariums team for assistance.
Professional Design Considerations For Areas with Hard Water
When dealing with the problem of hard water in the New Jersey area, smart design isn't just a style consideration, but addresses the longevity and reliability of your aquarium system. This means that the professional designers at Reefco Aquariums focus on solutions that will resist mineral build-up and result in fewer maintenance issues for you.
How to design in hard water zones
The most effective way to prevent the effects of hard water harming plumbing systems, fixtures, and appliances is by installing a water softener or recommending one you can add to your system.
Smart Material Choices
Our team will generally recommend corrosion-resistant stainless steel, specifically, marine-grade 316, over brass fixtures, as they are less likely to stain or degrade from mineral buildup. Brass fixtures can be used; however, they are less durable for long-term use in saltwater aquariums.
Plumbing & Layout
Our helpful team will install plumbing systems to support water softeners efficiently, with appropriate drainage for regeneration cycles and ventilation.
At Reefco Aquariums, we work closely with our clients to prevent hard water issues from the very beginning.
Conclusion
The trick to successful aquarium keeping is to keep a balanced marine ecosystem. Saltwater fish will struggle in hard water conditions, so it is important to soften the water using appropriate methods.
If you need help setting up your first saltwater aquarium or ongoing maintenance for an established aquarium, contact the Reefco Aquariums team today for expert advice!
