Choosing Between Freshwater or Saltwater Aquarium Keeping

Going Salty or Keeping it Fresh?

This is the first significant decision one will make at the launch of every tank construction. Generally when we set- up a tank, most people consider this question a no brainer. Perhaps you already have a prized fish in mind which dictates your selection. Or you have already pictured the perfect zen aquatic landscape for a stressful office space. If that’s the case, then this article is not for you. Instead, we are focusing towards those individuals who have only dabbled in one type of aquarium and are debating on venturing into the other aquatic realm. Or even for those first time hobbyists who have decided they want an aquarium, but have not decided if they will be going salty or fresh. Below are some things to consider when selecting your aquatic habitat.

Freshy Fishy

• Ranging Difficulty Levels - Many rookie aquarists select freshwater aquariums as their first venture because many big box pet stores will inform them that the freshwater fish route is easier. In all honesty, it greatly depends upon the fish you choose to keep or the aquascape you wish to execute. Freshwater aquariums can be a simplistic or as challenging as you wish to maintain.
  
• Nitrates - As our fish grow, so too does their waste which inevitably becomes nitrate (if you are unfamiliar with this transition, look up the nitrogen cycle). Freshwater habitats will require frequent water changes to remove these harmful waste products. The amount of water changes necessary all comes down to the stock level of your tank and the fish you are keeping. It is important to note that saltwater set-ups will require water changes as well. However, live rock and special equipment can be utilized to help with the removal of harmful elements.
  
• Supplies - many of the supplies necessary to get a freshwater tank up and running can be located easily at big box stores. This can prove invaluable when a sudden emergency arises and an integral part need immediate replacement.
  
• Cost - In any hobby, you can always find reasons to spend your hard earned cash. However, generally speaking establishing a moderately sized freshwater system does not have to break the bank. Many big box pet stores now even sell packaged sets of aquariums containing just about everything a new freshwater aquarist needs. Additionally, many of the more common types of freshwater fish and invertebrates are reasonably priced.  
  

Salty Side

• Difficulty Range: Medium - Challenging -  Saltwater systems are not something you can set-up and forget about. There are parameters such as salinity, nitrates and phosphates which need to be monitored. Saltwater aquariums will need to be frequently “topped off” with water in order to prevent salinity levels from spiking. You cannot simply use tap water or a dechlorinated water either. RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized) water must be utilized in order to prevent contaminants from entering the system.
  
• Diversity in Livestock - There is no denying it, you just can’t find the diversity of life within a freshwater aquarium as you would a saltwater tank. Fish, corals, starfish, seahorses, shrimp, crabs, anemones, and clams are just a few of the very diverse fauna found within saltwater aquaria. Just remember before you plan on housing any of these creatures, put in the proper research so your little critter is comfortable and thriving in his aquatic home.
  
• Size Does Matter - If you are looking for a small tank (nano or pico), realize that a it will be infinitely more difficult for a saltwater aquarium. Larger water volumes can accommodate for fluctuations with salinity, nitrates, and phosphorus levels. Dilute the pollute! Additionally, temperature fluctuations will be more dramatic within a small set-up as well. We will be addressing many of these challenges as we establish our own nano saltwater tank in the coming months.
  
• Equipment - Protein Skimmers, sumps, plumbing, RODI systems, powerheads, overflow boxes, heaters, chillers, testing kits, aquarium monitoring systems…..I could go on and on. There is just about as much diversity in the equipment as there is livestock found in the tank itself! Granted, you could find ways to modify your system or maintenance regimen to perhaps eliminate a few items; however there is no getting around the fact that saltwater aquariums require alot of equipment. Which brings me to my next point...
  
• Cost - The price of getting a saltwater aquarium up and going will probably run you more than a freshwater tank of equal size. Stocking the tank is generally going to run you a little extra too. If you plan on keeping coral, the price goes up considerably just for sufficient lighting needs alone. Now you can most certainly be frugal with setting up your saltwater system. In a future article we hope to help enthusiast select necessary equipment without breaking the bank, while leaving room for future upgrades. However, forgoing certain equipment initially will mean having to increase some of your maintenance requirements.
  

Bottom Line………….
Deciding which system to establish should really be determined by your personal preferences and lifestyle. Regardless of which route you select, you will enjoy the tranquility and wonder aquaria can bring. Even if it means a little water on the floor every now and again! Either way, the Krill couple will be here help provide insight and recommendations as we maintain our fresh and saltwater aquaria.

So tell us, what was your first aquarium? Did you go salty or keep it fresh? Are there any pointers you think we missed? Let us know below! Remember to Keep Krill’in!