Using a sump with freshwater...

[saltysquid]

I have come into possession of a 100g saltwater setup that I am toying with the idea of setting up for freshwater. Here's my question, could i use the sump with the freshwater setup and if so, what would be the benefits, if any? I'm sure I don't have to use the sump, it's just a thought. Has anyone ever converted a saltwater tank to freswater?
-Mike

 

[jacknjill]

FRESHWATER! nahhhh, keep it saltwater! you could do a lot w/ a 100 gal sw tank
but, if you must.......lol

 

[saltysquid]

I know I know!!!! Believe me, if I had a choice and the money was mine to spend I would go with the full blown saltwater, but it's not my choice so therefore I am going to the dark side. So any ideas?
-Mike

 

[ophiura]

So this is not a reef ready tank? Is it a sump or a wet/dry? What sort of freshwater fish do you wish to keep?
Basically, there is no reason you can't, but there are limited uses. If you have a wet/dry than it is a fine filter but overflows are problems for small fish like tetras. Obviously there are no skimmers and such in freshwater but you could still keep heaters in a sump.

 

[birdy]

A lot of people who keep Cichlids use RR tanks with wet/dry filters.

 

[michelle l]

If it's a wet/dry, I don't see why you couldn't use it as a filter. As for a regular sump, I have no idea.
May I suggest Discus? They are gorgeous! :happyfish

 

[molamola]

My husband used a sump on his 55 gallon fw tank for five years. The only drawback was his limited ability to keep freshwater plants alive for very long...and the tetras getting sucked into the overflow got pretty old.