Saltwater tank maintenance vs planted tanks

wannabesalty · Nov 1, 2022

Hey everybody, new here and new to saltwater tanks. Over the past couple years I got into the aquarium hobby with planted tanks. It's been a love/hate relationship as algae has been my eternal foe.

I'm ready to take a break from planted tanks and am considering giving salt water tanks a go. Do any of you have experience both with planted tanks and saltwater? Is algae control any easier with saltwater?

There are some good deals on craigslist right now for the Red Sea 20g nano, so that's what I'm leaning towards going with.

Any estimates on weekly/monthly time and financial investment would also be appreciated!

Appreciate any and all input!

Thanks

Jared

tharbin · Nov 1, 2022

Sorry I can't help with your questions but welcome to R2R!

ShepherdReefer · Nov 1, 2022

Hello, and welcome to the channel.

CoralB · Nov 1, 2022

Welcome !!!

NickE · Nov 1, 2022

wannabesalty said:
Hey everybody, new here and new to saltwater tanks. Over the past couple years I got into the aquarium hobby with planted tanks. It's been a love/hate relationship as algae has been my eternal foe.

I'm ready to take a break from planted tanks and am considering giving salt water tanks a go. Do any of you have experience both with planted tanks and saltwater? Is algae control any easier with saltwater?

There are some good deals on craigslist right now for the Red Sea 20g nano, so that's what I'm leaning towards going with.

Any estimates on weekly/monthly time and financial investment would also be appreciated!

Appreciate any and all input!

Thanks

Jared

I can't compare planted vs saltwater but one thing I can contribute is that a smaller tank can actually be more difficult to control water parameters due to less volume. A 40 will probably be easier if that is in your ballpark. But if a 20 is a perfect fit go with that. You're going to get algae but make sure to look into utilitarian fish and clean up crews (CuC's) to make your life easier.

Peace River · Nov 1, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! If you were doing regular water changes, water testing, and other related maintenance on your planted tank, then the time spent on the salt water tank should be comparable. The cost for the maintenance will likely be similar, but there are several variables such as where you get your water, salt, and what you choose for chemical additives. The biggest difference is that corals are often much more expensive than plants. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Relled · Nov 1, 2022

My first post here... I have a high tech planted and a nano reef (20 gallon red sea max)

Reef is by far more work its not even close. Week to week maintenance though is kind of similar but I've found reefing has by far more pests that are extremely common and difficult to remove( bubble algae, dinos, aptaisa etc...)
Algaes blooms are more aggressive with a lack of better words and fish sickness is much more nasty and common.

Planted tank basically just trimming filling an ato and testing when color and growth is kinda weak. Reefing has quite a few more complications and equipment.

delv2323 · Nov 1, 2022

I would say a top end, high energy planted tank in great shape with thriving delicate plants is easier (and cheaper) than a nice SPS tank. If you are having issues with microalgae in a fresh planted you lwill have the same in a reef. Plants are relatively easy in comparison and the parameters needed to succeed softer and wider than in a reef.

Reefer Matt · Nov 1, 2022

wannabesalty said:
Hey everybody, new here and new to saltwater tanks. Over the past couple years I got into the aquarium hobby with planted tanks. It's been a love/hate relationship as algae has been my eternal foe.

I'm ready to take a break from planted tanks and am considering giving salt water tanks a go. Do any of you have experience both with planted tanks and saltwater? Is algae control any easier with saltwater?

There are some good deals on craigslist right now for the Red Sea 20g nano, so that's what I'm leaning towards going with.

Any estimates on weekly/monthly time and financial investment would also be appreciated!

Appreciate any and all input!

Thanks

Jared

I do not have a planted tank, but I suggest starting over on your knowledge base, as the differences in a freshwater planted tank and a reef tank are vast with a couple exceptions. If you are used to testing and doing water changes weekly, then that will help. As far as budget, the sky's the limit. You can spend tens of thousands, or hundreds, depending on your addiction. Algae control is up to the habits of the reefer, and outbreaks are usually from lack of water changes. I suggest "BRS 52 Weeks of Reefing" on YouTube to start. Patience is key. Welcome!

