| The bad news first....a rough estimate indicates | | | | comparison. |
| that it will cost slightly more than double to start | | | | One very important point to remember is that |
| with a salt water tank setup. The main reason for | | | | fresh water species are probably from a fish |
| this is that salt water fish tanks require specific | | | | farm or into later generations a s they have been |
| equipment. Examples of this would be a very | | | | in demand for longer than their saltwater cousins. |
| good 'protein skimmer' and the best quality live | | | | As a result, it will be taxing in their infancy to |
| rock. The protein skimmer will safely remove | | | | create an appetite for prepared foods as they |
| dissolved waste while the live rock is a natural | | | | were probably eating in the wild a couple of |
| filter which also provides food and hiding places. A | | | | weeks ago. Patience and understanding are |
| cardinal rule to follow here is...you can probably | | | | essential here as mistakes can be very costly. |
| buy any singular piece of equipment for less | | | | Another primary rule of thumb - DO NOT ask |
| money that you first saw it listed at but, do your | | | | your local fish store employee for advice! They |
| research, as you get what you pay for and you | | | | are there to make a profit for the owner and, |
| are dealing with the lives of your fish as well as | | | | most likely, commission for themselves. The |
| the overall success of your hobby. | | | | internet is a magical source of information and |
| The addition of 'new' water to salt water fish | | | | 98% of your research can/should be done before |
| tanks is a much more delicate process than with | | | | you enter the retail environment. You should also |
| fresh water aquariums. Salt water fish tanks | | | | seriously consider establishing a high level of |
| require mixing the water several days before | | | | credibility with a prominent retail establishment as |
| addition to the tank whereas in a fresh water | | | | this will formulate that level of trust that you will |
| setup...the water can be added directly and | | | | demand in your search for information that will |
| immediately. | | | | lead you to the 'right' products and livestock for |
| If you live near the coast - buying salt water | | | | your hobby. |
| marine livestock for your tank will be 'extra' | | | | To summarize, utilization of live rock will maintain |
| expensive due to the initial cost of the fish or | | | | a quality water level and the fish themselves |
| invertebrate plus shipping and handling. Regardless | | | | become less demanding over time. If you truly |
| of where you are located - the cost of your fish | | | | have the experience, determination and |
| and accompanying animals will be more expensive | | | | persistence to study the project before jumping |
| when compared to a similar specimen for a fresh | | | | in - it will not be as trying as you would believe. |
| water tank. | | | | The conversion from fresh water fish tanks to |
| The awesome beauty of salt water fish in | | | | salt water fish tanks will take more money in |
| comparison to fresh water is a sight to behold! | | | | order initially and to maintain...but, once you |
| The boldness and vividness of their colorations will | | | | become comfortable with these facts...the overall |
| hold your attention... every time! There are some | | | | enjoyment will far exceed your expectations. |
| beautiful freshwater species...but, they pale in | | | | |