ncatanza05

I currently have a 55 gallon tank that was setup for mbuna's. It has been cycled for at least two months and the only fish that I have had in it were 3 Glofish and one Oto. They recently all died for unknown causes. I've tested my water for everything and all the levels are perfect. Since the fish have died I've been thinking of converting my tank to saltwater. I have an emperor 400, Rena Filstar X2, aragonite sand, and perfect-a-lite hood with 48" 40 watt bulb. I was wondering what I would need to do to convert the tank and if my current parts are alright to use with a salt water tank.

locoyo386

Hi there, are you wanting to set up a tank with fish only or also planing to have corals? If you are going to have fish only, than the setup should be fine. Take a look at some saltwater setups and see which route you want to go and i'll try to help as much as I can. I am sure others also have opinions on house you can go about it.

pepetj

You could convert it but forget about using the canister filters in SW. They end up as nitrate factories.

I suggest you start by reading the articles on SW that are already available here in Fishlore. Take your time. I spent roughly 6 months studying SW keeping before feeling ready for the challenge.

There's a lot you could do in a 55gal SW.

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

aquarist48

Hello Ncatanza and Welcome to Fish Lore.
Hope you enjoy the site!
Ken

Naeusu

for a 55gal if you wanted to keep some of the more sensitive fish and what have you, you might want to look into purchasing or DIY sump filtration system. A sump would replace the filter you currently have and is a great place to put other chemical or mechanical add ons (like a protein skimmer). The system itself is relatively easy to understand and install and greatly improves the quality of your tank water. If you include a specialized compartment in the sump called a refugium you can grow your own critters (amphipods and copepods) in greater numbers which act as a good source of fish food and are used as the primary source of certain fish.

locoyo386

Well everything in the tank can become a "nitrate factory" if not maintained properly. Including sumps and other mechanichal filtration systems.