is it hard to start a salt water aquarium?

Question

i have always had tropical fish now i would like to try salt water is it hard and or expensive?

Answer 1

If you have been successful with your tropical fish it shouldn't be too difficult for you to care for a saltwater tank. It is very expensive to start up because you HAVE to buy live rock and top quality substrate in order to be successful. Once you have your tank stocked though it is not too expensive. The fish live a lot longer then tropical fish so they don't need to be replaced very often. You need only buy salt for the water changes and replace bulbs every six months.
What is particularly frustrating is that it takes up to two years for your system to mature fully and during that time you will have many algae/slime blooms to battle. It is during this stage that many would be marine enthusiasts give up

Answer 2

Had to put my 2 cents in too:

Yes saltwater is trickier than freshwater, and yes it is lots more expensive, BUT if you are willing to do a little research, dont let that stop you from having a saltwater tank.

Since you have had freshwater tanks before, you already know a little of what is required to keep a healthy tank. I have recently converted to saltwater myself & here are a few tips:

1. Make sure your tank is big (i recomend 55 gallons or more). A larger body of water stays more stable so you wont have to struggle to keep ph or salinity levels at the norm.

2. Research research research! Lots of saltwater fish can only be kept one species to a tank, the lighting requirements for invertabrates are often different than just your regular florescent bulb, know what works with the type of fish you want to keep, ect.

3. Be patient. It takes a while for the beneficial bacteria to develop for your fish, & the first couple of fish you put in your tank will die.

A good fish to start with is a percula clown fish. They are not too terribly expensive & can be added with an anemone if you would like. Live rock adds beauty to the tank as well.

Head to your nearest pet store & talk with their aquatic specialist. They should be able to get you started & answer any of your questions. There is nothing as beautiful as a healthy saltwater tank. Yes, it can be pricy & a little more work, but it is rewarding as well.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

very hard. dont just put salt in the water. ask the guy at the pet store on what water to use. plus the fish cost almost 3 times as much as the regular ones do, and you need real live coral, a place to put it, a tank bigger than 30-40 gallons. also salt water is more dense and hevy so make sure your floor and the stand can support it. if you live in an apartment or a rented house, make sure your lanlord allows it. basiclly it takes reponisbiltty, matenince, time, eefort. you have to be dedicated

Answer 4

It isn't hard if you know what you're doing ... you should research saltwater aquariums a little bit before trying it. It's much more expensive than a freshwater aquarium. Liverock is very expensive and as already stated, the fish are more expensive. It's also much more rewarding though, so if you are willing to do the work, it's definitely worth it.

Answer 5

Yes on both counts.
It's hard to keep the salinity level and pH right. Salt water fish are much more expensive, and most pet stores only give you a day return policy. Meaning if they day the 2nd day you are out of luck. Paying $65 for a fish to die the next day is stupid. They are much prettier than the fresh water but it is ALOT of work.

Answer 6

saltwater aquariums will cost more they need differents temps, salt conditions, ph unless your experienced don't and yes the saltwater fish are more expensive plus all the water treatments and need way more room a 10 gallon tank is not ok more like 30 or 40 b/c they are you used to vast areas to swim in

Answer 7

In answer to the question above it is not hard to start a saltwater tank if you go about things in the right way.. Meaning talk to your local saltwater dealer and get all the information to set the tank up correctly. If you get all the right equipment and the right advice the tanks are easy to care for and very beautiful.. Beware the impatient bug though because it causes most of the disasters mentioned by other hobbyists...

Answer 8

i don't know if it's too much expensive (i don't think so ) but it is hard cuz you have to check everyday the salinity of the water

once i got a salt water aquarium but i had a sea anemone and it killed all the other fishes cuz it attacked them with it's poison so you have to be care ful with what fishes you choose

Answer 9

you should really study up before trying this - the salt water must be just right right balance - and it can be a lot of work

Answer 10

There are more parameters to keep in check, but for the most part - once the cycle is complete (as with a freshwater system) then it's just your routine maintenance.