D3DPrintedThingz · Nov 1, 2022

big tanks are easier in the saltwater game

Brucealmighty · Nov 1, 2022

Welcome to R2R,

One different thing is algae is a whole lot stronger

Millimylilly · Nov 1, 2022

The investment for salt is easily 10x planted tanks. The sky is really the limit with how much you spend, even for a 20g nano. Be ready to upgrade soon if you get that 20g. Make sure you get a sump.

Crustaceon · Nov 1, 2022

Saltwater is tougher when it comes to algae. I don't have to deal with coralline algae in my planted tank.

death-by-reef · Nov 1, 2022

depend on the setup. a very high end deepwater planted tank can be harder than a 75 g softie reef, but a 4-500g spetacular sps tank can be infintely times more work

NickE · Nov 1, 2022

Crustaceon said:
Saltwater is tougher when it comes to algae. I don't have to deal with coralline algae in my planted tank.

I wish I could keep coralline algae... unfortunately that's the only algae my urchin enjoys.

Sean Clark · Nov 1, 2022

Welcome to the party.

Dune Movie Love GIF by Warner Bros. Deutschland

reaper93 · Nov 1, 2022

Welcome

wannabesalty · Nov 1, 2022

NickE said:
I can't compare planted vs saltwater but one thing I can contribute is that a smaller tank can actually be more difficult to control water parameters due to less volume. A 40 will probably be easier if that is in your ballpark. But if a 20 is a perfect fit go with that. You're going to get algae but make sure to look into utilitarian fish and clean up crews (CuC's) to make your life easier.

Thank you! I contemplated a 40g as those are also available in my area but I think a 20 is the best pick for me and current living situation (3rd floor apartment with limited space)

Peace River said:
Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! If you were doing regular water changes, water testing, and other related maintenance on your planted tank, then the time spent on the salt water tank should be comparable. The cost for the maintenance will likely be similar, but there are several variables such as where you get your water, salt, and what you choose for chemical additives. The biggest difference is that corals are often much more expensive than plants. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Thank you! Yes, mixing up my saltwater is going to be new!

Relled said:
My first post here... I have a high tech planted and a nano reef (20 gallon red sea max)

Reef is by far more work its not even close. Week to week maintenance though is kind of similar but I've found reefing has by far more pests that are extremely common and difficult to remove( bubble algae, dinos, aptaisa etc...)
Algaes blooms are more aggressive with a lack of better words and fish sickness is much more nasty and common.

Planted tank basically just trimming filling an ato and testing when color and growth is kinda weak. Reefing has quite a few more complications and equipment.

Thanks for chiming in! Cool that you have the same tank I'm looking at

. My planted tanks have also been high tech. Somehow, my algae blooms were extremely aggressive in both planted tanks I had. I was using bottled spring water the entire time too!

delv2323 said:
I would say a top end, high energy planted tank in great shape with thriving delicate plants is easier (and cheaper) than a nice SPS tank. If you are having issues with microalgae in a fresh planted you lwill have the same in a reef. Plants are relatively easy in comparison and the parameters needed to succeed softer and wider than in a reef.

Thank you! Looks like I've got more research to do before deciding!

Reefer Matt said:
I do not have a planted tank, but I suggest starting over on your knowledge base, as the differences in a freshwater planted tank and a reef tank are vast with a couple exceptions. If you are used to testing and doing water changes weekly, then that will help. As far as budget, the sky's the limit. You can spend tens of thousands, or hundreds, depending on your addiction. Algae control is up to the habits of the reefer, and outbreaks are usually from lack of water changes. I suggest "BRS 52 Weeks of Reefing" on YouTube to start. Patience is key. Welcome!

Thanks for your insight! With my planted tanks I was performing my weekly testing and water changes so no stranger to those, but going over the basics for SW sounds like a great idea. I'll definitely check out that playlist from BRS!

LisaMarie · Nov 1, 2022

Welcome to R2R! I have been doing planted (high tech) and reef tanks for over 20 years. In my opinion, a reef tank is MUCH more challenging but 100 percent worth it! The challenge is what makes me love it. My only advice is to start with the largest tank possible. Reach out if you need help. Reef2Reef has amazing people and TONS of information. This is the absolute best forum on the internet.