How to Convert a Saltwater Aquarium to a Freshwater Aquarium

Saltwater aquariums can be beautiful, but they also require more work than freshwater tanks. They are also more expensive to maintain. If you're considering simplifying your aquarium duties, you can convert your saltwater tank to freshwater. Most standard equipment, such as heaters and filters, can be used for either type of aquarium. All you need to do is give it a through cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Aquarium siphon or small container
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Disposable sponge
  • Bleach
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the salt water from the tank. If the tank is small, use a container to dip the water out into a bucket. You can use an aquarium siphon to drain the water into a bucket for larger tanks.

    • 2

      Remove the decorations and substrate. Discard porous decorations such as rock or wood. It's almost impossible to get the salt out of them. You can use them in another saltwater tank, or give them away to another saltwater aquarium owner.

    • 3

      Mix a solution of 50/50 water and white vinegar. Scrub the inside of the tank with the solution using a disposable sponge. This will remove the salt deposits, along with any hard water stains.

    • 4

      Rinse out the tank with fresh water and allow it to dry.

    • 5

      Open up your filter and discard any porous filter medium.

    • 6

      Scrub non-porous decorations and any equipment you plan on reusing with a mix of 15 parts water to 1 part bleach. Finish with a fresh water rinse.