marine to tropical?

[aaron lynch]

hi, my dad has a large tank (5x2x2) it was used as a marine setup before he bought it along with the external filters etc.
he has now decided to keep it but to have tropical fish, either discus or oscars and catfish.
my question is does he just get new filter media etc and start filling it with water for the tropicals? will the used filters be ok once cleaned etc?
also what fish would you reccomend? preferably larger fish.
thanks

[white]

you will need new filter media because of the salt

[aaron lynch]

thats what i thought. whats the best way to get it started? i mean years ago when i used to keep tropicals it was a case of getting some tetras in the tank to help the filter bacteria. but my dad is after larger fish so would i be able to go and buy a large plec after week or so? after the water is dechlorinated and up to temp?
sorry for the questions but im not really up on fishkeeping.

[white]

you can buy something called aquasafe from an aquatic shop to help get things started

[aaron lynch]

thanks, ill have a look. would you say a large plec would be alright to start with? i dont want to get started with tetras as he wants larger fish (probably oscars etc which would just eat them.

[white]

pleco would be no good as they eat algae and there won't be ready.your best bet is to get your water tested regularly at an aquatic shop and they will tell you when it is ready

[aaron lynch]

ok, thanks a lot mate.

[hedgehog738]

if you buy some tetras or someting, when you go to buy your bigger if just take the tetras back, im sure they will have them or ask them first, they may evan give you money for them. or let them get eaten or give them to someone with a community tank.
my first fish for my big tank was a plec, just feed it bottom feeder pellets until algae has built up,
hope this helps.

[scotsmanvic]

iv'e kept marine & cold water & tropical got to say nothing beats a good marine reef tank but god are they expensive, but ive also got to say a really good malawi fish tank setup or a well planted cold water fancy goldfish setup is pretty good.

[leanne+lewis]

i agree you cant beat marine, i have a reef set up and fish only and i must say my puffers and cowfish are such characters there not like fish!