Marine To Freshwater Conversion

[KateW]

Hi All

I am considering buying a large tank which was used as a marine set up until last week. I would like to use it as a freshwater set up, if I can persuade the other half.

Not knowing much about marines, are there any problems with this? Would I need to do anything in particular to clean it , or just would scrubbing off all the salt and a good once over be sufficient?

It will need new filters etc, so I will be doing a fishless cycle - hopefully it will be short this time...

Any help or comments appreciated.

 

[HM Dragon Devil]

Hi, KateW.

Clean everything with fresh water (no detergents), if you find any stubborn algae etc you can safely remove them with white vinegar, just rinse it well.

Mostly all of the equipment will be fine, a part from the protein skimmer (if it has one included) which is not needed for freshwater setups. Also i would advise you to
test everything works as it should before the initial setup.

Good luck setting up if you do decide to purchase
Dean.

 

[ainsy]

Nothing specific. Just a good scrub and rinse with plenty of clean fresh water & you will be good to go

 

[ZoddyZod]

I did this with my current tank. I left it outside filling with a hose and simulataneously draining it with a syphon.....just to ensure I got all the salt out. Simply used a kitchen dish scrubbing pad to get the glass back to its former glory.

 

[KateW]

OK, thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like a bit of elbow grease should do it. Simultaneous filling and emptying sounds like a good plan.

There is no other equipment, just the tank and the stand (which is why it is cheapy cheap) so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the filtration options later too. Trying to arrange to see it over the weekend, hopefully it will get approval!

 

[ainsy]

How large?

I can highly recommend Fluval FX5 for a large tank.

 

[KateW]

I need to check dimensions when I see it, but the calculator suggest 550 litres / 150 gallons ish

Not a done deal yet so trying not to get too carried away!

 

[KateW]

Have just come back from looking at the tank, and have decided to go with it. It is going to need some serious scrubbing, but there is plenty of time for all that, got to find a van to bring it home in first. Time for research!

Thanks for your help so far.

 

[JayD976]

I did this about 6yrs ago as well just scrub it out and rinse it real well and you will be fine. Had my 90gal setup for over 6yrs now no issues.

 

[Aqua Tom]

I did this with my current tank. I left it outside filling with a hose and simulataneously draining it with a syphon.....just to ensure I got all the salt out. Simply used a kitchen dish scrubbing pad to get the glass back to its former glory.

no hospipe ban where you are then eh?


Tom

 

[KateW]

Luckily no hosepipe ban here either, what with the 'summer' weather...

Just had the tank delivered, and it is filling outside for a quick leak test. It is going to need some scrubbing, that's for sure. As soon as my exams are over I can set to it.

The seller also included a home made stand - it looks very sturdy indeed, just needs exterior cladding and a good clean.

Time to start thinking about filtration and stocking next! Exciting.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

you are allowed to use a hose pipe for livestock