How much work is involved in keeping a saltwater aquarium?

Teresa · 24-10-09, 09:15

I have a small freshwater tank that is doing quite well. Is it really any different?

sunnyconures246 · 27-10-09, 08:04

it isnt as difficult as people claim. as long as you pay close attention to water quality,salinity, and live rock amount and keep common fish such as the green and blue chromis.

CheeryCat · 12-11-09, 06:30

saltwater tanks require more attention and can be a daily duty.

in comparison freshwater tanks are a lot easier to maintain

saltwater water changes are a pain in the butt. but if you develop a routine it will get a little bit easier.

you gotta keep an eye on salinity, ph, etc
and you cant let the water level drop for too long it changes the salinity, more top offs cuz when the water evaporates, the salinity goes up, cuz salt is heavier than water, and you will also have salt creeps

if all goes well it is very rewarding

danielle h · 03-12-09, 22:15

Saltwater really is a lot different from freshwater... I have had fresh and saltwater both and I had to do the most work with the saltwater tank

fishygirl90210 · 15-07-10, 08:51

its not terribly hard. MUCH more expensive. you don;t have to do much on a day to day basis. idk what that one guy is talking about. same filtration. same type of tank. different lighting. live sand on bottom. need live rock. saltwater fish are much more expensive. a "nemo" is about $25.00. if you're starting a tank, bigger is better. 55 gallons is a good saltwater size. aquarium salt can get pricey. any more questions? if so email me (fishyobsession@yahoo.com)

MaGeN · 22-07-10, 21:13

yeah theres a big difference...the water is salt and has to have a stir thing that ciculates the water...otherwise the salt becomes to *salty* and the fish will die. Also the fish that live in a freshwater are different from the ones in saltwater! no duh! lol...good luck! and make sure you ask the fishstore owner any questions you have!

The fish guy · 24-07-10, 05:30

You have to check water levels daily, different filtration, more expensive fish, live sand and rock break the bank, food is comparable to what we eat at a gourmet sea-food restaurant ( sorta ).

Changing water and setting up the tank is very time consuming, like 2-3 hours a week and 20-40 mins a day for water checking.

I plan to stick with freshwater!

24-10-09, 09:15	#1
Teresa Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 27	How much work is involved in keeping a saltwater aquarium? I have a small freshwater tank that is doing quite well. Is it really any different?

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27-10-09, 08:04	#2
sunnyconures246 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	it isnt as difficult as people claim. as long as you pay close attention to water quality,salinity, and live rock amount and keep common fish such as the green and blue chromis.

12-11-09, 06:30	#3
CheeryCat Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1	saltwater tanks require more attention and can be a daily duty. in comparison freshwater tanks are a lot easier to maintain saltwater water changes are a pain in the butt. but if you develop a routine it will get a little bit easier. you gotta keep an eye on salinity, ph, etc and you cant let the water level drop for too long it changes the salinity, more top offs cuz when the water evaporates, the salinity goes up, cuz salt is heavier than water, and you will also have salt creeps if all goes well it is very rewarding

03-12-09, 22:15	#4
danielle h Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 9	Saltwater really is a lot different from freshwater... I have had fresh and saltwater both and I had to do the most work with the saltwater tank

15-07-10, 08:51	#5
fishygirl90210 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	its not terribly hard. MUCH more expensive. you don;t have to do much on a day to day basis. idk what that one guy is talking about. same filtration. same type of tank. different lighting. live sand on bottom. need live rock. saltwater fish are much more expensive. a "nemo" is about $25.00. if you're starting a tank, bigger is better. 55 gallons is a good saltwater size. aquarium salt can get pricey. any more questions? if so email me (fishyobsession@yahoo.com)

22-07-10, 21:13	#6
MaGeN Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 4	yeah theres a big difference...the water is salt and has to have a stir thing that ciculates the water...otherwise the salt becomes to salty and the fish will die. Also the fish that live in a freshwater are different from the ones in saltwater! no duh! lol...good luck! and make sure you ask the fishstore owner any questions you have!

24-07-10, 05:30	#7
The fish guy Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	You have to check water levels daily, different filtration, more expensive fish, live sand and rock break the bank, food is comparable to what we eat at a gourmet sea-food restaurant ( sorta ). Changing water and setting up the tank is very time consuming, like 2-3 hours a week and 20-40 mins a day for water checking. I plan to stick with freshwater!