Changing a tank from FW to SW.

[jvin85]

I have a FW aquarium with aragonite (reef grade, the size above oolitic??).

If I want to change from FW to SW do all I require is a water change to SW? Or is that Aragonite now not good for SW?

[jflick345]

I would also do a thorough rinsing too. Did you treat the tank at all with copper?

[jvin85]

Copper?? Nope can't say I ever used copper for anything. Maybe the connector from the python-siphon is copper, but I think it may be brass...

[will46r]

I would clean the tank with vinegar with some serious rinsing afterwards. I'd just bite the bullet and buy new sand, it's not that expensive and would prevent possible cross contamination if you did use something containing copper.

Depending on livestock, there are some animals that could get scratched by coarse substrate.

[scuba guy ron]

Are you the only owner this tank has had? reaso I ask if any medications (for Ick as an example) have been used then chances are the medication possibly had copper as an additive in it. That is why you are being asked. Copper can be detrimental in a saltwater environment.

If no copper and if I were you I'd start over by first removing everything in the tank and scrubbing it down thoroughly with vinegar. Personally I wouldnt use anything from your fresh weater tank including the sand.

[jvin85]

I'm the second owner of the tank, but the sand/aragonite is completely new.

Sand/Aragonite is like 40-50 bucks per 40 pound bag from my lfs.

[scuba guy ron]

being the second owner of the tank, can you find out if meds were ever used?

[jvin85]

I found out meds were never used. Tank only used for a few months until the owner decided to upgrade to one with an overflow.

[krzyphsygy]

I would drain it and then give it a real good rinsing (no soap or chemicals) a little vinegar sounds good. Rinse well. Get new sand and fill it with salt. Be prepared for a new nitrogen cycle, get new test kits , and take your time. This hobby has a lot to do with patience.

This is a great resource for great info. Lots of really knowledable people on this forum can help. have fun.

[rich850]

30 lb bags are 15 dollars at petsmart

[smoyer]

I have seen a test where a guy used copper products in a tank and let it sit for two weeks. After the couple weeks the guy empty the copper water out of the tank rinsed the tank three times with water and wipped down all the sides. He then refilled the tank and circulated the water. He tested the water for copper every month for a year and never found any copper in the water. I understand the concern but are we sure that copper will ruin a tank?

[Sk8r]

Just an aside: not to divert the thread: There are products to remove copper---Run Polyfilter for a number of months.

Now back to the OP's question: how do I convert?
Basically, empty, discard sand or thoroughly wash in salt water, rock CAN be converted, again if never coppered. All non-salt bacteria will die off in a froth of yuck, but eventually, being submerged in salt water and having a few actual marine live rocks added, it will cycle as a marine tank. Eliminate as much of the old freshwater bacteria as you can, including sun-drying it before use. It would be neater just to start with new dry rock, new aragonite sand.