marine or freshwater?

[noop]

newbie here, wondering whether to go for marine or freshwater

would a marine aquarium be a bit ambitious for a beginner?

what are the main advantages/disadvantages of saltwater or freshwater?

cheers
noop

 

[Lithril]

I've never kept a marine set up but from what I can gather they're more a lot more difficult and costly to set up. Water quality needs to be very good as the fish are not tolerant to toxins at all.

Someone else may be able to correct me on this but personally I'd say go for fresh water, very large selection of fish a lot less money to set up.

 

[jjsdad]

I agree. Saltwater is difficult to set-up and maintain. The water conditions have to be just about perfect at all times to avoid any problems.

 

[kev]

I've looked at the cost of the marine fish and they are vastly more expensive than common fresh water fish. Maybe when I'm rich!!!!

 

[Rachel]

I was thinking the same the other week - i had my heart set on a marine tank, and i went to the shop and found that for a tank at 4 or 5 foot it's a very limited amount of fish and they are normally the smaller ones anyway. To have fish such as tangs or angel fish you'd need a much larger tank which would cost an awful lot more. I have decided to go for freshwater fish because for the same size tank i have about 10times as many fish and its much easier to mix different sorts of fish together. x

 

[mrV]

Im thinking to set up marine tank too (just thinking ). It's very expensives at first - all those equipments, like skimmers etc, HQI-lightning, "living rocks"...

But, if you really are interested in seawater, then get this book for your own: Ron Shimek "The coral reef aquarium"

Fossån&Nilsen "Modern Coral Reef Aquarium"

Anthony Calfo ja Robert Fenner: "Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibilty" (http/www.readingtrees.com/)

Also read this: http/www.reefkeeping.com/

 

[noop]

i was originally intending to get a freshwater aquarium, but the bookshop where i ordered "complete idiot's guide to setting up a freshwater aquarium" accidentally ordered "complete idiot's guide to setting up a saltwater aquarium" which made me reconsider!

but i'm thinking now who needs that book when this forum should provide all the info i will need

thanks for your help fish-people. freshwater it is B)

noop

 

[Inchworm]

Hi noop and welcome to the forum.

I think you've made an excellent choice in going with the tropicals. I'm sure you'll be happy with them.

I'll be looking forward to your future posts on this forum. Good luck with your new tank!

 

[Jht]

i hope you have as much a good time with fresh water fish as i do!

 

[noop]

the tragic thing is i have to wait until i move before i can get my tank... current place is too small and it'd be a nightmare having to move just after i've set everything up!

at least it gives me the chance to thoroughly research the set-up before i go plunging over-enthusiastically into it

 

[Lateral Line]

Asking sensible questions, thinking about things like your move before setting up, thorough research... you have the makings of a fine aquarist there.

 

[Inchworm]

the tragic thing is i have to wait until i move before i can get my tank... current place is too small and it'd be a nightmare having to move just after i've set everything up!

You are absolutely right to wait, noop. Moving a tank is a LOT of work! When do you plan to move?

If it will be a while, perhaps you can monitor the lfs for sales. Some of them have excellent prices on tanks before the Christmas holidays. You may even find a package deal for a tank, stand, hood and light, etc. that will save you a good amount of money.

I hope you continue to post on the forum while you wait.

 

[KimmyFishy89]

Well from my knowlege of marine tanks (Which is limited, please correct me if I am wrong) they are indeed very expensive to set up and at FIRST difficult to maintain. But after a while it becomes it's own self working ecosystem, more so than freshwater.

 

[noop]

will be moving very soon as i can't continue to live without fish

will keep an eye out for lfs sales!