Converting a tank to fresh water

gsamu1

Hello, This is my first post at this site. I have a 55 gallon tank that was used for saltwater. It has been in storage for 3 years and I would like to convert it to fresh water. I realize that I can't use any cleaning solutions but what is the chance of rinsing the tank to get rid of all the salt and residue?

1077

You might try vinegar and warm water then rinse Hell out of it. :D

iamntbatman

I second that. Just go to town with a hose until all of the bigger chunks of grime and salt buildup are gone, then use a vinegar and water mix and a scrub brush.

gsamu1

Thanks for your answers. I guess once that is done, I can get a sacrificial fish to see if it lives.

okiemavis

You might as well kill two birds with one stone and cycle the tank with your guinea-fish. That is if you're ok with cycling using fish.

gsamu1

I understand about cycling a saltwater tank but I haven't had a freshwater tank in quite a while. I'm not into killing some innocent fish but could you explain cycling a freshwater tank.

Thanks,

Fish-addict

A suggestion would be to buy a brand new sponge, and put the tank in your bath tub. If you have a hydrometer, maybe you could fill it up and measure the salinity, and keep rinsing until there are no salt deposits detected?

gsamu1

Using a hydrometer is an excellent suggestion. I also have a wet/dry filter with a venturi and I will attempt to clean these and also use the hydrometer on them too. Thanks for the suggestions. If I can't remove all of the salt, then it looks like I will have another marine aquarium.

Oldman47

Explanation of cycling for freshwater is here http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3738
My own personal preference is a fishless cycle for the reason that you gave. I have no desire to harm any fish establishing a cycled tank.