Swtch from fresh to salt

[speedracking]

Hey ya'll. I got your site info from the great articles in TFH. I have 4 freshwater tanks. What I need to know is, can I change a 75 gal freshwater tank into a tank that is suitable for a Bimac? After reading about them in TFH I'm in love. I dont mind taking alot of time to do all the research needed, I'm in no hurry. I've never tried a saltwater tank, but I am very proud of my freshwater tanks as far as care, looks, and no fish dying. I was told awhile back that if I wanted a saltwater tank, that my best bet would be to sell my freshwater tank and get one set up for salt. Can't I just buy what equiptment I'll need and add it to this tank? I have alot of work ahead of me, as the only equiptment that I'm familiar with are heaters, lights, and the hang on tank biofilters. I'm not even sure what a refugium is. As I said, I'm willing to take the time to do this right, but I need to know if I can even use this 75 first. Or, would ya'll recommend me starting a smaller 30 or 10 as a salt for a seahorse or something before I try with a bimac? Thanks for any help... Kristie

 

[cthulhu77]

Welcome to Tonmo! Usually, we recommend using a new tank, as any sort of medications or even the gravel (high metal content) used previously could lead to an early demise for such a finicky animal as a cephalopod. The trace metals can actually reside in the silicone sealant after any sort of use (ie: ich medicine, etc).
Under the heading of "ceph care articles" up on the top left of your screen, are a number of writings made specifically to help out with first time octo buffs, be sure to check those out !

 

[monty]

to TONMO! And hey, I think you're the first person who's actually mentioned visiting as a direct result of the TFH issue!

 

[nickcoletti]

 

[corw314]

I have switched a tank from fresh to salt but I know for a fact the tanks history in regards to copper use.

 

[speedracking]

Thanks for the replies

I bought the 75 gal new two Christmas's ago. There has never been any meds, copper or even plant fertilizer in it. I have always quarentined, sp, new fish in a 10 gallon for 6 to 8 weeks b4 adding to a larger tank with other fish. There have been no new creatures added to that tank since last Christmas when I bought 30 Red Cherry Shrimp. All my plants are live and I keep alot of snails in the tank, so between the snails and the highly sensitive shrimp I have made sure not to put ANYTHING but Prime chlorine remover in the tank. I would rather not sell this tank unless I absolutely have to. If I can buy a chiller, different filter ect. I would rather do that. Thanks for any help.. Also, would freshwater snails be an appropriate food for a bimac? I have about a gazillion of these snails. Some are rams horns and the rest are a round type of snail about the size of half a thumb. The puffers that I've had really loved eating them, along with the young snapping turtle that moved into my yard pond.. Kristie

 

[cthulhu77]

Hello again, Kristie !
If you have been the sole owner, and have never had any metal based objects in the tank, you should be fine with using it.
Re: freshwater snails...I am not sure about that one. With the difference in specific gravity of the flesh, it may not be the best thing to feed the octopus, except for as a treat now and again. Be sure to stay away from goldfish, etc, also !

Greg

 

[DWhatley]

Kristie,

Try a snail in a cup of saltwater. It may disolve almost on contact or very soon after and wouldn't work out as food if this happens (IF the octopus eats the snails, it won't be an immediate consumption). Some snails are more tolerant than others of salt. The ramshorn might do better but I would test them as well. I used to keep brackish water for my discus and had Apple snails without a problem but the water was not even close to reef salty let alone the full strength salinity needed for an octopus.

Only our reef and octo tanks were originally designed for saltwater, the other 4 have been DIY modified (all are acrylic). If your 75 is acrylic, you may want to have it drilled (or DIY - pretty safe and easy with acrylic) for an overflow to be able to add a sump or sump/fuge. Glass can be drilled but it is risky. Several Tonmo members have had glass tanks successfully drilled but most aquarium stores will not guarantee that the tank won't crack. If one of your 10 gallon (or larger) QT tanks is no longer used, it can be put to use as a fuge and give you a place to put a skimmer, the chiller pump, filtration and anything else that makes octo proofing a tank difficult.

 

[speedracking]

thanks

Greg and DW, thanks for the info on the snails. It doesnt sound like the snails that I have will work. DW, this might be a stupid question, but what does DIY mean? Also, are you saying that I wouldnt have to have my glass tank drilled or replaced with an acrylic tank if I use a 20 or 30 gallon tank as a fuge? Thanks to everyone for their in depth answers.. Kristie

 

[cuttlegirl]

DIY means Do It Yourself...