We'll shed some light on some of the differences in the setup of a freshwater vs. saltwater aquarium. A number of advanced freshwater hobbyists eventually decide to set up at least one saltwater fish tank. Freshwater fish tanks can be converted to saltwater. You are versed in keeping the larger more aggressive cichlids whether they be African or Central/South American. Saltwater Aquariums Are More Expensive. You have mastered the small community tank with tetras, barbs, and various gourami’s and angelfish. The aquarium should be emptied. Your old pH test won’t work. Freshwater Aquarium vs. Saltwater Aquarium. However, you benefit from not having to replace all your equipment. Updated August 12, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media: Are you thinking about converting that freshwater aquarium into a saltwater aquarium? To test your saltwater aquarium water, you will want ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, hardness, calcium and phosphate tests. This is what most saltwater livestock prefer and will benefit from. Sand will assist with keeping alkalinity levels high, which is what your water will need. One had extra thick deposits where it looked as if something had bonded to the glass and was peeled off. 0. Then it should be dried with clean cloths. Let’s start by addressing the cost of a saltwater aquarium … They all had a layer of salt(i guess) on the inside of the glass. Converting a Saltwater Tank to Freshwater. Also, the tank is quite dirty, I'm going to give it a cleaning and I'm wondering what pointers anyone can give on how to do that. I'm currently in the process of converting my 55 gallon Freshwater setup to FOWLR Saltwater. Posted on July 1, 2019 at 2:00 pm by alivaq. If the tank comes with products which contain stay rock, stay sand, coral skeletons, or overwhelmed coral substrate, you will probable could substitute them out for substrates and tank … And, as the population continues to grow, shortages of freshwater will occur more often, if only in certain locations. If you've decided to change your saltwater aquarium into a freshwater aquarium, give yourself plenty of time to find new homes for your saltwater fish, coral and plants. A saltwater tank can be converted to freshwater. Use a Big Enough Tank! Im looking to buy a used freshwater aquarium but many of the best deals seem to be on the saltwater tanks. For a freshwater tank, you really just need the tank, lights, a filter, and a heater - if you can't gaurantee the temperature will remain in a stable range that's comfortable for any fish that will end up in the tank. You are an avid freshwater fish keeper. So in this article I'll give you a step by step plan - based on facts, not emotions. How to Use Solar Desalination Collect salt water in a bowl or container. Saltwater Marine Aquarium Water changes are easier and less frequent. A protein skimmer is really only useful for saltwater, so it'd almost be a waste on a freshwater tank. Selecting the right tank for your … It uses raw lake or ocean water brought in from the raw water pump to act as coolant for the engines circulating water. A thorough cleaning of the freshwater fish tank after it is emptied should be performed. First make sure your current freshwater tank is big enough, I recommend between 40-80 gallons for starters. The "simple" hurdle that must be overcome to turn seawater into freshwater is to remove the dissolved salt in seawater. I definitely wouldn't recommend running a saltwater tank without a skimmer, especially being new to the hobby and wanting to do a reef tank. Your … The preferred substrate in marine tanks is sand or crushed coral. The heat exchanger is the heart of the closed cooling system. I found a tank for sale at a yard sale. I been wanting a bigger tank so works. If you're planning to move your freshwater boat to coastal waters, you want facts, not myths. 55g SW, Corals Coming Soon! Reef Tank: Step By Step Process to Transition to a Saltwater Tank. Especially since the prior owner kept it as a saltwater tank with some cichlids in it and I plan on keeping it as a freshwater tank with goldfish and maybe a snail. If you use sand in your freshwater tank, then you are good to go. I have kept freshwater rays in the past with great success and would like another go at it. Converting saltwater to freshwater help? The tank has an integrated wet / dry filter with bio-balls. Converting a Freshwater Aquarium to Saltwater. Freshwater Aquarium: – Tap water system – 2-4 week maintenance – Natural aesthetic – Durable and colourful fish – Cost effective visual impact . I recently acquired a 75g saltwater setup from a coworker. 