Keeping an aquarium can be a great hobby and an attractive decoration for any space. As you build your ecosystem, you will also experience the beauty of nature.
That is why if you are looking for a new hobby, an aquarium could be a great idea. But a common question comes up: Is an aquarium with salt water or freshwater better? Are the organisms in each setup different, and what requirements do they each hold?
We are here to guide you through all the differences and benefits of each type so that you can make the best choice for your home.
Keep reading to learn more about saltwater vs freshwater aquariums.
The Water Itself
Freshwater aquariums rely on tap water that has been treated with some form of de-chlorinator to make it safe for different types of fish. Saltwater aquariums rely on a filtered artificial seawater solution, or “Instant Ocean.” The artificial solution contains many more trace elements that are necessary for marine life, such as:
- sodium
- calcium
- magnesium
- iodine
Saltwater aquariums also need warmer water because most of the animals that live in them are tropical. As for dissolved solids, saltwater aquariums have much higher concentrations than freshwater. They are generally higher than what most fish and invertebrates can tolerate in the long run.
In addition, the pH of saltwater aquariums also needs to be much more closely monitored. A change of just 0.2 can cause fatal consequences for the inhabitants. The only thing these two types of water have in common is that they both need to be changed once a week to give the fish in an aquarium a good place to live.
Cost
The cost of setting up a saltwater or freshwater aquarium will depend on the type of fish or invertebrates desired, as well as the size of the tank.
Saltwater aquariums tend to be more expensive than freshwater aquariums. They require specialized equipment, such as a reverse osmosis filter that can remove salt and other minerals from the water. They also require a water heater, protein skimmer, and lighting to recreate a more natural environment for the inhabitants.
Freshwater aquariums are usually cheaper, but they need a biological filter and need to be cleaned every so often. Freshwater aquarium fish and invertebrates are cheaper than saltwater ones. Both have beautiful varieties.
In the long run, saltwater aquariums cost a little bit more because they need to be taken care of more. For example, testing kits and the salt used to change the water regularly cost money. So, setting up and taking care of a saltwater aquarium can be more expensive than a freshwater aquarium. But the beautiful creatures more than makeup for it.
Maintenance
Maintaining a saltwater aquarium may take more commitment than a freshwater aquarium. For maintenance, you need to keep an eye on the water’s quality and circulation and make sure it’s filtered and has the right amount of salt. With larger saltwater tanks, the task may be more complex due to the need to keep larger amounts of water clean and free of debris.
There is more work involved in getting rid of accumulated trash, and there is also a chance of biological imbalances in the water. Saltwater fish and invertebrates also require many different elements to remain healthy. This includes iodine, calcium, and magnesium. This may need to be supplemented regularly in order to maintain a healthy tank.
Freshwater aquariums are typically easier to maintain due to lower water salinity and smaller tank size. This only requires changing out a quarter of the water at a time. In addition, fewer water parameters need to be considered due to the lack of corals and other invertebrates. A freshwater tank requires regular water tests and frequent cleaning but is generally easier to maintain.
Biodiversity
When comparing saltwater and freshwater aquariums, diversity is one of the most important things to think about. Saltwater aquariums usually contain more diverse types of organisms than freshwater aquariums. There are thousands of species of fish, such as Wrasses, coral, and other invertebrates, that can live in a saltwater home aquarium. But there are usually fewer species that can live in a freshwater aquarium.
The biodiversity provides an array of colors, shapes, and behaviors to enjoy. But if you want to make and keep a natural aquatic ecosystem, you have to study the behavior of the species you’re bringing in and do research. This is to ensure the fish you bring in will get along with the other species.
Also, running a saltwater aquarium takes more time and money because saltwater organisms need more careful care. As well as a more complex aquarium setup and frequent testing.
Aesthetics
Aesthetically speaking, there is a contrast between a saltwater and a freshwater aquarium. Saltwater aquariums are more aesthetically pleasing since they can contain attractive coral, live rocks, and a variety of colorful fish.
Freshwater aquariums can be beautiful as well, with various types of plants along the bottom and colorful varieties of fish. However, the fish tend to be more mundane than the exotic species found in saltwater aquariums.
Furthermore, the captivating blues associated with open sea water, the dancing shadows of coral in light, and the shimmer of sea life swimming about are what make the aesthetics of a saltwater aquarium hard to beat. Freshwater aquariums are more affordable and can create an attractive environment for those who don’t have the experience or the budget for a saltwater aquarium.
Long-Term Sustainability
Saltwater aquariums tend to require more technical skills and equipment for proper maintenance, including:
- quality of water
- adequate light
- substrate
- temperature
Additionally, some species of saltwater inhabitants can be difficult to find for purchase and more expensive than freshwater species. With freshwater aquariums, sustaining certain fish species is much more manageable and typically less costly in terms of setup, monitoring, and replacement.
However, freshwater aquariums are often less visually appealing and contain a much smaller selection of species. Ultimately, long-term sustainability depends on the individual’s or hobbyist’s preferences and the level of their commitment.
Understanding Saltwater vs Freshwater Aquarium
In summary, saltwater aquariums offer a vibrant, exciting, and unique way of keeping fish in an aquarium – however, they are not for everyone. Freshwater aquariums offer a great way to get into aquarium keeping at a much lower cost and with much less upkeep.
Whether saltwater vs freshwater aquarium, be sure to research the type of fish you want and make sure you purchase appropriate supplies. Start your aquarium journey today!
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