Seeding Freshwater tank with Saltwater Filter Media?

[TheWackyWiz]

This is definitely a strange question but I am wondering if it's possible to seed a freshwater tank with filter media from a saltwater tank? As far as I understand both fresh/salt are eventually conlonized by very similar types of nitrifying bacteria but I imagine the rapid change in salinity/pH would kill the bacteria.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I have done it after being told by my LFS that yes, it does work!

 

[TheWackyWiz]

I have done it after being told by my LFS that yes, it does work!

Hi Elaine,

Thanks for the reply. I've read conflicting reports so it's good to hear someone successfully did it. I also wonder about repurposing rock from salt to fresh? I imagine you'd need to boil the rock first the try to get rid of all of the biomass living within it?

 

[Jekyl]

Hi Elaine,

Thanks for the reply. I've read conflicting reports so it's good to hear someone successfully did it. I also wonder about repurposing rock from salt to fresh? I imagine you'd need to boil the rock first the try to get rid of all of the biomass living within it?

Don't boil rocks

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Hi Elaine,

Thanks for the reply. I've read conflicting reports so it's good to hear someone successfully did it. I also wonder about repurposing rock from salt to fresh? I imagine you'd need to boil the rock first the try to get rid of all of the biomass living within it?

I would just move it in the tank. No need to kill the bacteria.

 

[TheWackyWiz]

Don't boil rocks

Do you think I could just move them into a fresh water tank? During the initial cycle I'll be keeping track of all my params and can make adjustments before putting in plants or anything.

 

[Jekyl]

Do you think I could just move them into a fresh water tank? During the initial cycle I'll be keeping track of all my params and can make adjustments before putting in plants or anything.

I'm not smart enough to answer that. I just know boiling rocks is dangerous.