How To Convert A Marine Tank To A Tropical

[Serious Dan]

Hi all

First of all moderators if this is in the wrong section please repost

After all of the helpfull advice about second hand tanks I think i have found myself a bargin BUT Im just asking for advice again before I make a mistake.

How easy is it to convert a tank that has been use for marine fish to be used as a standard tropical tank. Do I have to change the filters, would I have to use different gravel etc.

Once again thanks in advance

Dan

 

[ian]

you should get more help in here.

 

[simonas]

the tank would need a good clean first of all and likely a different substrate as marine substrate is designed for higher ph etc

I;d personally give the filters a good wash and clean and start afresh with a freshwater cycle

 

[seffieuk]

You just need to give it a good scrub with vinager - if it was a reef tank, its very unlikely to have had any chemicals added

As for filters - what does it have? The filtering in marine tanks is different from tropical, the bacteria is different - so am assuming you have an external with filter media in - I would ask on here if someone is close to you and willing to donate some mature media to kick start you

Seffie x

 

[Serious Dan]

Thanks for the advise

ianho Thanks for moving it but which forum did you move it to. Sorry Im still new to the forum and not to sure where the best places are.

Thanks Dan

 

[seffieuk]

Its in 'your new freshwater tank'

Seffie x

 

[Serious Dan]

Thanks found it now

The tank is a juwel lido with its original filter would I be better off binning that and starting again with a new on like a fluval 205.

Also would I need to add a air pump for oxygination.

Dan

 

[SadPanda]

Just as a warning, I turned a second hand marine tank into a tropical tank. But it seemed like the salt water must've weakened the seals or something cos it blew the whole side off it

so just a warning, check ur seals.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Just as a warning, I turned a second hand marine tank into a tropical tank. But it seemed like the salt water must've weakened the seals or something cos it blew the whole side off it

so just a warning, check ur seals.

That cant be the cause, or people with marine tanks would have "marine" houses all the time.

 

[gogostar]

Hi, I just bought all-in-one marine tank percula 90

My link

3x Aqua Medic pumps (1000lt/h each)
1x Skimmer
1x air pump
1x 150w Metal Halide lamp to be suspended above the tank

Can anyone tell me how to convert it into freshwater one?
Do i have to remove protein skimmer and replace it with normal one?
Also do i need all pumps running? i had fish tank in past and all i needed was one filter and heater.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Arei]

The current tank I have was formally a marine tank. I had to replace the substrate/gravel, and I had to get a new filter anyway. I'd just make sure you do the normal new tank cleaning regiment and it should be fine.

You won't need the skimmer, and I don't think you need those pumps either. You can use the air pump for a bubble wand or air stone/bubble decoration or whatever you want. You need an appropriate sized filter for the tank and a heater. The filter and heater are absolutely necessary.

 

[moochy13]

bit of a blast from the pst this thread, but thats what happens when you search.

i just wanted to know if i buy an external filter thats been on a marine set-up, can i reuse the media ? assume the bacteria are all dead (if it matters?)

 

[Mowbz]

Just as a warning, I turned a second hand marine tank into a tropical tank. But it seemed like the salt water must've weakened the seals or something cos it blew the whole side off it

so just a warning, check ur seals.

That cant be the cause, or people with marine tanks would have "marine" houses all the time.

Crazy......

AquaTom - Its wasnt salt water that destroyed your tank, i would bet it was definately something else, and the way you say the side just "blew off", sounds more like a heater went pop to me. Either that, or someone scammed you up with a dodgy second-hander. Cant be helped, its a risk you take.

OP - As above, there are lots of things you can do, including a VERY mild solution of thin bleach. (And double the dose of Dechlor when filling just in case) Make sure you rinse it out well. As for the filter, i personally would try and find someone with a marine tank to sell it to, and buy myself another new or second hand (from freshwater) filter.