Fresh/saltwater bacteria the same?

[Jon0807]

I've had a 10 gallon tank with a small fluval hob running with only ceramic media and the foam pads running and cycled for several months. The idea was to set up a freshwater tank for my daughter. We've since decided to go a different direction and I would like to use this tank and filter as a QT observation tank. My question is, is the bacteria the same for freshwater as it is for saltwater? Meaning can I just empty the freshwater out, add saltwater and viola! Have a cycled saltwater tank?

 

[flsalty]

No. You will have to start all over. Rinse the tank and filter out well.

 

[nereefpat]

No. Osmotic pressure.

 

[mcgyvr]

Good question.. I certainly don't know and would guess that some strains can function in both environments..

Products like this are stated to be for both freshwater and marine environments..
http://www.seachem.com/stability.php
http://brightwellaquatics.com/products/microbacter7t.php

 

[flsalty]

Good question.. I certainly don't know and would guess that some strains can function in both environments..

Products like this are stated to be for both freshwater and marine environments..
http://www.seachem.com/stability.php
http://brightwellaquatics.com/products/microbacter7t.php

It would be interesting to get ahold of their data or do some testing. My best guess is they contain bacteria found in coastal waters that can adapt to both fresh and salt.

I would think they would eventually become food for whatever proper bacterial colonies eventually form.

Or it could be BS. I don't really trust stuff in bottles.

 

[Jon0807]

It would be an interesting experiment. Unfortunately I won't be able to do it. I'm planning on having a fish in TTM this weekend and I'll need an observation tank.