Help! How to convert saltwater tank for fresh water? - Aquarium Advice

owasso_ok · 08-03-2003, 11:35 PM

Any comments or opinions will be appreciated. We got a good deal (I hope) on a 77 gallon Oceanic show tank that we are cleaning to set it up. I am pretty sure that it has been used as a saltwater tank in the past but we need it for freshwater oscars. I just read in a general internet search that you have to test the tank for copper before introducing freshwater fish to it. Since I am not sure if the previous owner used copper or not, I guess we'll test for it.

Anything else we should and must do? What is the best way to clean off the impossible water spots from the water line at the top?

Thanks for your advice!

The Martins

EMS503 · 08-03-2003, 11:42 PM

Not really just test for copper as you said. The water spots on the glass I use Lime away and one of those green pads for pots (with out soap) and just check for any leaks. And rinse well.

John

BillyZ · 08-05-2003, 04:19 PM

Quote:

one of those green pads for pots

be careful if thats an acrylic tank, some of those green pads can scratch acrylic tanks.

EMS503 · 08-05-2003, 09:11 PM

BillyZ is right I should have asked if this was an acrylic tank if so do not use the green pads as it will scratch the acrylic, use a regular non abrasive rag and elbow grease to clean off the spots.

John

owasso_ok · 08-06-2003, 12:12 AM

It is a glass tank however there are some scratches on it already so we're a little curious how they got there. They appear to be from some sort of pad, not single scratches like a razor blade would make.

Thanks for your advice!

fishfreek · 08-06-2003, 09:37 AM

Vinegar will eat away at the hard deposits on the tank aswell.

tkos · 08-06-2003, 11:19 AM

Unless there are really high copper levels it shouldn't hurt your fish. A lot of freshwater meds use copper in them. It is a problem if you want to keep any snails or crayfish etc...as any level of copper can be killer to them. And some plants don't do very well with copper either. I would just wash everything out really well. Oxyclean is supposed to work wonders in getting rid of stains in tanks without leaving any residue behind. Great stuff.

08-03-2003, 11:35 PM	#1
owasso_ok Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: May 2003 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 16 Images: 5	Help! How to convert saltwater tank for fresh water? Any comments or opinions will be appreciated. We got a good deal (I hope) on a 77 gallon Oceanic show tank that we are cleaning to set it up. I am pretty sure that it has been used as a saltwater tank in the past but we need it for freshwater oscars. I just read in a general internet search that you have to test the tank for copper before introducing freshwater fish to it. Since I am not sure if the previous owner used copper or not, I guess we'll test for it. Anything else we should and must do? What is the best way to clean off the impossible water spots from the water line at the top? Thanks for your advice! The Martins __________________ There is a natural hootchy-kootchy motion to a goldfish. - Walt Disney

08-03-2003, 11:42 PM	#2
EMS503 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lakewood, NJ Posts: 438	Not really just test for copper as you said. The water spots on the glass I use Lime away and one of those green pads for pots (with out soap) and just check for any leaks. And rinse well. John __________________ John 75 [acronym:e063846766="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:e063846766]. Reef & 30 [acronym:e063846766="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:e063846766]. Anemone Tanks. I get paid for what I may have to do, Not for what I do!

08-05-2003, 09:11 PM	#4
EMS503 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lakewood, NJ Posts: 438	BillyZ is right I should have asked if this was an acrylic tank if so do not use the green pads as it will scratch the acrylic, use a regular non abrasive rag and elbow grease to clean off the spots. John __________________ John 75 [acronym:e063846766="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:e063846766]. Reef & 30 [acronym:e063846766="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:e063846766]. Anemone Tanks. I get paid for what I may have to do, Not for what I do!

08-06-2003, 12:12 AM	#5
owasso_ok Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: May 2003 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 16 Images: 5	It is a glass tank however there are some scratches on it already so we're a little curious how they got there. They appear to be from some sort of pad, not single scratches like a razor blade would make. Thanks for your advice! __________________ There is a natural hootchy-kootchy motion to a goldfish. - Walt Disney

08-06-2003, 09:37 AM	#6
fishfreek Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 971 Images: 82	Vinegar will eat away at the hard deposits on the tank aswell. __________________ Remember dont tap the glass, your fish will think you're an idiot -Anonymous mother Check out our articles area. 30+ Aquatic articles for your enjoyment Are you in or around the Shenandoah Valley area? If so click here to join our regional forum. Looking for affordable web hosting? Look no more We have the answer Learn more about Coral Reef Conservation. Free photo hosting

08-06-2003, 11:19 AM	#7
tkos Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 1,423	Unless there are really high copper levels it shouldn't hurt your fish. A lot of freshwater meds use copper in them. It is a problem if you want to keep any snails or crayfish etc...as any level of copper can be killer to them. And some plants don't do very well with copper either. I would just wash everything out really well. Oxyclean is supposed to work wonders in getting rid of stains in tanks without leaving any residue behind. Great stuff.

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