Fresh to salt conversion

[Brian Vartanian]

Hi, i have a new freshwater aquarium. it has been cycling for a month now so i could have gotten a stingray for it, but i have since dropped that idea because i think the ray will grow much to fast for the tank. i want to get some other fish that look nice so i figured salt water is the way to go. i have read that i can use all of my existing filters, beneficial bacteria, and testing kits for the tank. I know the tank will need to cycle agian, but will my existing bacteria make it cycle faster?

My other questions, is how to i got about doing the conversion?
Should i replace my gravel for sand?
can i add salt to my existing water?

 

[Brenden]

i have read that i can use all of my existing filters, beneficial bacteria, and testing kits for the tank

Filters - yes
Bacteria -no
test kit -depends on the kit (probably not)
Your tank will have to go through a whole new cycle.

Yes you should replace the gravel with sand or CC.(preferably sand)
Do not add salt to your existing water. Mix it externally then add it to the tank.

 

[Brian Vartanian]

when you say mix it externally, what does that mean?

 

[Brenden]

Trash can or bucket with a power head or pump in it. It does not mix instantly. If you put it in your tank it will just sink to the bottom. Also needs to mix 24 to oxygenate the water

 

[melosu58]

Read articles from this website and WELCOME

 

[Brian Vartanian]

oh ok. Does this need to run constantly?

what other things would i need to get the tank setup up so i can add some cheap fish to get it cycling

 

[melosu58]

Do not cycle with live fish. That is a NO-No. Read under articles how to do a fishless cycle

 

[Brenden]

Does this need to run constantly?

For at least 24 hours before you add the water.
Do not cycle with fish...Read this
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showquestion.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15
Here are some more things to read to help.
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showfaq.php?fldAuto=2

You need powerheads, heaters, hydrometer, (ammonia, ph, nitrite, nitrate test kit) salt mix. There is more. Read some articles in the getting started section.

 

[Brian Vartanian]

thanks alot guys, ill start doing my reading