tank filtration

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I purchased a used 65 gal saltwater tank (with overflow) and stand.  I plant to convert the tank to freshwater with live plants.  I know to clean the tank with diluted vinegar, but I need to buy a new filtration system.  The tank/stand is "Oceanic" brand, and has an overflow compartment located inside the tank.  Can you recommend a filtration setup that will work for fresh water (with plants) that will fit/use the intratank overflow pocket?  I may want to add CO2 and O2 also.  Basically, I don't know how to make use of the tank configuration.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can offer.

ANSWER: Hello Lorrie,

Im sorry, but i am not familiar with fresh water setups...So, I can not make suggestions for the equipment/layout.


Good luck thoud, and if you can, please send me some pictures of your setup after you get it up and runnin'


Thanks


bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bill,

All the freshwater experts are on vacation so I can't ask them. :(  I thought I'd ask a saltwater person because the tank is a saltwater configuration. After more reading at Melevsreef, I see my tank is pre-drilled, and I think (but am not sure) the overflow pocket is for a sump.  I will have to plumb the return pipe.  I can't see any reason why I couldn't use a saltwater type filtration system other than I will need a filtration system that moves the circulation without alot of surface turbulence ( which will release the dissolved co2). I also won't need a protein skimmer either.

The only parameters I need to consider for freshwater plants is special substrate (Fluorite or gravel with a layer of Laterite underneath), full-spectrum lighting and Co2 injection.  I have these all covered, but I'm still fuzzy on fitration selection and plumbing. Any thoughts?

Answer
Those dang fresh water guys get VACATION???


WOW.. i will need to negotiate a vacation in my next contract... hehehehe


(and no, we dont work here, and yes we are all volunteers... hehehehe)

the 'pre drilled' thing / stuff is called an 'OVERFLOW'

Basically, as water is pumped up from a 'sump' the tank fills up, and 'overflows' that pocket, until the water goes down the drain, into the sump, and then the water gets pumped back up to the tank, until it goes into the over flow and REPEAT





The sump (for saltwater aquariums) IS the filter...

SALTWATER tanks DONT NEED a filter like freshwater tanks do...

The big difference is this FILTER


SALTWATER systems have a LIVE filter...  this means that the rock and sand contain and grow live organisms that filter teh junk out of the water...

FRESH WATER systems dont have a LIVE filter...

the filter is actually a pad, or maybe even the rock substrate, (not for the live stuff in or on the rock), but using the rock as a filter pad...


the filter PAD is called MECHANICAL filter


so the difference between SALTWATER systems and FRESHWATER systems is

LIVE filter for saltwater tanks

and

MECHANICAL filter for FRESHWATER aquariums



A saltwater tank CAN have mechanical filter, but, without a LIVE filter, the saltwater tank will eventurally fail

a FRESHWATER system can not have a live filter...

So, not sure how to answer your question other then to say that you can use the 'OVERFLOW' to increase the tank volume, and to create a place to hide yoru heater and other accessories, (so they are less visible in the diaplay tank)

but, you will still need a MECHANICAL filter...

either a UNDER GRAVEL filter, or a HOT filter, (hang on tank) filter...  or a cannister filter...


Maybe you can look at www.drsfostersmith.com   and see what freshwater info you can find there...

you can also look up some of teh information on cannister filters  from that site also...    I know RENA makes a good cannister, and MAGNUM and a few others...


If you want, you can log onto my new forum at www.thelittleocean.com  and start a discussion there.. although it is a REEF/saltwater forum, there are a few of us that do have freshwater experience that will be able to help you...


good luck and again, please keep me posted as to what you end up doing...


Bill