I might get a saltwater tanks...?

Question

I am looking a getting into a small 12 gallon saltwater tank. Petsco has a gr8 starter...http://www.petco.com/product/13544/Marineland-Instant-Ocean-Saltwater-Aquarium-Kit.aspx#details

are saltwater tanks hard to set up, keep up keep clean etc.

am i making a mistake in buy this??

Answer 1

Saltwater is a little harder in set-up than a freshwater tank, but once you get past the initial setup, there's not a lot more to keeping them. The biggest differences are having to mix up the salt for water changes, some additional equipment (hydrometer, protein skimmer), the behavior of the fish (most are more territorial and aggessive than freshwater), and the cost.

Because the fish are more territorial (think of them more like cichlid personalities, if you've ever kept these) you'll be limited in what you can keep in a tank that size. You'll also have more of a problem with temperature and water chemistry stability. Not to say you can't make it work, but you have far less flexibility and room for error.

If you're really interested in trying saltwater, I'd suggest going with a larger tank - I started with a 29 gallon, and moved up to a 55 in six months. I now have three saltwater tanks and several freshwater as well. Also, read as much as you can about keeping a marine set-up, and research the fish you plan to get. Some of the nice 2-3 inch fish you see at the store get to be 12-18 inches or more. And since they're territorial, you need to find out their compatibility. I'll post a few links below were you can look at what's involves in keeping salt.

http://www.apapets.com/MarineEcosystem/whatto.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AqBizSubWebIndex/hobratestrs.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16

Answer 2

My mother in law set one up last Aug. I had been telling her for 2 yrs before NOT to do it. She has had freshwater tanks for years and didn't realize the time and effort required. Her's is 12 gal.
Since Aug she has spent approx. $1600 CAN. She was told by the "pet experts" that she could put fish in right away but I managed to told her off for 3 mos. Her chemicals were her first problem. She tried town water, fresh creek water, bottled water to no avail... so they told her it was the lighting. She spent $140 on a new ballast and light. Then she had a problem with algae (red) so they told her to buy a new skimmer. nonetheless, she still has some algae and a skimmer rated for 60 gal. Some plants survive, her rock is doing good, but she has lost all 6 of the clowns she's put in over the last few months (always in pairs).
Anyways..... a saltwater is strictly for at least an intermediate level enthusiast. You have to be prepared for frustration , disappointment and not crying over a $75 fish dying a week later. Saltwater tanks work much better in a larger tank of at least 25 gal where the chemical/water fluctuations won't be so dramatic. If you decide to go for it - they are amazing and beautiful. But lots of work!

Answer 3

Don't get a 12 Gallon tank! You HAVE to get at least 40 gallons. With 12 gallons you can have NO fish and they are impossible to take care of if they are small! It takes less to fu

Answer 4

ideal suggestion i grants you... do no longer do it. positioned the money you're are going to waste attempting to establish that tank aside and save for a respectable tank (29gal+), some stay rock and so on. the money you will save on lifeless clownfish will directly pay for a respectable aquarium. If all you have is an 8gal and empty wallet, get some White Cloud Minnows or comparable small freshwater fish to maintain your fish preserving activity going. come returned to marine once you have $500 to spend on a respectable (yet nevertheless funds) set up. Ian

Answer 5

You should research... saltwater tanks are expensive to keep up, and the fish need more care....
I would advise googleing or joining a forum for great help from people who have had saltwater tanks
I'll give you my favorite forum link :-D

Answer 6

if you get a tank get a bigger one the point of a saltwater is to have nice fish nice fish need a big tank get at least 20 gallon

Answer 7

they are cute, but if you are going to spend money on one, BUY THE BEST YOU CAN. If you purchase this one in the pic, you will eventually need to upgrade your filter or lights or size or whatever.... so start out with the best possible.
BUT....... not until you get as much information as you can on the hobby.
You can also look in newspapers or other places for used tanks... I have had problems selling mine, and will have to lower the price, losing out on the money I put into it.
Welcome to the hobby!