Need advice and help on starting out

[kolbytraveller]

Me and my wife are brand new to aquariums and keeping fish. We are really interested in getting started, but we have very little money to start. From what I have read, it seems you can start small and grow slowly over time. We have a 10 gallon glass aquarium that we got for free. As of right now, that is all we have.

1. I have been really drawn to freshwater fish and plants, is there a reason to do saltwater over freshwater?
2. Can I do saltwater in a 10 gallon tank or should I do freshwater?
3. What other equipment do I have to have to start keeping something living in it?
4. What fish would be best for that size of tank?

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

 

[Darth Polymnus]

Welcome to the aquarium hobby! Hope it will be an enjoyable experience. To answer your questions:
1. Whether to do salt or fresh depends on what kind of fish and livestock you want.
2. Better to go larger than 10 if just starting out with saltwater. Water parameters are very important in saltwater tanks. More water results in lower swings in water parameters. Not saying it can't be done in a 10 gallon, but watch the parameters closely.
3. If doing saltwater, you'll want to invest in a protein skimmer, RODI unit, maybe even a phosphate, carbon and nitrate reactors. You'll need powerheads for water circulation. You'll need some live rock and a heater. Lighting is important if you want corals.
4. Small fish for a small tank. Gobies, Tetras. Other nano sized fish.

Hope this helps.

 

[kacrocorals581]

Defiantly start with a planted tank and learn from it before starting saltwater it cheap and forgiven and planted tanks are my favorite id give up all my reef tanks before I give up my 125 discus amazon bio tope. But you should do a few cardinal tetras and a Cory catfish and a couple Otto's for alge control get a substrate for plants if you won't to do live plants eco complete dose great a flood par 38 from lows would be great lighting for a 10gal planted and a small hang on back filter aqua clear are good for small aquarium since you can adjust flow. And if everything goes good with this tank then take the step to salt just take your time and enjoy!