Converting a freshwater tank?

[jpc763]

Hi,
I am interested in creating a saltwater reef tank. I have a line on a used 55 gallon that is currently a freshwater tank. I have a question that I am sure has been asked, but I cannot find the answer.
Can I drain & clean a freshwater tank? I do not plan on keeping anything in it, but I want the tank and the stand that it comes with.
Any insight would help. Also, what should I use to clean it? I read bleach or peroxide. Is that true?
Thanks!
John

 

[1journeyman]

Primary concern is if it was ever medicated. Many medications contain copper. Copper is difficult to impossible to clean.

 

[reefer545]

Also, just use Hot water with vinegar in it to clean it. Then rinse rinse rinse. But most importantly is definitely the medication question.

 

[gmford1979]

if your not going to put anything in it, why does it matter? not trying to be difficult, just doesn't make sense.

 

[jpc763]

I am sorry,
As you can see, I am new. I just talked to the owner. The tank is an established freshwater tank that he got from his mother in 2003. It has been a freshwater tank for many years.
I plan on putting live rock, soft corals, inverts and fishes. I understand that copper will kill the inverts. Any way to test the tank for the presence of copper?
Thanks for your help.
John

 

[turningtim]

Welcome to the boards John, you came to the right place and doing your homework first is very commendable. Here's the issue, there is really no reason to buy a FW set-up and convert. Now if you owned it thats different but as far as buying a used one I wouldn't do it. You just don't know what has been in there!
A 55 or better yet a 75 (you'll want bigger as soon as possible trust me) SW set will come used in a matter of time, just wait it out. Or look around a price out what a new one costs. The tank is really the cheapest thing in this hobby.
HTH
Tim

 

[rabbit_72]

Agree with Tim. I did convert my 29 gal FW to a reef, but it was my tank and knew what had gone in it. And yes...I want a HUGE tank now. Just look at the threads in the photo forum or the reef forum. Once the reef bug bites, you just keep wanting bigger and better.
Because a reef tank is more delicate, I suggest just buying a new tank and system! Have fun and good luck!

 

[jpc763]

All,
Thanks for the advice. So buying a used tank is a bad idea it appears. The setup has a beautiful stand that my wife immediately fell in love with. We priced out stands that are of similar "beauty" to her and they were 2-3x the price this one is being sold for.
So the way I look at it is if I buy the setup and toss everything but the stand and cover, I still make out. Given that, anything else that is re-usable is a bonus.
It would suck for sure if the tank killed my critters however so I was wondering if there is a way to test for the presence of copper.
Of additional concern is that this tank is 10+ years old. I have read of tanks leaking (your 55 rabbit_72) and I don't want to set myself up for that.
Thanks again,
John

 

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by TurningTim
Welcome to the boards John, you came to the right place and doing your homework first is very commendable. Here's the issue, there is really no reason to buy a FW set-up and convert. Now if you owned it thats different but as far as buying a used one I wouldn't do it. You just don't know what has been in there!
A 55 or better yet a 75 (you'll want bigger as soon as possible trust me) SW set will come used in a matter of time, just wait it out. Or look around a price out what a new one costs. The tank is really the cheapest thing in this hobby.
HTH
Tim
Tim,
By the way, the Tank is in your area. Parker, CO. I am in Boulder.

 

[turningtim]

jpc, duh! I didn't even notice! Very cool! we should chat! Craigs list?
But anyway, if you like the stand buy it! Go to sherman tank company I think they're in broomfield? cheapest tanks that I have found in the area. Actually if you go 55 they really aren't that bad at ***** or petsmart. Don't buy the kit just the tank. The hoods are useless for SW tanks b/c you'll need reef grade lights.
Like you say its 10 years old......
Tim

 

[rabbit_72]

Yes, there are tests for copper in a tank with water. I am not sure how the test would read if you just filled the tank up with water and then tested it. When starting SW, it is best to have a test for copper anyway, so you wouldn't be losing any $$ there.
And with the price of stands, you would probably be better off just buying everything and just keeping the stand, or just make an offer for the stand. As long as you have already checked prices and buying everything is still cheaper than buying a new stand, go for it. You could always clean the tank out and use it as a back up.
FYI, our leaking tank is only 3+ years old and my 55 FW was only a year. So, I really don't think age makes a difference. Even so, just get fishy safe silicone sealer and redo the seals, no biggie.
I'd still go with a new tank, though. Just for peace of mind.

 

[am00re34]

i agree with these guys. I would just get a new tank (they are one of the cheaper things in this hobby) and buy the stand if you like it. The stand is by far the most expensive part other than maybe lighting or Live Rock.
I have a 55 and if thats the size your looking for get the 75 or 90. 55 gallon tanks are just to narrow for a nice reef tank. you need more depth to be able to aquascape nicely.
Welcome to the hobby, you have made a great move by coming to this site and asking for help. do LOTS of research before you do anything. Even something as small as buying a fish should be researched so you dont have to remove all your rocks and things to catch the thing when you want to remove it from your tank (STUPID DAMSELS!!)

 

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by TurningTim
jpc, duh! I didn't even notice! Very cool! we should chat! Craigs list?
But anyway, if you like the stand buy it! Go to sherman tank company I think they're in broomfield? cheapest tanks that I have found in the area. Actually if you go 55 they really aren't that bad at ***** or petsmart. Don't buy the kit just the tank. The hoods are useless for SW tanks b/c you'll need reef grade lights.
Like you say its 10 years old......
Tim

Tim,
You didn't see it because I updated my profile *after* posting the message. Sorry about that. Yea it is on Craigslist-Boulder. Here is the link. http://denver.craigslist.org/for/365464556.html
So I am hearing that 55 is too small. Unfortunately the space that I have for the tank should only accomidate a tank that is 13" wide as I was going to do one of those hang on the back wet/dry filters and a hang on the back protein skimmers. Amiracle is what I was looking at my LFS. I guess I could do 70 if I got an in the cabinet wet/dry.
Of course if I "upsize", I cannot buy the cabinet...
You know that I started planning a 24 g nano and now I am talking about a 70 gallon. All that and I have only bought a book so far!

Thanks guys for all of your input. And thanks Tim for the shop recommendation.
John

 

[turningtim]

Wow John thats nice! I would snatch that up if you want a 55. But I will warn you that a 55 reef is tough b/c of depth. 75 much easier to aquascape. Also I wouldn't buy HOB stuff, try and stick with under cabinet and an OF. That stuff I can help you with since you're local. I'm about to make another member here an over flow for his 75.
Before you buy anything, just figure what you want, I may be able to help you out. I can make pretty much everything for a tank.........
Let me know, shoot me a PM
no worries
Tim

 

[kilhullen]

Originally Posted by gmford1979
if your not going to put anything in it, why does it matter? not trying to be difficult, just doesn't make sense.
He didn't say he wasn't putting anything in it, just he wasn't planning on keeping the rock / gravel / decorations / etc.