Converting from freshwater to saltwater

Forkman · Jul 8, 2018

new to the saltwater hobby. I have been raising African cichlids for awhile. I want to convert my 30 gallon AIO that currently has water still in it, but no fish. I am keeping the cycle alive by dosing with a little ammonia each day. I would like to take advantage of the beneficial bacteria that is present in the sponge, bio media, and sand to begin my saltwater tank. If I wash everything in RODI or saltwater, can I reuse them and keep the bacteria alive so the cycle remains intact?

GoVols · Jul 8, 2018

If it's still freshwater, I don't know if the bacteria will stay alive, when you convert it to saltwater.
An RODI unit is the only way to go with a reef and looks like you already have that factored in.

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef, and hope you feel at home.

James M · Jul 8, 2018

I would assume the bacteria survives , as an example cycling bacteria that’s sold by the bottle can be used for fresh and salt water .

NY_Caveman · Jul 8, 2018

Welcome to the forum! Some of the bacteria may remain (bacteria are hard to kill), some will die off and feed the newly forming bacteria. Many cure rocks in freshwater and then switch to saltwater.

My bigger concern would be reusing equipment and sand from a freshwater tank as is. I am no sand expert, but I would think you would want to replace the sand or at least rinse it. Same with the sponge. A cycle is a month tops, compared to years of a reef. Starting clean seems more advantageous than preserving the cycle.

Reefer Deez · Jul 8, 2018

GoVols said:
If it's still freshwater, I don't know if the bacteria will stay alive, when you convert it to saltwater.
An RODI unit is the only way to go with a reef and looks like you already have that factored in.

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef, and hope you feel at home.

I agree! A RODI is a great start and be patient with everything you do

don't try to rush anything. We have all made that mistake once or twice before!
Hello and welcome to R2R

it's a pleasure to have you here with us

dbl · Jul 8, 2018

Welcome to R2R and to the salty side.

Forkman · Jul 8, 2018

GoVols said:
If it's still freshwater, I don't know if the bacteria will stay alive, when you convert it to saltwater.
An RODI unit is the only way to go with a reef and looks like you already have that factored in.

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef, and hope you feel at home.

Forkman · Jul 8, 2018

I think to start out, I will just buy my water from my lfs. My plan was to buy enough RODI water to wash everything including my sand with that water, then fill the tank with saltwater from my lfs in order to try to keep my cycle alive. I have heard that I might get a good head start on my new cycle by utilizing my existing beneficial bacteria. Not sure if this is true or not. My lfs said I should be able to use my Cichlid sand, especially since it is white. I know that cutting corners can sometime come back to bite you in the butt, but my sand was high quality expensive stuff, and I would hate to waste it.