694 694. If you have made the decision to go ahead and convert your pool to salt water, there are several things you need to consider when selecting your system: Cost A salt water system costs on average anywhere from $200-$2500, depending on the unit. Converting your Freshwater Tank into a Saltwater One. Converting from saltwater to freshwater Tank Conversion 12/21/2009 Hey Crew. Saltwater Tank Gravel / Substrate. The previous owner kept saltwater fish in this tank. Turning a freshwater tank into a saltwater one uses basically the same technique as starting a saltwater tank from scratch. My fish have outgrown their 100 gallon tank. Best Saltwater Tank: SeaClear 50 gal Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set. Converting saltwater to freshwater help? You can change from a saltwater tank to a freshwater aquarium at any time. Next, you'll need to check the salt levels after you’ve powered up your salt chlorinator. I was thinking of upgrading them to a 200 gallon tank, but I hate to not use my 100 gallon. Turns out, the start up was only about $55 without the Live Rock which I … Otherwise you're wasting time, money, and killing livestock. Once empty, it should be thoroughly rinsed in clean fresh water (tap water will do). The pH of freshwater is ~7.0, the pH of saltwater should be about 8.2 and the old test won’t work. Gravel from a freshwater tank can be used in a saltwater tank but you should consider switching it out for coral sand or another substrate made specifically for saltwater tanks. I wanted to do this but I always thought the cost was ridiculous. Some people say that freshwater boats will die in saltwater: a boat that 'has seen salt' won't sell as quickly - myths if you ask me. So I was thinking I could use my 100 gallon tank to upgrade my freshwater fish who are currently in a 40 gallon tank. Due to cost and maintenance reasons I plan on converting over to a freshwater setup. Both saltwater and freshwater aquaria created by Aquarium Architecture are a fabulous conversation piece and make an engaging focal point in any room. By guest, 6 years ago on Aquarium Equipment. In some areas, salt water (from the ocean, for instance) is being turned into freshwater for drinking. Make sure you don't fill it up … I'm wanting freshwater fish and not sure how to go about doing this. After the never ending battle of saltwater ich, I think I have decided to go back to freshwater. In order to do this, the saltwater will have to be replaced with freshwater, the filtration medium will need to be replaced, and the substrate will have to be replaced if it is a crushed coral or other type of substrate that increases PH in the water. I'm looking for advice on what to clean the tank and equipment with. Add Salt. After finding homes for your freshwater fish, prepare to wait about a month to add new tropical fish to your saltwater aquarium. Converting A Freshwater Aquarium To Saltwater can be simple. The circulating water runs in a closed loop through the engine only in a half system and in a full system, the exhaust manifold as well. I have put together a basic step by step guide below to get you started A common misconception is that you have to have a degree to convert from freshwater to saltwater. Freshwater aquariums provide an impressive visual whilst requiring a less demanding aquarium maintenance regime and lower operating costs. Maybe you are ready to convert from a freshwater to a saltwater aquarium. That's just asking to fail. This is of course not true, as a freshwater aquarium can be as challenging as a reef set-up, or as easy. How's it going? The heat exchanger acts as a radiator does in an automobile, however rather than air the raw water is used for cooling the circ… With saltwater tanks, you really need to go all in to do it right. Saltwater fish and plants cannot survive in a freshwater aquarium. Converting my freshwater tank to saltwater - Hello All,I have been running a freshwater aquarium with some predator fish for some time now and want to convert it to a saltwater aquarium… Yesterday, I was down at the store and they had a few used saltwater tanks. Converting a Freshwater Aquarium into a Saltwater Aquarium So after keeping a freshwater aquarium, you now have decided to try out a marine aquarium.While there are many similarities between the two, there are also some differences.Marine is not any harder to set-up or maintain when compared to freshwater, but there is a little more to it. Would I have any problems converting my 100 gallon tank from salt to a freshwater tank? Reef tank - This is the hardest and most complicated of the 3 to setup. Perhaps you saw a spectacular aquarium at a friend’s home or just need a new challenge to keep you interested in the hobby.