Freshwater to Saltwater Conversion

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Hey all. Been doing salt water for about 3-5 years now and I have a 55 long freshwater tank I am thinking of converting to a FOWLR. I want to put get trigger for the tank, not sure which kind yet but I think it will be a Picasso, Humu Humu, or a Niger.

Most forums I've read state that I'll need new substrate. I dont think I will because the tank is already has sand. I'll probably add another inch or 2. It has 4-5 depending on where in the tank you look.

My powerfilter is rated for 400gph
I have 2 circulation pumps currently pushing 700GPH each
I have 2 200 Watt heats easily keeping the tank at 78deg

I know I am going to need new lighting, protein skimmer.
I am also going to get a HoB Refugium for some Macro. I dont have space for a sump.

My biggest question right now is do I need to drain the tank and replace all the water or can I just add salt and let it cycle. I assume it will need to cycle again. Is it the same bacteria in fresh as in salt?

Any suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks
 
Hey all. Been doing salt water for about 3-5 years now and I have a 55 long freshwater tank I am thinking of converting to a FOWLR. I want to put get trigger for the tank, not sure which kind yet but I think it will be a Picasso, Humu Humu, or a Niger.

Most forums I've read state that I'll need new substrate. I dont think I will because the tank is already has sand. I'll probably add another inch or 2. It has 4-5 depending on where in the tank you look.

My powerfilter is rated for 400gph
I have 2 circulation pumps currently pushing 700GPH each
I have 2 200 Watt heats easily keeping the tank at 78deg

I know I am going to need new lighting, protein skimmer.
I am also going to get a HoB Refugium for some Macro. I dont have space for a sump.

My biggest question right now is do I need to drain the tank and replace all the water or can I just add salt and let it cycle. I assume it will need to cycle again. Is it the same bacteria in fresh as in salt?

Any suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks

I would drain it and fill it with ro water. Might be lots of copper. Marine fish are far more sensistive to water quality than freshwater.
 
good point. Didn't think of that.
 

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