Thanks, I was afraid that would be the case, that new facility is very upscale, and as usual upscale translates to less access and services for the public.
Tempted to drive down to Santa Cruz and fill all my containers at Long Marine Lab but that's a bit of a trip for water.
Fwiw, although I'm far from interested in debating the issue, I've been using ocean water for years now. Out of convenience, I usually purchase HMB water, which is filtered, but whenever I am outside the gate on an escort run during a flood tide I collect a gallon of water to add to my tanks. The last time I used water made from salt mix (the store was out of HMB water and I thought it would be more important to do a water change) I lost corals. Salt mix sucks. Just my opinion but I've arrived at it through personal experience.
The ocean is by far the best source of water for a saltwater aquarium. I just wish it wasn't such a pain in the ass to get it. The worst collection trip I had was when I attempted to collect water from Pillar Point Marina. I had been looking for a place to drive my car to the edge of the water, and had a mag 5 and an inverter setup with a long hose and cord so I could fill the containers in my car and not have to lug them around. I decided to try the boat ramp at the edge of pillar point marina. I thought it was a great plan, right up until 6 cops converged on my vehicle, threatened to arrest me and in general acted like criminals with badges. Even after I attempted explain what I was doing, I was told to stop immediately. The cops actual words were: "That's the stupidest excuse I've ever heard, I don't even believe you have a fish tank. Leave immediately or we will impound your car and arrest you!" I still can't imagine what possible "excuse" I needed for doing something that isn't illegal or offensive on public property. The worst part was even though I'd waited for a flood tide, the little water I did get was contaminated and useless. Fun day.
Still, it used to be good exercise carrying 10 gallons of water at a time from the end of the Pacifica pier. Not to mention hauling it up in a bucket by hand.
In any case, if anyone has any knowledge of a facility closer than Santa Cruz that offers saltwater from outside the bay I'd love to hear about it. I'm planning to be ready to put water in my new tank Saturday, though I may push that back to attend BayMac. Would be nice to not have to cycle $60 worth of HMB water.
-Gusty