Saltwater to freshwater?

[FalconStorm]

Can a saltwater tank be easily converted to a freshwater tank? I've found a total setup for saltwater online for a really good deal, but I don't want to keep a saltwater tank. Could I convert it to a freshwater tank easily?

 

[Bloo]

Probably best to ask the guys and gals over in the salty section, but I've wondered about that too I've always been hesitant to buy anything second hand that had to do with SW with the intent of using it for FW.

 

[FalconStorm]

Good point. I'll do that.

 

[ncjharris]

Give it a good clean - remove any deposits with water, or white vinegar if it doesn't come off.


Doubt that used filter medium can be re used, although why would you want to anyway, silly me for thinking that.

And rinse everything. Lots.

 

[FalconStorm]

That's not really what I'm concerned about. This is a total stand and set up with what looks like custom attachments for powerheads and stuff in the bottom of the tank. It's encased in the stand that has all of the equipment attached already. That's my main concern.

 

[ncjharris]

Ah I see! )

Well one of the main things about SW set ups, if it was previously used with Live Rock is that the flow rate of the powerheads will be quite a lot (about 10x the size of the tank per hour is I think the min) - which may be quite a lot more for some FW fish.

In addition, it may have been fitted for a sump, refugium, auto-top up, which although not a bad thing, are I thing, largley redundant in FW set ups.

 

[afireinside]

i'd say, rinse it out really well, then bleach it, than rinse it out even more.

 

[Bloo]

I say it's not worth all that elbow grease.
No seriously, also with all those modifications etc. etc. for a SW tank, I'm not so sure how well it would look / function as a FW setup. Unless you feel like spending some time and effort to get it into shape

 

[vantgE]

The only difference between a saltwatter tank and a freshwatter tank is that a saltwatter tank is setup for a sump. Many freshwatter tanks use sumps anyways it mostly just a selling term do some research and look into a sump setup if it is a good deal. Sumps are slightly more complicated but very good, can provide great filtraion add more watter (so toxins are diluted), and allows you to hide equipment filters heaters and such under the tank in the sump.

If this is a full setup rock and sand should not be used in a freshwatter aquarium except for specific species ie. african cichlids, it will increase the hardness and ph of your aquarium watter and is best avoided

Myself I would defiantely buy it if it's a deal

 

[FalconStorm]

Well, it is a good deal. If I had the money for a saltwater setup, I'd get it for that because it's a 75 gallon full sw setup. Bidding is starting at $50.00 and has a buy it now of $200.00 which is good for a fw 75 gal, much less if I can get it for under $100.00. It's also just one city over from me, so easy pick up. It hasn't been used in two years, so I'm not sure if the equipment still works, and the rock and sand are gone, so I would change that set up. It looks perfect for the school of bala sharks that my boyfriend wants, and I could throw in the school of dojo loaches that I want. *grin* I probably wouldn't run the powerheads. Too much electricity. I guess I was just wondering if they could be removed without damaging the tank too much... I'll research that sump. It might be good to keep if I can get this. Now, to see if I even have the space for it... *grin*

 

[Bloo]

It hasn't been used in two years

in that case if it's been standing empty for 2 years, it might need new sealing. Check very carefully before spending money and ask the seller as many questions as you can think of. If he wants the sale, he'll answer the questions
I've been caught out before. Don't assume or hope anything. Make sure you know what you are buying.
Generally: if it's too good to be true, there's something wrong. Not always, but mostly.

 

[FalconStorm]

Well, actually it's three years since it's had water in it. I looked at the listing again. He said in the listing that he's not sure that all of the equipment still works, but he selling as is, so I can see why it's so low. I am also aware that it might need resealing. I've already emailed him about the size of it since I'm not sure it will fit in my house with the cabinet and everything. He also lives within easy driving distance of me, so I might see if he would be willing for me to come and inspect it.

Is it difficult to reseal a tank or even possible? Is there a special kind of silicone that should be used?

 

[Bloo]

To be honest, I've never had to reseal a tank myself. And if the tank has been standing empty for 3 years, I'd say you have no choice but to reseal it. Best ask the chaps over in the DIY section. I've seen some threads there about building and sealing, but can't remember specific ones.

If at all possible, can't you go and view it before bidding ? Most sellers will (should) allow that.

 

[FalconStorm]

Well, there's two weeks still on the bid, so I will definitely try to go see it first. It's in easy driving distance and I haven't bid on it yet. I wanted to do my research first.