Converting fresh water tank into a saltwater reef aquarium.

[LeggendAus]

I know it’s a long shot and I’m probably better of getting an actual reef tank, but does anyone have any ideas to change my fresh water aquarium into a reef aquarium.

I’m thinking I might need to remove the hood and get some hang on lighting that’s suitable for corals and maybe get a small skimmer that hangs on the back.

Let me know what you think.

 

[Kershaw]

You could do hang on the back skimmer and filter. Or you could attempt to drill it for a sump. I personally would just save up and buy a reef tank either a all in one or one with a sump

 

[Maggie321]

Truthfully, any tank can be a saltwater tank. Mine is an old freshwater 39 gallon tank. I did exactly what you said. Removed the lid, bought a reef light. I also bought an RODI unit and a protein skimmer. When it was a freshwater aquarium, it had a hang on back biowheel filter, the skimmer now sits where that was. I got a reef octopus 100 hob for the skimmer and a SB Reef Light basic 16". Hope that helps!

 

[cracker]

There is no reason why You can't go from fresh to salt. If You have the will there is a way !
I like your plan !

 

[iemsparticus]

I agree... no reason that can’t be a nice reef!

What size is that tank?

 

[LeggendAus]

I agree... no reason that can’t be a nice reef!

What size is that tank?

17 gallons (65 litres)

 

[iemsparticus]

17 gallons (65 litres)

What are the dimensions?

 

[Mark Bianco]

Don’t ditch the hood if you like it and want to keep it. It serves many great functions. Keeps evaporation down. Keeps unwanted things out of the tank. Keeps fish from jumping out. IMO looks nice.

I bought one of theses and it’s a great little light for a small tank.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/waterproof-full-spectrum-led-8850-tunze.html

You might have to modify the hood slightly just a small HOB filter such as this

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/liberty-75-hob-power-filter-eheim.html

Then again you can also use a canister filter (more expensive) and only have to slightly modify the hood.

Here is a few pics of the tank with the Tunze light..

 

[George Lopez]

Go for it! I did a13 and converted my 44.

Also most people use non reef ready tanks and drill them to where they need the holes because then you don't need the back black wall

 

[LeggendAus]

Thanks a lot! I will look into getting that Tunze light. I’ll post some photos when it’s all set up.
Thanks everyone for your help ;Happy