can i use the set up from a marine tank to run a freshwater tank?

Question

i have the possibllty of obtaining the full set up from a marine tank - heater filter lights etc - but am notconfident enough to havea marine tank, i know i cant use the coral in fresh water but can i use any of the equipment

Answer 1

I'll agree with two others, if you really think you would prefer a marine tank, just take your time and get confident to keep maarine. Buy a book or two on them and also read on as many web sites as possible. Just don't start setting it up until you feel very comfortable that you know what you are doing.

If you would prefer to keep freshwater go for that too. The others have done a great job of filling you in on what you will and won't need from the saltwater set up.

MM

Answer 2

You should be able to make use of most of the equipment.
If it has a protein skimmer, you won't need that.
Depending on the type of filtration it comes with, you may be able to use it. if it's a regular filter like a canister, that'll be fine. Most filters are built around the same concept, so are interchangeable between salt and fresh.
The heater(s) you can re-use.
The lights you can most likely re-use. They might be overkill for your tank, though, so you may want to swap them for something more appropriate. Also, they might be metal halides or actinic which would not be necessary for a freshwater tank.
Obvious, the tank (and stand) would be fine to use.
As for the coral - you mean deal coral, yes? You may not want to use that in freshwater. Coral alters water pH, in that it increases water hardness and pH, which is undesireable unless your tap water is excessively low, or if you are keeping high-pH species such as Malawi or Tanganyikan species.

By the way, don't be afraid to go marine! You're lucky enough to have everything included, so there's no guesswork when it comes to what you need to buy for equipment. If you like marine tanks, read up on it; like I say, you would already have all the equipment, and that's one of the hardest parts of setting up a marine tank. After that, it's just a matter of salt, water, live rock, and livestock!

Answer 3

Let me reassure you salt is not that much different than fresh when it comes to keeping fish. I agree with Zoe, if you like marine, go for it. Since you already have what you need to get started.

Depending on the equipment you have most can be used for your fresh water.

The protein skimmer really isn't needed for your fresh water. That the coral and gravel are the only things you really won't need for fresh water.

You will want to clean the tank. Use a spray bottle with Hydrogen Peroxide and clean the insides of your tank and rinse. (No HP will not harm your fish) and will clean any left over debris from the tank. Rinse and you are almost ready to go.

If you are wondering about salt, feel free to email me or repost about starting a salt tank. It really isn't that hard.

Answer 4

I agree, If you are already going to buy the equipment needed to keep saltwater, GO FOR IT.
It is NOT as hard as some people make it out to be and you may end up with a BEAUTIFUL piece of the Ocean in your home.
JUST LIKE freshwater, You should do a little research before you start.
There are many realy good web sites to help you.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/
and there are a lot of good Forums that have people that will help you in ANY WAY.
http://www.captivereefing.com/?
Good Luck, Be Patient and Enjoy

Answer 5

should be able to use most of it if not all of it.