Buying used freshwater tank/overflow to use for reef

Mcgeezer · 01/08/2014, 08:31 PM

I found a sweet tank including sump, overflow box and return pump for a good price....but it was used for freshwater.

I know I could clean the tank itself easily with no issues, but would I be running a big risk in contaminating my new inhabitants when its converted by trying to use the older overflow/sump/return?

Would it be better to just buy a new overflow/return/tubing and build a sump? That's what I'm leaning towards now but want some advice please.

Maxxumless · 01/08/2014, 08:46 PM

If it's cleaned out properly, everything should be fine. Just use some precautions when buying used equipment. Fill it up outside, in the garage, and pour a bottle of vinegar in with it and start the overflow (buy a pump if need be) and run it like that for a couple of days. Look for leaks. If everything's fine, empty, rinse, and start planning out your reef

You can add a bleach cycle after the vinegar's been rinsed out to make doubly sure there's no bacteria in the aquarium or sump (plus piping).

Mcgeezer · 01/08/2014, 08:58 PM

How much bleach would you add to the water when full?

TimberTDI · 01/08/2014, 10:20 PM

You should worry about any copper medications that were used while setup as freshwater. It could easily leach back into the tank.

Maxxumless · 01/08/2014, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mcgeezer

How much bleach would you add to the water when full?

Depends on size of sump and tank, but the general rule I follow is if I can smell it, it's working.

As far as the copper thing, I doubt silicon would absorb enough to bother anything. If it has been exposed, the vinegar and bleach wash should be enough to deal with it.

01/08/2014, 08:31 PM	#1
Mcgeezer Reef gardener Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: DeLand, Florida Posts: 1,205	Buying used freshwater tank/overflow to use for reef I found a sweet tank including sump, overflow box and return pump for a good price....but it was used for freshwater. I know I could clean the tank itself easily with no issues, but would I be running a big risk in contaminating my new inhabitants when its converted by trying to use the older overflow/sump/return? Would it be better to just buy a new overflow/return/tubing and build a sump? That's what I'm leaning towards now but want some advice please.

01/08/2014, 10:20 PM	#4
TimberTDI Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Monroe NY Posts: 317	You should worry about any copper medications that were used while setup as freshwater. It could easily leach back into the tank. __________________ When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realised that The Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me. Current Tank Info: Setting up 92 gallon Reef

01/08/2014, 08:46 PM	#2
Maxxumless To the Max... Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,364	If it's cleaned out properly, everything should be fine. Just use some precautions when buying used equipment. Fill it up outside, in the garage, and pour a bottle of vinegar in with it and start the overflow (buy a pump if need be) and run it like that for a couple of days. Look for leaks. If everything's fine, empty, rinse, and start planning out your reef You can add a bleach cycle after the vinegar's been rinsed out to make doubly sure there's no bacteria in the aquarium or sump (plus piping).

01/08/2014, 08:58 PM	#3
Mcgeezer Reef gardener Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: DeLand, Florida Posts: 1,205	How much bleach would you add to the water when full?