Reef tank -> FW

Aquanewbie77 · 04/04/2009, 06:31 AM

I know it doesnt matter about the tank, but can you use the same filtration (ie. Sump with LR and DSB and LR in tank) for FW?

Reasom i ask is i am leaving the hobby and someone at work wants the tank and only keeps FW but i wasnt sure the sump setup would work for him.

Thanks in advance!

Newb

Juruense · 04/04/2009, 07:12 AM

The concept of live rock is not applicable to fresh water.

A substrate appropriate for SW is not appropriate for FW (cichlids are an exception to this)

Sand beds, especially deep ones, get real nasty with FW. Using 1-3mm flourite gravel is the way to go.

The sump could be used to provide additional water volume. If converted to bio balls or wheel the sump could provide bio filtration. Various methods could be used to do chemical or mech filtration in sump also.

noahm · 04/04/2009, 08:37 AM

+1 ^

You could use all of the equipment and the general layout of the tank/sump etc. You shouldn't use the rock/sand as said before although the rock would be ok probably well soaked and rinsed for cichlids as it will affect the pH too much for most other fish.

But as a system layout, there is nothing wrong with putting in a proper substrate, some bogwood, inert rock etc. and still use the sump/return aspect f it to utilize the flow/filtration/aesthetics etc of the sump area. You could even create a similar thing to a fuge full of water plants as a nitrate remover. All of the equipment will function relatively the same in FW. I would have a sump if I set up another FW.

Reef'in Colorado · 04/04/2009, 09:04 AM

Note that the cichlid comments are directed at alkaline loving african species only...south american cichlids prefer a nuetral to very acidic environment depending on species.

04/04/2009, 06:31 AM	#1
Aquanewbie77 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 36	Reef tank -> FW I know it doesnt matter about the tank, but can you use the same filtration (ie. Sump with LR and DSB and LR in tank) for FW? Reasom i ask is i am leaving the hobby and someone at work wants the tank and only keeps FW but i wasnt sure the sump setup would work for him. Thanks in advance! Newb __________________ Reefing is like a woman... When done correctly the results are Mind Blowing! Current Tank Info: 75 AGA, Current 48" Satelite PC, Coralife SS, 1100 GPH return flow from sump

04/04/2009, 07:12 AM	#2
Juruense Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,138	The concept of live rock is not applicable to fresh water. A substrate appropriate for SW is not appropriate for FW (cichlids are an exception to this) Sand beds, especially deep ones, get real nasty with FW. Using 1-3mm flourite gravel is the way to go. The sump could be used to provide additional water volume. If converted to bio balls or wheel the sump could provide bio filtration. Various methods could be used to do chemical or mech filtration in sump also.

04/04/2009, 08:37 AM	#3
noahm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,736	+1 ^ You could use all of the equipment and the general layout of the tank/sump etc. You shouldn't use the rock/sand as said before although the rock would be ok probably well soaked and rinsed for cichlids as it will affect the pH too much for most other fish. But as a system layout, there is nothing wrong with putting in a proper substrate, some bogwood, inert rock etc. and still use the sump/return aspect f it to utilize the flow/filtration/aesthetics etc of the sump area. You could even create a similar thing to a fuge full of water plants as a nitrate remover. All of the equipment will function relatively the same in FW. I would have a sump if I set up another FW.

04/04/2009, 09:04 AM	#4
Reef'in Colorado Reefer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Frederick, Co. Posts: 934	Note that the cichlid comments are directed at alkaline loving african species only...south american cichlids prefer a nuetral to very acidic environment depending on species.