Hello all,
I received this 45 gallon tank for free (1st pic) and am unsure of how to move forward.
It was from an elderly woman who's husband was into the hobby and is unfortunately no longer around. It was a saltwater tank but has remained empty for 3 years or so.
I am looking to convert this to a fresh water tank but my only experience so far has been my 10 gallon tank (6th pic) with a simple filter and heater.
I'm not sure how to clean the salt residue away and the inside smells like cat pee. (Not from Bob in 2nd pic)
I found the heater in the middle compartment (2nd pic) and what I think is the pump (3rd/4th pic). Unsure of what is shown in the 5th pic, is this a skimmer or a sump? Is it necessary for freshwater?
I'm assuming the rust on the pump is bad news and may need replacing. (4th pic)
Sorry for the amateur questions but I would really appreciate some insight into what I'm working with here.
Thank you all in advance for your time and potential replies.
Posted by TheOnlyZemjak
1 Comment
You can use a vinegar solution to clean the inside of everything it is great for cleaning deposits and will also help neutralize any cat urine that may be in there. Just give it a good rinse afterwards until you don’t smell any more vinegar and you should be just fine. At the very least with the filter make sure you get a new sponge and what not, sounds like you need a new filter already, I’d do that anyways even if it were working.
In the 5th pic that looks like a protein skimmer, just remove it. Not necessary for freshwater and that looks quite gross lol
You may want to just remove all of the hardware and start over on that front. I’d be hesitant to trust a heater of unknown age and condition. If it were me I’d use the tank and just about nothing else.