Convert Salt Water Aquarium To Freshhwater

[fishnormie]

Helo;
Brand new member in dire need of helpful info.
I have a mature 90 gal salt water tank which I have tried to keep up with for the past three years.
I am now giving up and want to convert to fresh water;

1) I have 100 pounds of live rock which I understand cannot be used as there is no way to get rid of the salt content. True?
2) I know I will have to dump the substrate and purchase new. Is gravel the thing to do?
3) I have a sump filter system with Bio balls. Can I was and reuse? Purchase new ones? Or are they not a suitable filtration system for Fresh water?
4) I plan on keeping and utilizing my RO system to produce water.
5) Do I keep using the UV sterilizer and UV filter ?
6)I have a 2 bulb 48 inch flourescent light and also have a halide light set up to include lunar lights.Which do I use?

Other than everyone telling me I am slightly crazy, I can't seem to get decent advice on what to do.
Any helpful info or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Fishnormie

 

[Sofia]

I have no idea most of your points but I can help on the substrate front!!! You can use a whole host of substrate, gravel and sand are the most common ones but you can also use special fertilizer soils or even certain cat litter if you are going to go down the planted tank route...there is a brilliant sub section on planted tanks in the forum.

I don't think you can use UV sterilizers or lamps in tropical setups as they can kill the beneficial bacteria which keep the little eco-system going in the tank but dont quoat me on that, maybe someone can confirm or correct me.

Goodluck with getting answers on your other points!

I belive you can also use the flourescent lights and the moonlights in your tropical setup.

 

[Buddyboy67]

Yer slightly crazy mate,lol.....
Serious now...strip the system down, remove and sell your rock, will get £5/kilo easily for it, take out your sand and drain the system..
mix a mild bleach solution and scrub and clean off tank and equipment in this and then rinse thoroughly..this can be repeated a few times if required..
once thoroughly rinsed you're ready to go.
Your sumped sytem will be fine, no real difference in it's use with f/w as with marine...
depending on set up you chose will determine the lighting you require..
bio balls may be best replaced if heavily corallined up ....
hope this helps a bit and sure others will help you out here

forgot to mention..white vinegar will easily remove any coralline algae build up on your tank or equipment.

 

[rdd1952]

I don't think you can use UV sterilizers or lamps in tropical setups as they can kill the beneficial bacteria which keep the little eco-system going in the tank but dont quoat me on that, maybe someone can confirm or correct me.

UV Sterilizers and lamps have no effect on beneficial bacteria. THey only kill free-floating items that pass through them. The vast majority of beneficial bacteria are present in the filter and thus not in danger.

 

[shelaghfishface]

can i ask why your going to tropical fish instead of marine.. and where are u located ( only as id be interested in the rock )

 

[Geoff1991]

can i ask why your going to tropical fish instead of marine.. and where are u located ( only as id be interested in the rock )

Youve gone marine?

 

[Truck]

can i ask why your going to tropical fish instead of marine.. and where are u located ( only as id be interested in the rock )

Youve gone marine?

it was a surprise to me too Geoff

 

[Sofia]

I don't think you can use UV sterilizers or lamps in tropical setups as they can kill the beneficial bacteria which keep the little eco-system going in the tank but dont quoat me on that, maybe someone can confirm or correct me.

UV Sterilizers and lamps have no effect on beneficial bacteria. THey only kill free-floating items that pass through them. The vast majority of beneficial bacteria are present in the filter and thus not in danger.

Thanks for clarifying that

 

[Geoff1991]

can i ask why your going to tropical fish instead of marine.. and where are u located ( only as id be interested in the rock )

Youve gone marine?

it was a surprise to me too Geoff

I remember her telling me she didnt like marine...

 

[OohFeeshy]

RE lighting, that's probably a whole separate topic and might be better asked in the planted section. The tubes should be fine but I'm not sure about the halides.

You're definitely at an advantage converting this to FW, you've got a big tank anyway but coupled with a sump the stocking potential is huge. Essentially your course of action depends on what sort of fish you want to keep. Any ideas?