Cleaning out a saltwater tank to freshwater... help!

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landmineyouth

landmineyouth

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 3, 2005
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North Miami
www.djrobriggs.com
Hey guys. My friend has a 30gallon long tank that he houses a saltwater eel and a clown fish in. Theres sand, and some decor, thats pretty much it. He's going to sell me his tank/filter (typical power filter w/ bio wheel). I want to braek this down and clean it out for a freshwater tank. What is my safest way to do this? Rinse everything like crazy? And is the filter still useable after its been a saltwater tank's filter for over a year? Thanks guys.
 
Give it some time my friend some one will help you. If I knew, id help ya but I purposely disregard the saltwater world because it is so delicate and expensive and I will probably end up with one.
 
I have to ask how much he wants for the tank?

I have 3 - 20gal tanks that were saltwater and I cleaned them and now I have freshwater in them.

I scraped the glass with a razor blade and washer them out. 25% bleach 75% water works well.

I don't really know if you can get the filter cleaned but if you do I would replace the bio wheel.

Sorry that I didn't respond quicker but I assumed that some of the salt guys had helped.
 
You will might have to replace the bio wheel but maybe a good thorough rinse will do, the bacteria in it will die off and a new growth of fresh water bacteria will replace it, replace the other media pads or cartridges. If there is not a lot of salt deposit then a scubbing with white vinegar and a fresh water rinse will do for the glass. I don't know about the decor but your sand needs to be replacedif it is reef sand, or thoroughly washed if regular sand. other than that dont worry about it, after draining the tank and refilling it with fresh dechlored water the salt level will be far below what is used for treating ich, Except for a very few salt sensitive fish like some corys the fish won't be bothered a bit.
 
I would probably take out the sand, unless you are planning to make a cichlid tank. Also, I agree with changing the bio-wheel and media. I wouldn't worry too much about having a little salt in the water, because many fishes are able to tolerate minimal salt conditions (goldfish can handle more than most) as well as the salt will help prevent fungal infections or clean any open sores on a fish.
 
Im getting the tank (30 long), 36" coralife light, filter, glass canopy and a stand for $150..

i dont plan on keeping the sand guys, just thought id mention it was in there if i needed to do any other special cleaning method. i guess ill just rinse it all out with water and maybe a little bleach (will i need to sterilize after using bleach?) and let it sit a day or two before restarting it up.

and def. replace the bio wheel and all other filter parts such as bio bags, etc...

am i looking in good shape?
 
MrfisH said:
Give it some time my friend some one will help you. If I knew, id help ya but I purposely disregard the saltwater world because it is so delicate and expensive and I will probably end up with one.
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thats not true

you should be encouraging people to try saltwater not discourage it

it really isnt as expensive as you may think
 
DeLgAdO said:
thats not true

you should be encouraging people to try saltwater not discourage it

it really isnt as expensive as you may think
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Its not that I dont encourage it, I love them, they just arent for me yet. My friend has one and im constantly over there checkin it out. I want to be more of a fresh water master before I dare step my foot in the saltwater. :)
 
White vinager instead of bleach and water.It will remove salt creep and algea and is not toxic. :thumbsup:
 
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