How to Switch a Tank From Freshwater to Saltwater Keeping fish can be a rewarding hobby, and when many aquarists first get started they often stick solely with freshwater tanks. Freshwater aquariums are simpler, less expensive and easier to care for, but as your experience grows, you may find yourself more and more tempted by the diversity, colors and exotic appeal of a saltwater aquarium. Fortunately, when you are ready to switch from freshwater to saltwater you dont need to buy a new tank – if you know how to convert your existing tank correctly. Education First Freshwater and saltwater may both be aquariums, but they can be worlds apart in the care they require, the equipment they need and even the vocabulary to describe them. If you dont know anything about live rocks, protein skimmers, de-ionization, salinity or specific gravity, it is best to study up before you plan to switch your tank. Consult with experienced saltwater hobbyists, check out books and websites and learn as much as you can so you feel confident with the new environment you are about to create. The more you study, the more youll also realize that much of what youve learned from keeping freshwater fish will be the same – balancing the tank, providing good habitat and caring properly for your fish are all the same basic principles no matter what type of tank you have. Making the Switch When you are ready to switch your tank from freshwater to saltwater… Remove the Fish If you dont plan to continue keeping a freshwater tank, you will need to get rid of your fish. You can give them away to other hobbyists, schools or similar facilities, or you may be able to sell some healthy, unusual fish. Your local pet store may also accept the fish either for a small purchase price or store credit that you can use when setting up your saltwater tank. Drain and Clean the Tank Completely drain your tank and empty it of all decorations, plants, gravel and other accessories. This is a good time to scrub and disinfect the tank to be sure you wont accidentally introduce any harmful elements to a new saltwater system. Most plants and decorations wont be used in your saltwater tank, so you may consider selling or repurposing them elsewhere. Switch Your Lighting The lighting conditions are different in freshwater and saltwater tanks, and you will want to switch to different lights to highlight your saltwater tank. The right lighting will not only clarify the water color, but will illuminate the stunning colors of saltwater fish and corals. The right lights can also help promote beneficial algae growth in your saltwater tank. Add Base Sand Saltwater tanks do not generally use gravel, and instead a substrate base of sand provides good filtration and a stable surface for your tank. Rinse sand before adding it to be sure there are no harmful elements or chemical contamination that could unbalance your tank before you even begin.
