2006-11-25 11:27:47 · 11 answers · asked by beanichick 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Saltwater is very expensive, and time intensive. Freshwater is cheaper, and requires less time, but the fish are not as beautiful. If you go with freshwater, make sure to use a water conditioner (Aqua safe is good) before you put the tap water into the tank. For saltwater, make sure to use either distilled water, or water that has been cleaned through the process of reverse osmosis (RO). RO water can be purchased at your local fish store, or you can buy a RO unit to clean your tap water (Coralife units are good) for about $100 and up, depending on how many gallons of water you need to produce in a day. Also, whichever you choose, research is always a good thing. Aquariums for Dummies is a good choice for both types, or you can get Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies or Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies. Hope this helps and Best of Luck! Have fun!
2006-11-25 13:16:12 · answer #1 · answered by janelgirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A salt water fish tank is up to the individual. Are you ready to start spending a hefty sum of money? A 100 gallon tank is going to need more apparatus than a fresh water tank. If you are serious about a salt water set up go to your store of prefference. Tell them to walk you through the equipment you will "HAVE" to have to succeed in your quest and the amount of money each item will cost "you may want to bring a calculater" with you. Check out some prices on fish and what size they will attain and what tank mates they can get along with. The price of live sand, live rock, inverts, and more. If you have the capital and know what your getting into, by all means go for it. I would like to be able to get into salt water fish but right now i don't have the time and dedication to give to the inhabitants of a salt tank. It would not be fair to the critters in the tank. I enjoy fresh water fish very much and one reason is the ease of taking care of them. Good Luck.
2006-11-29 11:30:20 · answer #2 · answered by redbass 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Salt water tanks cost a lot more to set up and maintain, and the fish are more costly. It is also quite a bit more difficult to keep it healthy. Fresh water tanks do need care, but less than salt, the fish are more hearty, and the cost is less. Many areas don't have the supplies you need for a salt tank, either. Check out what you have available close by before you commit to anything.
2006-11-25 11:43:15 · answer #3 · answered by neo_maxi_zoon_dweeby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you want. Salt water, by far will give you the greatest choice in the coloring of fish. Fresh water can't compete with the coloring.
Salt water is a little harder to maintain, but it has gotten a lot easier over the past several years.
With salt water you can also get all kinds of invertebrates, like sea anemones, coral, jelly fish etc. They're really beautiful. More expensive though.
So, in my opinion:
Salt water: harder to maintain, more expensive, more beautiful fish, etc.
Fresh water: easier to maintain, less expensive, variety of fish less colorful, etc.
I'd go with salt water.
2006-11-25 11:33:12 · answer #4 · answered by dawnsdad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how much money you want to spend.
Freshwater - Cheaper to set up, cheaper fish, cheaper to replace, pickier fish about the PH and temperature, as well as catch fishy diseases easier and it has to be cleaned more often.
Saltwater - More expensive, brighter color fish. Once established very easy to care for.
Try something like brackish water for your first aquarium. Cichlids are fairly hardy and come in a wide range of colors. They are very active too. The brackish water set up is a lot cheaper than a Saltwater set up a bit more than the fresh.
2006-11-25 11:38:31 · answer #5 · answered by Young Lady in an old body 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never use straight tap water you must treat it (this is called fresh water) Fresh water is easiest and less expensive, but salt water has a lot more colorful fish and is more challenging. I would pick fresh water I enjoy it much more.
2006-11-28 05:39:53 · answer #6 · answered by weebles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A saltwater tank gives you more options in creating a colorful and diverse aquarium.
As mentions inverts in saltwater aquariums range from shrimp to corals, and of course crabs. There is no comparison in color between freshwater and saltwater fish. Also a saltwater tank is not as hard as some make it out to be.
However, which ever way you go, don't use tapwater. RO/DI is better for both
2006-11-25 11:42:23 · answer #7 · answered by Wes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Salt water tanks are a big commitment. Lots of maintenence and more expensive equipment.
2006-11-25 11:37:02 · answer #8 · answered by Jay A 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have never had fish a fresh water tank is good to start with.
2006-11-25 11:31:19 · answer #9 · answered by moe h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to have a fish tank for the first time.I would go for tap water first.It easier.
2006-11-25 11:51:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