| Should you buy a fresh or saltwater aquarium? | | | | Substrate lies on the bottom of the aquarium, |
| Ask most aquarists, and you will hear a | | | | and it must be near the top of your list of |
| persuasive argument on their tanks' merits and | | | | considerations. Gravel typically lines the bed of |
| the other's shortcomings. Yet, there are many | | | | freshwater aquariums. It is inexpensive and |
| enthusiasts who find both tanks to be | | | | comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Marine |
| praiseworthy. There is no litmus test for choosing | | | | aquarists, on the other hand, swear by live rock. |
| between the two. Your preference for what goes | | | | Most attest that saltwater fish and invertebrates |
| into the aquarium and your budget is what will | | | | thrive in a reef environment with live rock. It |
| make the decision easier. | | | | costs considerably more than gravel, but it lends |
| Aquarium Life | | | | to the aquarium's natural beauty. |
| Fresh water fish originate from lakes, rivers and | | | | Lighting is a necessity to illuminate the beauty |
| streams. Naturally occurring fluctuations in their | | | | and preserve the health of aquatic life in fresh |
| environment make these creatures remarkably | | | | and saltwater aquariums. Lighting for marine tanks |
| adaptable. As such, they are more likely to adjust | | | | comes at a higher price. Fish-only tanks usually |
| to variances in the aquarium. Pet stores carry an | | | | require a single full spectrum tube. If your heart is |
| abundance of plant life of the freshwater variety. | | | | set on saltwater invertebrates, be mindful that |
| The same cannot be said for invertebrates, which | | | | they require very intense full spectrum lighting, |
| fare better in salt water. | | | | augmented with actinic blue. |
| Saltwater/Marine fish and invertebrates propose | | | | Keeping water at the appropriate temperature |
| a challenge, as they are sensitive to environmental | | | | and having proper filtration is a must in all |
| changes. The temperature, salinity, ammonia, | | | | aquariums. Full reef systems require additional |
| nitrate, nitrate, and most importantly - the pH - | | | | filtration through protein skimming. This process |
| must be kept at appropriate levels. Despite the | | | | strips any organic particles that form in the water |
| care required, the vast array of colorful saltwater | | | | before they can be converted to nitrates. It is |
| fish more than compensates for the extra effort | | | | important to keep the water in either tank |
| required and their higher price tag. They can have | | | | moving, especially saltwater aquariums. |
| a lot of company in the tank. Salt water offers a | | | | You will also need a testing kit for your aquarium. |
| host of invertebrates such as eels, clams, crabs, | | | | There are more levels to monitor in a marine |
| corals, and starfish. Marine plants, conversely, are | | | | environment, but there is not a stark difference in |
| difficult to harvest and are also pricier than their | | | | price between the freshwater kits. Since salinity is |
| freshwater equivalent. | | | | a factor in saltwater tanks, an inexpensive |
| The Necessities | | | | hydrometer is necessary to ensure a proper |
| The differences between freshwater and | | | | balance. |
| saltwater systems aren't limited to tank's | | | | Either system you choose will require an |
| inhabitants. The equipment needed for their | | | | investment of your time. While the freshwater |
| survival varies as well. Marine aquariums are | | | | versus saltwater debate will undoubtedly persist, |
| generally more expensive than freshwater tanks, | | | | no one can dispute the joy of putting your |
| but your costs drop slightly if you opt for a | | | | patience and creativity into an aquarium. |
| fish-only system. | | | | Copyright 2006 |