Just to add to what Dan has said, another consideration is consistency. My water may test fine 99% of the time straight out of the tap, but all it takes is that 1% to completely destroy my reef.
Steve
Yeah, it just wouldn't be worth the risk. Should would be a lot easier though!!
Pretty weird about how my other fish take to it though! Mind you..they are goldfish!
I know that marine vs. fresh water fishes are quite different in their ability to cope with water quality. But the neat thing here is that I can use our water..straight from the well to fill our pond. As soon as the temperate is correct I can add our fish. I have not lost a fish yet. I also have a couple betta's in 1 gallon bowls, and I can do a total water change,never having to add anything.. then adding the fish. I have had them for 2 years. Is there a chance that this water could be usable for the marine tank? I know that it has iron in it. Does anyone else out there actually use their well water? just curious.
Most well water has a high nutrient content. I would still use an RO or DI to clean it up. You could test your well water for phospates,silicates and nitrates just to be sure. The other problem are poisons,fertilizers,and other things that are found in well water in small quantities that do not effect you but will certainly harm your specimens.
