Deciding between a freshwater and saltwater fish tank

After visiting your local fish store, you may find yourself dreaming about building your own serene aquarium to enjoy at home. It is easy to fall for the vibrant colors of the exotic fish and the soothing white noise of trickling water. However, as a hobbyist, you’ll need to make a few very important decisions about what kind of aquarium you want to have. For instance, do you want to have a saltwater fish tank or a freshwater fish tank? Your decision will likely depend on how much time you have to invest in the overall care of the fish and plants.

Freshwater & Saltwater Livestock Care

The success of your aquarium will ultimately depend on your lifestyle. For this reason, it is important to educate yourself on the costs and care requirements of being a fish tank owner. The health of your finned friends will depend on it and so will your long-term success. As with any fish tank, frequent water changes are important. How often will depend on how heavily stocked your tank is and how good your filtration system is. You’ll need to set aside an hour every week or biweekly for maintenance and cleaning.

If you plan on reefkeeping, saltwater fish and corals are especially sensitive to stable water parameters. You will need to quality Invest in fish tank supplies and equipment in order to maintain those healthy water conditions. For example, a testing kit Your livestock care is important to keeping your critters alive for as long as possible, especially since many saltwater fish are expensive. Learn more about caring for your saltwater fish tank and it’s dosing requirements.

Livestock Selections

Both freshwater and saltwater offer a fun variety of critters. In addition to fish, you can also keep invertebrates such as crabs and shrimp. They will help keep your tank clean which is why they are often referred to as the janitors or clean-up crew of the tank.  Other items to consider when aquascaping your tank are plants for freshwater and corals for saltwater.  Corals come in a wide variety of colors. If you are unsure what kind of corals you should get, learn about LPS and SPS corals.

Experience Level

The beginner hobbyist might consider starting with a freshwater fish tank. The fish and plants are typically less expensive than that of saltwater which makes it a great beginner option. However, even a beginner can run a successful saltwater tank. However, you may want to start simple with some hardy and inexpensive Damsel, Chromis, or Cardinal saltwater fish. Saltwater can be a challenging hobby but those up for the challenge take great pride in their tanks. They love their clownfish and the symbiotic relationship it has with an anemone.  Other fun fish include pufferfish, tangs, hawkfish and more. Related article: Tropical fish you need

Understand the various livestock options available for saltwater or freshwater fish to help you make an informed decision. Especially since not all fish are compatible. Some saltwater fish, like triggers, are also not compatible with certain corals.

Budget for your Freshwater or Saltwater Aquarium

The cost to start your own freshwater aquarium is reasonable. Tanks can run from very small to larger tanks or even ponds. This allows you the option to start small. Fish are also fairly inexpensive, although some of the more ornate fish can cost in the hundreds.

Saltwater, on the other hand, is more costly. Some fish and corals can even cost in the thousands of dollars. This variety of livestock to adorn your tank can create a beautiful serene experience that freshwater can’t always offer. The colors are much more vibrant and the movement of corals is relaxing in its own way. If you are new to the hobby of saltwater fish tanks, do plenty of research on the care and requirements. Additionally, Aquatic Dreams saltwater fish store in Clearfield, Utah has experts on staff to help you navigate your saltwater purchases. Their experienced hobbyists can advise you on selecting a tank, equipment, and what fish or corals to stock it with. 

For more information, please contact:

510 Antelope Dr Suite #301
Clearfield, UT 84015
(801) 525-0033