Having an aquarium can be a great way to add a bit of wow factor to your home. But, it’s not necessarily that simple to get started. This article from the Detroit News shares how aquariums can be a great addition to your home, but also includes some considerations to think about when it comes to the type of tank you want to buy.
One of the first decisions you’ll want to make is to choose between a freshwater and saltwater aquarium. Of course, both of these types of aquariums can look great. But, there are some subtle and not-so subtle differences that you’ll want to think about before taking the plunge and deciding on the type of aquarium to buy. The two biggest factors to consider? Cost and maintenance. We’ll take a look at these and some other factors that will help you decide if a freshwater or saltwater tank is right for you.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater: The Basics
So, what’s the basic difference between freshwater and saltwater aquariums? Freshwater is any kind of body of water naturally occurring from ponds, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water that do not contain saltwater or have a saltwater level that is very low. This means that a freshwater aquarium will only have fish and plants that live naturally in these environments. Freshwater fish do include some tropical fish that may thrive in warm freshwater and some may enjoy cold freshwater. Some examples of freshwater fish are platies, guppies, cichlids, and bettas.
Saltwater, on the other hand, is any kind of body of water with a higher salt count. Most saltwater that we think of comes from the ocean, and that’s exactly where most fish and plants for your saltwater aquarium will come from. Saltwater aquariums tend to be a bit more specialized than freshwater tanks. So, this means you’ll see fish-only tanks, fish and live rock only tanks, and reef tanks that recreate coral reefs. Some examples of saltwater fish are chalk bass, coral beauties, butterfly fish, and firefish.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s break down some of the pros and cons of each kind of aquarium.
Freshwater Aquariums: Pros and Cons
- Aquarium Setup Costs: Aquarium setup costs can vary based on the size of tank and types of fish and plants you add to it. Generally, the cost to setup a basic freshwater aquarium is $100-$500, depending on the size.
- Fish Types and Cost: Freshwater fish are usually a bit hardier and less expensive than their saltwater counterparts. That’s partially because freshwater fish don’t live in as temperamental of environments. Fish are also quite affordable, which helps when you’re buying a lot of them for your tank.
- Water and Maintenance: Freshwater aquariums can be both cold and warm. So, this means you’ll need to make sure you maintain a consistent temperature, water pH, and oxygen levels in your tank. This can be a bit easier to maintain than saltwater aquariums that require constant monitoring of the salt content (aka salinity).
- Beginner vs. Expert: If you’re a beginner to fishkeeping, a freshwater tank is definitely the way to go. They are more affordable, easier to setup and maintain, and perfect for families and hobbyists.
Saltwater Aquariums: Pros and Cons
- Aquarium Setup Costs: Like a freshwater aquarium, the setup for a saltwater tank can really vary depending on the types of fish and plants you add to to it and the size of the tank. Usually, saltwater tanks are a bit bigger, which makes the setup price higher. The average costs to setup a basic saltwater tank is between $200-$500, but can go well over $1000 depending on the aquarium and what’s included in it.
- Fish Types and Cost: With setup costs being more expensive, you can expect that saltwater fish are more expensive too. Though there are a few exceptions, most saltwater fish cost over $15. That can really add up, especially if you’re buying a lot of fish. Saltwater fish can often be a bit more sensitive too. So, this means losing a fish to improper salinity or other conditions is a pretty real threat. This is one reason why maintenance is even more important with a saltwater aquarium.
- Water and Maintenance: There’s no doubt that if you have a saltwater aquarium you’re going to be doing a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to make sure that temperature, salinity, pH, and other water issues are monitored, especially when you first setup your tank. Saltwater fish also require a little bit more maintenance and may also require special diets, depending on the type of fish.
- Beginner vs. Expert: If you’re a newbie to fishkeeping, you may want to avoid getting a saltwater tank — at least in the beginning. They can be a wonderful addition to your home, but do require some dedication and persistence in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem for your fish. If you’re an avid hobbyist or expert fishkeeper, a saltwater aquarium will be great for you. Making the switch from freshwater to saltwater aquariums? Check out this article from Tropical Fish Magazine to help get you started.
The Choice is Yours: Choosing Between a Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium
With some of the tips we’ve shared here, you’ll find it easier to choose between a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. Of course, no matter what type of tank you choose, you’re bound to enjoy all that both types of aquariums and their marine life have to offer. Still not sure if freshwater or saltwater aquariums are for you? This article from the Dispatch Weekly explains What it Takes to Keep Fish Happy and Healthy and breaks down a few more pros and cons of the different kinds of fish tanks.