Freshwater VS Saltwater

Pittsford_Pets · Nov 22, 2017

Do you prefer fresh or saltwater aquariums?

I prefer fresh because they're cheaper and a bit easier to maintain. I also think that there's a bigger variety of freshwater fish in the hobby.

When I see a big reef tank it usually looks the same as any other tank I see. Usually some tangs, a pair of clowns, same coral, etc.

On the other hand, you can get a wide variety of different freshwater tanks. You can have more variety in a freshwater tank - be it plants or fish. I know there're a ton of awesome saltwater fish, but a single Tang can cost you $60, whereas you can stock an entire tank with $60. Same with coral vs plants.

What're your thoughts?

dbl · Nov 22, 2017

Obviously personal preference, but my guess is most of the responses you are going to get will say saltwater since you've asked this question on a saltwater forum...wink, wink. But there are many here that got their start with freshwater based on a recent poll.

My personal answer is easy...saltwater! It's all I've ever had.

NefTunzReef · Nov 22, 2017

All depends on your personal taste. Personally I like the vibrant colors saltwater fish.

nautical_nathaniel · Nov 22, 2017

I feel like I get more of a reward from my saltwater tank than I do my freshwater tank. It takes more effort and understanding but nothing makes me feel more satisfied with the work I've put in than when I see a little coral nubbin start to form from a coral frag or colony

Yuki Rihwa · Nov 22, 2017

Freshwater High Tech Planted tank is not cheap, it's high end of freshwater keeper like someone trying to do SPS with saltwater tank.
Equipment abit different but you still need RO system, CO2 system, High end lighting system specific for freshwater spectrum

Freshwater high tech planted system do face similar issue like algae, plants melting away cause too much light, not enough light, not enough CO2...etc.

hart24601 · Nov 22, 2017

Despite being on a reef site I would have to say the tanks that I have consistently ran that gave me the greatest fulfillment have been FW. I love my reef, but set up a FW tank with a drip system around 20% w/c a day and I have an almost maintenance free system there that is very healthy.

I think high tech planted setups are more work than a reef, which can be good or bad. To keep up an amazing planted display can take hours of trimming a week or more. The risk isn't as high though if you kill everything in a planted tank vs reef.

My discus 180. Aside from the growout once they hit 4" and put in here has been so easy.

NY_Caveman · Nov 22, 2017

I had marine tanks for years, then planted tanks, now returning to marine. In my opinion the answer is Saltwater for one simple reason - the diversity of life. Far more diversity available for marine tanks. There are tons of tiny surprise creatures that always pop up in your tank The colors are more varied and intense. The types of life are more varied. There is more opportunity for animals that work together (clown/anemone, inverts/anemone, inverts/corals, goby/shrimp, cleaner shrimp and everything, etc).

If you have a successful freshwater tank you probably dose chemicals and run CO2. That is not cheap or easy. Most tanks are predominantly green from plants, so your “looks the same” comment can work both ways. Additionally, most people use tap water for freshwater tanks so that tends to lead to more algae blooms.

Having run both I say without question there is more diversity in marine aquariums. What you prefer is your own taste.

Yuki Rihwa · Nov 22, 2017

^^^^Exactly. +10 @hart24601 @NY_Caveman
I keep both fresh and saltwater tank and I decided to shut down all my fresh water tanks include high tech planted tank because I could not keep up all the maintains, saltwater reef tank really a piece of cake for me to keep up the maintenance.