saltwater tank to freshwater

[adidaex]

I have a 75 gallon tank that was previously used for saltwater fish. I have gotten rid of them and have a 8" fahaka pufferfish in a 55 freshwater tank. I have had him for 5 years now, not knowing until recently(retarded I know) that he needs brackish water. I was wondering if I could use the sand substrate and the wet/dry filter w/ sump. I read its better to have a wall hanging filter, but alas I am broke. What would I have to do to make the switch and make it as much stress free as possible. Thank you very much.

[crazedpuffer]

Your Fahaka will need a 120 gallon tank when he is full grown. Also I'm almost positive Fahaka's do best in FW in the home aquarium.

[OraLacerta]

Fahakas do best in freshwater. Please read about them in our Pufferpedia:
http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/ug. ... _Lineatus/

[adidaex]

Well thats good news considering hes been in one since I have had him. What about changing the 75 tank over to freshwater. Would I have to get rid of all of the sand and what about the wet/dry filter w bio balls. Is it possible to get all of that salt out? Thank you for the quick reply!

[adidaex]

Thats good news that fahakas like freshwater instead of brackish. How would I change a 75 gallon saltwater tank into freshwater. What would be the best kind of gravel or sand to use? Could I use the wet/dry filter, and would all of the salt eventually come out of the bio balls? Thank you for your quick replies!

[OraLacerta]

Is the Fahaka in SW right now or is this just an extra tank you had set up?

If the Fahaka is in a different tank that is already cycled I would just take apart the entire 75 gallon and rinse it throughly, including the bio balls. Then add your desired substrate (sand would be nice as these puffers bury themselves), and whatever decor you prefer. Then fill it up, add the filter and some of the decor from the Fahaka's current tank (so that the 75 gallon is cycled) and then immediately add the Fahaka so that the beneficial bacteria don't die off.

[OraLacerta]

Mod edit: I merged both of your topics because starting multiple threads on the same topic is confusing.

[crazedpuffer]

Just so you know Bio balls increase your nitrate like crazy.

[adidaex]

Thank you for your help on the matter. I can't afford to get another filter, can I manage the bio ball nitrate with chemicals or will it hurt the fish.

[spoot]

The solution to nitrates is water changes; adding unneccesary chemical to the water is a bad idea. The bio-balls increase nitrates when regular upkeep and maintenance on them is not done.