Are salt water tanks really that hard to care for?

Answer 1

Don't let people scare you off. There are millions of people who successfully keep marine tanks. They don't have some magical potion that they use, it is not a rare talent. They did their research- that's it. You will probably make mistakes but hey, it happens. That's how you will learn.

Advice-
Lots of places that sell live rock will sell you seeded gravel/sand and cycled water. This will help you establish your tank. Start out with inexpensive, hardy fish. Dominos are my favorite, most people use blue damsels to cycle. Hold onto them for a while get used to regular maintenance, then try something more expensive.

Buy a good book- it may cost you a bit, but it will help with appropriate tank mates, water conditions.... There are also fantastic forums.

If you have never had a tank before I would start with freshwater. You can learn the basics rather inexpensively. All the basic info like bacteria, nitrogen cycles...will all be similar.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

possibly, depending on your prior level of aquarium knowledge and experience and also depending on what you want to put in the tank. do your research first, talk to the pet shop people but also look online - here's a good site http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7044.asp with some good info.

basically, if you've never had an aqarium before it's not the best place to start as it's an investment and the fish usually cost a lot more. If you start with a reasonable sized fresh water fish tank you can later convert it to salt if you decide you can put the time and effort in. and you will be half way there with the necessary equipment. However, they are amazing tanks and well worth the effort.

Answer 3

No they are not. The biggest problem people have are pet stores trying to sell them alot of crap and patience. I myself suggest finding or purchasing a copy of Julian Sprungs "The reef Aqaurium Volume One" and Volume Two if you want to go further. Geting in a hurry is everyones biggest problem. Saltwater fish set-ups are very easy I think easier than freshwater. Reef tanks a bit more complicated. It takes 6 months to a year to even get a reef tank going strong enouph to support itself. Over time you will learn your tank and see things happening. DO ALOT OF STUDY, know more than the petstore when you go in. FAMA freshwater and marine aqaurium is also a good mag to read.

Answer 4

Nope! I had a 55 gallon and a 20 gallon. I thought it was fun to maintain. You have heater to regulate the temperature, then you check salinity, ph, nitrates/ites. Other than that its clean the glass and the filter. You should also consider getting marine animals that will help you in these tasks. (shrimp, crabs, starfish, they are great and clean the tank and some even eat parasites off fish!)

Answer 5

My brother has had one for years without any major problems. Make sure you have a fish supply store near by just in case you do need something. Do the research first. Once established, they aren't that much work and worth the effort when it comes to the colorful types of fish you can obtain.

Answer 6

dont know for sure....but i hear there is alot more monitoring of conditions....therefore more chemicles....

guy at the pet store told me you have to set your water out 24 hours before doing a water change

i dont know how i would set out 25 gallons of water to clean my 100 gallon tank, that didnt sound right.....but ok

and the fish are too damn expensive....i'd hate to have a $100 dollar fish die, doesnt bother me too much if a $5 fish dies in my freshwater tank

Answer 7

If you have a little time and a lot of passion for it......it is truly simple......find a close mentor to help you get started! Good Luck

Answer 8

Yeah, I wouldn't do it unless your an expert on freshwater first !

Answer 9

Yes and much more expensive

Answer 10

yes it is very hard