saltwater canister for use in freshwater

[pantherspawn]

I just got a used canister filter that was previously used in a saltwater reef tank. To use it in a freshwater setup, are there anyspecial things I need to do to clean it up for use in a freshwater tank? I bought new hoses and cleaned out the trays, but what about cleaning out the internal workings of it? I don't wantt to damage any plants or fish with salt or algae that may exist in the motor.

 

[EndlersEatGuppies]

I am not sure but I know that when a SW tank is made into a FW tank it has to be cleaned VERY EXTREMELY good because SW particles will be in every crack and crany also in the silicone seal.

 

[pantherspawn]

I cleaned and scrubbed the tank with vinegar. Its had a fair amount of dry algae in it.

 

[pantherspawn]

Also, its not going directly in a tank with fish.. going to out plants in it and start the cycle first.

 

[Mr. Limpet]

I cleaned and scrubbed the tank with vinegar. Its had a fair amount of dry algae in it.

+1 for the vinegar scrub down.

After that I like to use baking soda to neutralize it, then rinse, rinse and rinse 2 more times. Good call on dumping hoses, etc. and you might want to run it on a bucket (spare tank) of cured water to flush it out before putting it on your tank IMO.

 

[pantherspawn]

yeah i ended up filling up the bathtub and ran it in there for awhile before adding it to the tank.