Marine to freshwater/manifold

[Ashleigh]

Well good news since Chris and buddies have managed to find a lock-up to 'play' with their toys, the fishroom has been upgraded to the garage meaning that I can increase my tank sizes for all my fish Happy days and happy fish in the long run.

So I have come across a 6 x 2 x 2 with 4ft sump that was used for marine prior to being shut down. I intend to get this for my clown loach since its doubling the volume they are in now and they could do with the room.... is there anything I should know or do before I transfer them over a part from giving it a heck of a clean? Do I need to find out if any meds have been used etc I have no experience converting marine into freshwater so is this simple enough or any course of action needed before hand? Last thing I want to do is move a load of fish and for them to float upside down......

Also I intended putting in some sort of river manifold-2/3 powerheads but quite a few of you have seen the large chunks of bogwood in my main tank-will this pose to much of a problem as each piece will take up about a ft of the depth back and 1.5ft high..... Would I be better getting for example 1/2 Tunze Turbelle Stream powerheads Since I have a chance to plan now, I want everything setup perfect for their big move when the time comes

Opinions and suggestiong are greatly appreciated


Ashleigh

[Mad Duff]

Congrats on the extra tanks space Ash

I have used a couple of tanks that have previously been marine and you shouldn't have any problems if they are cleaned thoroughly before you use it.

I would probably be tempted to use the manifold but you will have to make sure it is held down securely and check how far down you can reach for placement of the sponges.

[Ashleigh]

Thanks, Im pretty excited about it, I have my name down for (2) 4x2x2 and a 4.5x1.5x2.5 so hopefully I can manage to get them as well.

It there anything in particular I should clean with? (bar lots of elbow grease )

Heres a pic of the current setup (mobile pic as cant find my canera charger ) Would a manifold work ok with this-I like the setup at present and the fish seem to apprecaite the extra cover so Im thinking similar for this next tank. With manifold would you have the powerheads and sponges up higher than say my hillstream tank which is about 3/5inches above substrate.... Also would one say position powerheads one at the front and one at the back or put a third in the middle even if it hits off the bogwood?




Ashleigh

[Mad Duff]

Just plenty of elbow grease

The one I got took me 3 days to scrape all the crap off the glass and then a few goes round with the scourer.

I reckon what you have now would work well with the manifold, where the flow is diverted by the wood etc it will create little areas of slack water where fish can go out of the flow.

[Ashleigh]

Ace This shouldnt be to complicated then.... Im awaiting pics at present but the guy did say its in need of a very good clean

Ok with the sump (I dont know if its divided or not) but what way would be the best way to setup media?? Would say sponge then followed by bioballs or similar work or something different? This would be my first sump other than glancing at others so Il be needing a few pointers I assume Il be needing some kind of return pump... any opinions on makes? Am I right in thinking if the tank is drilled then the water will flow into the sump and then just be simply pumped back up

I should have more details by tomorrow, so serious planning should be able to begin then


Ashleigh

[Martin Thoene]

As Mark states the hardest job is likely to be cleaning. Depending on how long the tank was a marine setup it may have a good buildup of calciferous algae and micro-organisms that will need removal. Can't imagine that's an easy task.

Hopefully it comes with the necessary plumbing fittings for the sump. If not, then I'm sure there's people here who can advise on what you need based on the drillings and positioning of holes in the tank. As ever, pictures will help immensely.

It is potentially a great home for your existing fish. Integrating a manifold in there is no problem and your fish will appreciate it. Don't worry about flow obstructions from the bogwood and stuff.

Martin.

[mickthefish]

i've used H peroxide to clean a tank that was a marine but you have to fill the tank with water to do that but it strips all the crud of everything.
then spray the tank down with fresh water.

mick

[Ashleigh]

The more I read, the more I feel at ease about this. Sumps to me have always = leakage in my head, but assuming this has been setup successfully before and does not involve me drilling bits I think it should be fine.

I have requested pics and a bit more info on the actual setup itself so I will post them up soon as I recieve my reply

Martin, I feel a bit better about the manifold now that both you and Mark have said it would be fine-I was worried that the bogwood would deflect the flow to much-I assume it doesnt really matter what pump output I use, just what I prefer?

So could we go with say three powerheads (1200l/h-1600l/h each)? Would I fix these at the height I have with my hillstreams or go a little higher? Assuming I went for three powerheads could I do four sponge intakes on the opposite side?

Cant say Im looking foward to the cleaning part, but needs must

Thanks for the advice so far-Im getting rather excited about this

Ashleigh

[Diana]

Congrats on the bigger tank and bigger fish room!

I also have used a previously salt water tank for fresh water.
I used salt to scrub it down, to remove the algae that was stuck on here and there. Good abrasive for glass, but don't do this for acrylic.
Something acidic will remove the crusted, stuck on white minerals. vinegar is a weak acid, Coca Cola is a stronger acid. Citric acid crystals (sold in grocery stores as sour salt) and lemon juice are also stronger acids. Wear gloves. All these are food items, but if you have any cuts on your hands they are not going to like it.

Many sumps are set up with this sort of arrangement:
Water falls out of the tank onto a coarse sponge. This reduces the splashing and stops the largest debris (ie: plant leaves). Then the water flows through a box of bio filter material. This is above the rest of the sump, so if the water stops flowing this would be in the air. (wet-dry). Then the water falls into the mechanical/chemical area. Generally you want to remove debris before allowing the water to flow through activated carbon, Purigen, peat moss or anything else, so arrange medium and finer sponges, and floss then the chemical media (if any). Last you might have some fine floss right before the pump.

Set up the main plumbing and make sure it works, and be sure you can reach the sponges for easy cleaning, then add the driftwood and rocks and be prepared to alter a few things if needed. The easiest way I would think of is to keep the inlets and outlets for the main manifold somewhat higher up, and add a couple of power heads like the Koralia series to help out if needed.
The goal I would see is the main flow of the river is mostly above the rocks and driftwood, and among these lower things are somewhat quieter areas. If any spot becomes a dirt trap you can add a power head to keep that spot clean.

Reaching into the bottom of a 2' deep tank is a little tricky unless you have long arms.

[plaalye]

I bought an Eheim pro 3 filter that had been used on a marine tank and it was totally encrusted with white salt/calcium and who knows what else. I removed all the media, filled it with a strong vinegar solution, ran it for a bit an let it set overnight. I was amazed at how clean it was the next day, very little scrubbing and it was like new!
Good luck with your new fish room! I'm jealous!!

[chefkeith]

Congrats. Can't wait to see everything once it's set up.

[Ashleigh]

Thanks guys for all the info so far, I might need a big of help deciding what way to setup the sump once the time comes with filtration and possibly plumping, but I will see what I end up with first

Info so far....

6 foot tank is drilled at the back top left corner.
The sump is 42x18x18 inches and segmented.

This was a marine tank, so it does need cleaning a bit. Like i said I have Seio pumps that could work great, but it depends on what you want to do with the tank.

He is trying for pictures of the tank as it is now, but I am hopeing to collect this on Wed... and if not Sat... then the hard work begins

I will upload the pic later(it was a nice looking tank... couldnt break one down like that myself ) -photobucket is playing up somewhat at the min




Ashleigh

[Ashleigh]

Well here it is Cant wait to see all the clowns and rainbows swimming around Think it will be a wee while tho, may as well take the time to plan correctly and get the 'ideal' tank for them




Ashleigh

[Keith Wolcott]

It looks very nice. You are going to have a great tank!

[Ashleigh]

Well its arrived Pics to follow tomorrow when its a bit lighter


Ashleigh