Need some advice!

[Jim3h]

Hey guys, I'm going to get a 125g with a stand a and sump filter.
The sump and tank were both used for a salt water tank previously.
What do I need to do to "sanitize" the sump and tank for it to be safely used for freshwater? Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[itsKRUDD]

How long has the tank been down? After a length of time the bacteria will die off. My tank was the same way and I just took the tank apart and washed it all down with some rags and a sponge. The tank was sitting for well over a year however.

Remember that some salt is actually good for your fish, hence why it is important to add aquarium salt to your freshwater tank when doing water changes

 

[Drstrangelove]

You should scrub and rinse it thoroughly. I'd want to open up anything where water (salt and organisms) could have collected.

Water and a clean sponge / rag should do fine if the tank has been empty (dry) for at least 4-6 months. Anything sooner and I'd throw on rubber gloves, add bleach to the water, and wipe it all down to help sterilize the items. I would not use any of the substrate (in case that is part of the stuff), and I'd be skeptical of any decor. If you want to use any acquired substrate/decor, submerse it in a water solution of chlorine or bleach for a few hours, then thoroughly rinse it to remove those chemicals and any dead / decayed organisms.

Basically, you want it all inert before you use it. A small amount of residual seawater salt should not be harmful, and if you've rinsed it well, the amount will be pretty low.