How much more work is involved having a salt water aquarium compared to a fresh water one?

Answer 1

I also answered the same question as jcrnr79 Here's my answer that I posted there as well: Yes, he was above me on that answer too!

"I agree with jcrnr79 above. I have several of each type, and once you've got it set up, the only real difference is the stocking level. Saltwater fish are generally more aggressive and territorial (although there are some peaceful species you can keep in schools), plus they need very good water quality, so you can't keep as many fish in the tank - think "cichlid" personality if that helps), and you need to mix up the saltwater to the correct concentration for water changes.

And there's the price of the fish and extra equipment (hydrometer, salt, protein skimmer is advised, but not absolutely required if you're planning to keep invertebrates - corals, shrimp, etc.). You may run into extra cost in lighting as well if you plant to keep ant photosynthetic corals, anemones, or clams.

A good place to begin is with a good reference book. I recommend either The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-52-1 or The Conscientious Marine Aquarist – Robert M. Fenner. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-02-5. These will give you options for how you might want to go about equiping your tank so you get a functioning system that won't break the bank.

Another good website to start at is this one - http://www.apapets.com/marineecosystem/w... - it give a lot of practical things to consider when planning your first tank.

Possibly the difference in opinon regarding the difficulty in going marine is the amount of research and preparation you do before you set up the tank - I spent two years reading materials befor taking the plunge, and while I won't say I've never had a problem, I can say I had a good background in what to expect and some good resources to solve the problems as they came up.

Good luck with the new tank! "

Answer 2

Here's the same answer I gave to someone who asked this question recently...

The only real difference that I have found between saltwater and freshwater aquariums has been the cost. Maintenance everything is pretty much the same.

To start with, you have to buy the salt mix, and the fish are generally more expensive.

The costs are involved in the setup. This all depends on what you are deciding to keep too. If you're going to do a fish only tank, then you need a good filter, just like a freshwater tank. Get the best you can. A protein skimmer would be a good choice, but not a necessity for a fish only tank. Lights and heater and anything else that you would want would be the same as the freshwater tank. (Live rock is also an option for a fish only tank.)

If you're going to go with a reef tank, that's where the extra costs start coming in. More than likely you will need more powerful lighting. You will want a good protein skimmer, and probably some powerheads to customize the water flow. Not to mention the live rock, which can add up on its own.

Maintenance is pretty much the same. You need to do water changes (the only difference is the salt), clean the filters and other equipment, do your water tests (if you do them) and vacuum or clean the substrate.

With a reef tank, you will need to keep an eye on the calcium and trace minerals, but that is just testing the water and adding the additives to the tank. You just have to keep a closer eye on things and make sure none of the readings on the ammonia and nitrates/nitrites build up. If you do the regular cleaning on your filters and water changes, and don't overfeed, it's nothing to worry about.

I have two saltwater tanks, one brackish and 6 freshwater tanks. I spend more time on my cichlid tanks than I do on the saltwater tanks, and I haven't lost any fish yet. (I haven't gotten too much into the invertebrates yet, but the only ones I have lost are a scallop and a couple snails).

If you want to do saltwater fish only or marine tank, go for it. It's well worth it if you can afford it. It's easier to do bigger tanks anyways, because with more water, you do have a bit more leeway/warning if something goes wrong. At the same time, there's more money at risk though. Unless you're going to go extremely high tech, it's no more difficult than a freshwater tank once you get it up and running.

Answer 3

Loads more work. I wanted a salt water tank (the fish are beautiful) but it needs to be constantly cleaned and filtered by a unit that sits next to the tank, so in essence, you need twice the amount of water than the tank can hold for a start. These units aren't cheap, and the water solution is expensive too. Not to mention the heating/lighting you'll need. I found it was just too much effort. Only for the truly dedicated people out there. I just didn't have the time, money or patience! Good luck...

Answer 4

It depends on which type of saltwater aquarium set up you want and what will be in it. I have three salt water tanks and 5 freshwater tanks.

Two of my saltwater tanks are basic 'Fish Only' (FO) set-ups containing very hardy marine fish. These tanks are very easy to maintain, and essentially comparable with freshwater tanks (I even use the same type of filters on the tanks), the only difference is mixing salt, monitoring salinity, and maintaining stable parameters. Weren't really expensive either.

I also have a reef tank (with fish, corals and other inverts) which has more requirements, is a lot more complex than my FO setups, and is a 'money sponge'.

Answer 5

A salt water aquarium is far more work than a freshwater one. For starters you have to check the salt content, and ph levels on a weekly basis. It also costs way more money. You can set up a decent freshwater tank for about $100, a good salt water tank will run you just under $1000.

Answer 6

i agree with magic man. i work at an lfs and answer this question on a regular basis. the big deal with saltwater fish only tanks is picking fish that get along well together and are good for the tank size you have. with fish only the only real difference is the salt in the water. Keep in mind no one is perfect their first time and the high cost of marine fish make ppl bail out onl the hobby to soon and say that it is difficult.

Answer 7

If you mean a fish only saltwater tank then not much more work at all. The only real difference in maintenance is premixing the salt water for the tank at water change time. If you mean a reef tank with living inverts and the like, then it is a bit more work and LOTS more knowledge is required.

MM