Saltwater to planted

[suggsisrandom]

I have a saltwater tank I want to convert…. Where do I start? How do I clean the tank to use for fresh and equipment?

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

Specifics on your tank and equipment would help a lot of SW gear isn’t needed for fresh

 

[GreggZ]

I don't know much about cleaning the old tank, but I am sure there is information on line.

I will say that I have helped a lot of people who went from salt to planted, and you need to keep in mind it's still complicated, just in a different way. Some things in salt are counter intuitive to planted.

And it does take some effort to learn a new vernacular, and it still takes a good deal of effort to keep a planted tank, especially a high tank full of stems. So get ready for a learning curve. The good thing is that the technical stuff should be easier for you, but there is still much to learn about CO2, light, fertilization, etc.

To me the best way to be successful is to search out tanks that are done in a style similar to what you have in mind. There are low tech, medium tech, and high tech tanks out there and they are quite a bit different. Once you find ones that you want to emulate study their methods, and even reach out and ask questions. I have found over many years that most people in the hobby are happy to share their experience and are glad to help out new people.

Good luck in the new journey. Consider starting a journal so people can follow along and help guide you.

 

[Koan]

How do I clean the tank to use for fresh and equipment?

Best way to get salt crust and coraline algae off glass, is this stuff:



Make sure you use the powder only! Not the liquid or spray. Also use gloves, it's a little rough on your hands.

There's a good chance your lights won't be quite right for plants, the extra blue doesn't make them look as beautiful as they could.

As far as getting started, page around on Dennis Wong's site for ideas and pointers and answers to different questions about growing plants.

Just like reefing, it's a simple or as complicated, as difficult or as easy as you decide you want you want it to be. Feel free to ask questions here as you go along!

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

@Koan this won’t scratch the glass? I agree it’s good stuff just wasn’t sure about on glass and micro scratches.

You gotta give it a good rinse too when your done because it can leave a film behind if you don’t rinse it well enough

 

[Koan]

I've had it scratch soft polished aluminum on my old metaframe tank and I'm pretty sure it's too hard for acrylic tanks, but no it's beautiful on glass.

Much lighter grit than something like Comet, it dissolves as you use it, it's just oxalic acid and something they call glass oxide grit. Full disclosure I've only used it on a secondhand saltwater tank, complete with old micro scratches, haven't ever used it on a brand new tank.

 

[suggsisrandom]

Got majority of the sand out today. I just plan on a low tech planted tank. Will most likely reuse my heater and possibly return pump.


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[suggsisrandom]

As for the learning I’m open to suggestions along with resources.


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[Mr.Shenanagins]

A bunch of us including myself have sumps so you’re not alone there. And nice biocube setup that’ll be a nice tank to convert.