Top fin tank into a saltwater?

[studmuffin18]

I think I found a 5g easy clean top fin aquarium at goodwill and I was just wondering if I could turn it into a saltwater tank since there’s no like return nozzle like saltwater tanks does (if you saw an easy clean tank before you would know what I’m talking about) and has that thing in the back to drain the water. I’m really trying to figure out if I can actually do it or not. Can anyone help?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Nano_Man]

 

[DDenny]

Since this is a meet and great thread most people are going to just let say welcome or post a welcome GIF.

Why buy a used 5g tank when you can pick one up brand new 10g for $20 at petco or something like that. Can put a hang on back filter on it with a decent light for fish only or go with a better light for corals. I would suggest don’t skimp out on the real live rock and sand let it cycle and call it good. But that is when the real challenge begins.

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[vetteguy53081]

I think I found a 5g easy clean top fin aquarium at goodwill and I was just wondering if I could turn it into a saltwater tank since there’s no like return nozzle like saltwater tanks does (if you saw an easy clean tank before you would know what I’m talking about) and has that thing in the back to drain the water. I’m really trying to figure out if I can actually do it or not. Can anyone help?

While you can, you will find yourself investing more into small accessories such as filters, mini skimmer, etc- Best is a small AIO (all in one tank)

 

[LadyMac]

Welcome to the forum!

I’ve had the easy clean top fin before, and I personally wouldn’t use it for a salt tank. Aside from the lack of flow, the glass they use is far too thin to support the pressure. I’ve seen people with 9gallon Fluval flex tanks failing from glass breaking with the pressure. Top fin uses about the same glass thickness.

 

[paragrouper]

Hi,

It would certainly be possible, but you would face a number of challenges. The integrated filter is similar to an All in One aquarium in concept, but I’m not sure you would get adequate flow. Likewise, the lights may not be very useful for coral growth.

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Welcome to Reef2reef!

I would get a bigger tank.

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[CO2TLEY]

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome to R2R, happy you are here!

 

[jsker]

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[FUNGI]

Welcome to the forum!

I’ve had the easy clean top fin before, and I personally wouldn’t use it for a salt tank. Aside from the lack of flow, the glass they use is far too thin to support the pressure. I’ve seen people with 9gallon Fluval flex tanks failing from glass breaking with the pressure. Top fin uses about the same glass thickness.

Pressure?

 

[FUNGI]

I think I found a 5g easy clean top fin aquarium at goodwill and I was just wondering if I could turn it into a saltwater tank since there’s no like return nozzle like saltwater tanks does (if you saw an easy clean tank before you would know what I’m talking about) and has that thing in the back to drain the water. I’m really trying to figure out if I can actually do it or not. Can anyone help?

You can....but depending on the corals you want, you may need a small internal pump/wavemaker to increase water movement. At 5G, 10% weekly water changes will be more than enough to not have to use a skimmer.
As far as lights, a good LED clip-on will work...or even a strip light

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R