Which fish tank is easier to clean Salt water or fresh water?

Answer 1

I keep several of each and honestly about the only difference I see is in having to take the time to adjust the salinity of the replacement water for my saltwater tanks. Since I start mixing the replacement water a few days before I plan to use it, it's not that much of a big deal. I know about how much salt I need to use with the brand of salt I get, so I mix that up first in cold water, then the next day when the water is room temperature, I do the fine-tuning, followed by a second check before I use it. Since marine is a higher pH tank, I also add a kalkwasser supplement, but that only takes a few minutes each week.

You can make a saltwater harder to clean by stacking the live rock too close to the glass or letting the coralline algae build up too long on the glass, but if you do the maintenance weekly with no more than a 25% water change (same amount I use for freshwater), cleaning's about the same. You can also stack rock too tightly which doesn't allow good water flow between pieces which can make cleaning harder.

About the only equipment difference between the types of my tanks is I use a protein skimmer on the saltwater tanks, which does make the saltwater a little more expensive for the intial set-up. I don't run UV on either type.

If you want to read some more about the recommendations for equipment for cleaning and maintenance for each type of tank, this site has some good info: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/

Answer 2

I have had large fish tanks with different types of fish so here is what I had. I had fresh water fish. The reason is that the fish are a bit cheaper, there is a wide variety that you can have in the tank, you can mix and match. Also it is must easier to clean and take care of than salt water tanks. In a fresh water tank You can add plants, rocks, and all types of decorations. In the salt water there are plants but they care a bit more expensive than fresh water. It is the price, the variety and the easy care that makes fresh water tanks betters. In my case, I had in a27 gallong tank fresh water, Angels, Neons, various tropicals, gold fish, and others. This makes the tank more interesting. The salt water tank can be interesting but again the price is an issue. Also cleaning is much easier because you do not have that heavy salt residue on the edges that gets caked and hard to clean off. For the fresh water tank, I empty it totaly. In a large 5 gallon clean pail I put fresh water, then on the edge of the pail I put the clean filters then add the fish. While the fish are in the clean pail of water with the filters, I wash the tank, plants and decorations. The tank is easy, I rinse it then add salt, yes salt because it is a natural cleaning agent and you do not have to scrub. Then I rinse the tank good. Place it back pour in the water from the pail add the fish and the filters then add what water is needed and then the decorations and done. I had fish that lasted me 8 years. An Angel fish that I got as a baby I had for 10 years. He was black and silver and very large. On person offered me $300 for him, but I said no because I grew him up from a tiny fish to an adult. He was beautiful. Large fins and a graceful body as he swam. But I suggest that you check with your favorite pet shop first. Also watch the pet shop. Some stores bring in the fish and leave them in the containers that they come in a long while before placing in the tanks and when you buy the fish they die soon due to not being attended early enough. I have mentioned this to the pet shop that I used to go to and they did not care. Many of the fish died. So I went to another shop where they take care of the fish and that is where I got my Angel fish that I had for all that time.

Answer 3

For the most part they are the same. Both systems should have weekly 25% partial water changes (while vacuuming the gravel for debres) However the part about salt that is more of an issue is you either have to purchase filtered sea water or mix your own sea salt to tap water in a seperate container BEFORE adding to the aquarium so in that regaurd I would say freshwater is less work as well as less expensive.

Answer 4

Fresh by all means salt water tanks need constant level checks and pH testing.Fresh water tanks are easier because you just vacuum the bottom and change the filter about once a month.

Answer 5

I'd say freshwater is easier to clean than saltwater because after you clean a saltwater tank where can you find gallons of saltwater i mean if you live far the sea. After cleaning a freshwater tank you just fill it with water from your hose or something like that. Plus their are still requirements for a saltwater tank to keep it saltwater. I'd say freshwater is easier to clean

Answer 6

A freshwater tank is MUCH easier to clean. Saltwater tanks are costly and take too much time. If you're thinking about getting a tank, a freshwater one would be the best.

Answer 7

A freshwater tank is much easier to clean and maintain. I have had both in my lifetime.

Answer 8

It isn't a matter of cleaning, it is a matter of maintenance!! The saltwater tank I have needs much more attention than the freshwater!

Answer 9

Salt water fish tanks you do water changes about 50% every month.
But fresh water fish tanks you have to clean ALOT like once every other day, and it gets really dirty.
So i think ill go with Salt water fish! :)

Answer 10

Freshwater is SOOO much easier to clean! Trust me! I've had both kinds!