| Weekly water changes, constant water testing, | | | | to remove the sand by scooping it out, like you |
| replacing vho lighting, adding supplements are only | | | | would if using a shovel. A net works too, but it has a |
| some of the elements that go into a successful | | | | tendency to bend, and the weight will cause the |
| saltwater fish tank. Needless to say, a lot of | | | | mesh to rip. |
| dedication and time are required to keep up with the | | | | 5. Once the tank is empty, fill it with freshwater from |
| needs of your fish tank. That being said, more and | | | | the garden hose, and empty it using the siphon. |
| more people are opting to convert their saltwater | | | | Repeat this process 2-3 times to make sure there is |
| tanks to freshwater. This can easily be done if you | | | | no residual salt in the tank. The other option (if you |
| follow these simple straightforward steps. | | | | can lift it) is to take it outside and rinse the tank out. |
| 1. Siphon the existing gravel in the tank. Take out as | | | | 6. Once the tank is clean. Fill it with freshwater, |
| much of the debris in the sand as possible. You want | | | | dechlorinate the water with a good product, I use |
| to do this to minimize the mess later. Besides it is | | | | Seachem Prime, and fire up the filter. |
| best if you replace the substrate with a new type. | | | | 7. Add the decorations, new gravel, bubbling treasure |
| 2. Empty the water from the tank. Remove as much | | | | chest, etc. |
| saltwater as possible. | | | | 8. Add one or two fish once the temperature is |
| 3. Remove any rock, coral, or other decorations in | | | | stabilized. A good rule of thumb is to wait about 24 |
| the tank. If you have "live rock" set it out in the sun | | | | hours before adding the first fish. |
| and wait until it turns white. You can use it in the | | | | 9. Watch the fish for about two weeks, if it isn't |
| new setup if you are planning on keeping cichlids or | | | | showing signs of stress (e.g. resting in a corner, |
| any other fish that likes a high pH (i.e. 8.3) | | | | breathing fast, red streaks in their fins, or anything |
| 4. Remove as much of the substrate as possible. The | | | | out of the ordinary) then go ahead and add more |
| best tool to use is a plastic dustpan. It makes it easy | | | | fish. |