Salt water or Fresh water?

[smeesus]

I really want to get into getting a salt water tank set up, but my brother ( who is really into fish tanks) said that maybe I should start with a fresh water tank. Just because salt water tanks take so much work, and that I could just practice with a fresh water. just wondering what yall think.

[dodge41]

The amount of work depends on what you want to set up. If your getting started then a fish only tank wouldnt be to bad. Saltwater damsels are a hardy fish. I have one in my tank and he outlasted everything else that I have had from the begining. They are cheep too, around here there about 12 bucks for 3. If your wanting a reef then yes they are alot of work and you will want to wait untill later to start one of thsoe.

[Ms. K]

Freshwater would generally be less expensive, but if all you're interested in keeping is fish, then a saltwater tank is not difficult. Many people have asked me about how difficult it is to keep saltwater tanks, and my response is that it really becomes substantially more expensive and more difficult if you're wanting to keep SPS corals. I agree that if you've never kept an aquarium before, start with a fish only setup..don't start out with a reef. Do lots and lots of research BEFORE you get started.

[smeesus]

I'm just getting started, so I'm pretty new with this whole thing.... I currently have a fresh water tank with a piranaha, so I can't have much anything else in the tank. so I wanted to get rid of the piranaha and try my hand at a salt water tank. how hard would it be transitioning from a just fish to a reef tank?

[pnkpanther]

if you want a SW, go with SW

there is no reason to start with a FW. BUT you're taking the right step in researching first. Regardless if it is a FW or SW, rushing it creates problems.

Plan it Out regardless

if SW
are you going to go with fish only, fish only with live rock, reef tank,

and SW cost more. fish cost more, salt mixes, you need to vary their diet more.

I have both, and like both.

[jonnosteams]

Start fish only (FO) and start to save your money for reef! It can EASILY run into the thousands. With FO you can get into the habit of water changes, testing, observation, etc. Also starting FO you can gradually build up your equipment to switch later; but still have SW!

Good luck to you.

The guys/gals on this board are great and have been learnin' me a goodin'.

Jonno

[jonnosteams]

The big thing is deffinatley cost! But the variety, colors. *sigh* DO IT MAN!, JUST DO IT!! HAHAHAHAHAAA!

[suzstephens]

If SW is "talking" to you, go for it! I found SW so intriguing and challenging that I neglected my FW tank to the extent that I finally just gave all the fish to my LFS. The main differences other than those already mentioned are: a SW tank takes much longer to cycle and fully mature than a FW tank. And SW fish are much more sensitive to water chemistry problems than FW fish. If starting with fish only, I recommend Bob Fenner's "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" book and Scott Michael's books, both his pocket book fish reference and his larger, more extensive "Reef Fishes" series.

[ErinGoBragh]

There are a lot of books that will help you get the right idea in starting your tank. like mentioned before, just do lots of research before you buy anything. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.

As far as the difficulty of a SW tank, I have had FW setups that were more work than my sw tank, and mine is only 20 gallons, with corals, so you really have to be on top of everything. The only really big disadvantage with a salt tank is if something does go wrong, you stand more to loose, so routine maintenance is extremely important.

I say if you want salt, go with salt. After it is all set up and going you will be much happier. Just do lots of research, and don't take the lfs's advice as gospel. they have steered me way off course and cost me a lot of money in the past. there is tons of reading here and if you have any questions, you will get lots of answers.

[pnkpanther]

don't take the lfs's advice as gospel. they have steered me way off course

exactly. i've been burned, and yet i dont learn. ALthough i think i finally did learn

[smeesus]

I've been looking around at different web sites and I really can't find an answer to how much rock I should have on the bottom of my tank, what kind of rock, and if I should get a bigger rock for fish to hide in/ swim around. Compaired to everyone here I feel like a salt water novice. I'll definatly have to do more reserch.

[jonnosteams]

Oh god, here comes the bare bottom debate. I let someone else handle this.

[motorslave]

I started in SW and reef on my first tank. I researched for several months before making any purchases and wound up with a healthy tank. Reaerch and read everything you can. Whenb you do start to make purchases then buy the best equipment you can, especialy when it comes to skimmers. Getting the knowledge and right equipment will save you time, money and headaches in the long run.Ask a ton of questions around here cause the folks here will give you great advice. It is more work but if you do you homework and design your system well you will be able to avoid alot of unneccisary work. One very important thing to remember is to be patient!!!!!!
As far as the amount of Live Rock it is recommended to use from .75lbs to 1.5lbs per gallon of water.

Robert

[smeesus]

Do they make plastic Sea Anemone?

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRTI would buy a book first learn the basic and then deside there both Nice,But I do like my Reef the best!