At first glance, it could be easy to tell the differences between a saltwater aquarium and a freshwater aquarium. Perhaps you are suddenly urged to get an aquarium but unsure which one would be best for you. What are all the differences between a saltwater and a freshwater aquarium?
Saltwater aquariums are more costly, are more high maintenance, and have bigger space requirements. They offer a wide range of fish and other organisms. Freshwater aquariums have fewer fish choices, but they are less maintenance, and more affordable. Freshwater fish are hardier than saltwater fish.
Choosing between these two types of aquariums could be challenging if you’re not educated on the subject. Continue reading as we discuss:
- the differences
- space and maintenance requirements
- costs
- which one would fit your home aesthetic best
Space Requirements: Saltwater Vs. Freshwater Aquariums
Just as you need adequate space around you, an aquarium also needs sufficient space. The space is mainly used for easy:
- maintenance
- decorating
- cleaning
Make sure to select a big enough area that won’t block any accessories you need to access, such as the back of the aquarium for filtration and the top for lighting and water changes.
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Generally, you will need much more space around a saltwater aquarium than a freshwater aquarium. The larger space you have for your aquarium, the better it is for the fish.
Additionally, if you have a larger aquarium, whether it is saltwater or not, it will dilute toxins much better, so if you make mistakes, it won’t have a significant impact on your fish. Larger-sized aquariums will also cycle much faster, resulting in a shorter stress period for your fish.
Maintenance: Saltwater Vs. Freshwater Aquariums
One of the most difficult responsibilities that come with aquariums is the water changes. Although this type of work can be both challenging and time-consuming, it is an essential part of maintaining a healthy aquarium.
Let’s look at saltwater and freshwater aquariums, and the maintenance needs of both:
Maintenance Requirements For Saltwater Aquariums
Saltwater aquariums will initially require much more work, as you must mix the water perfectly beforehand. Usually, it is also agreed that saltwater aquariums are more challenging to maintain.
Saltwater and water parameters, such as salinity and pH, are generally stable since there is so much water in the ocean.
This means that rapid changes in water parameters are not possible. Therefore, marine life has evolved so that it can only survive in water conditions that are kept constant.
So, when you have a saltwater aquarium, you will need to spend most of your time stopping the water parameters from fluctuating.
The salt will take time to dissolve in the water, and you will need to check the salinity levels, which could take some time.
You do have a choice to make this step of the water changing much easier, by mixing the saltwater beforehand. You can also choose to purchase pre-mixed saltwater from an aquarium supply store.
Maintenance Requirements For Freshwater Aquariums
When it comes to maintaining your freshwater aquarium, it is much more straightforward. The freshwater requires no sitting or mixing.
However, if you use tap water to fill a freshwater aquarium, such as water from a hose or kitchen sink, treat it to eliminate toxic chemicals that could put the freshwater fish and plants in danger.
Equipment: Saltwater Vs. Freshwater Aquariums
The type of aquarium you choose will significantly influence the type of equipment you need. Of course, you can purchase whole sets on Amazon, like this one that may require less additional equipment with both types of aquariums.
Let’s take a look at the equipment requirements for saltwater and freshwater aquariums (all the items listed are links to the specific products on Amazon; ones that I find are great value for the quality they offer):
Equipment Requirements For Saltwater Aquariums
Equipment Requirements For Freshwater Aquariums
Cost: Saltwater Aquariums Vs. Freshwater Aquariums
Having an aquarium will cost hundreds of dollars, no matter which type you choose. It might help to save before starting this expensive hobby if you’re on a budget.
Let’s look at the costs you can expect from a saltwater and freshwater aquarium:
The Average Cost Of Saltwater Aquariums
Saltwater aquariums usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000 for the livestock and tank. Depending on the size of the desired tank, it could exceed this amount.
As seen above, saltwater aquariums require more equipment to keep the tank up and running, and the equipment is more costly than what is needed for a freshwater tank.
Usually, saltwater aquarium tanks are bigger than freshwater tanks, as they need more equipment and space for needed decorations, fish, and extras.
Setting up a saltwater aquarium could be as cheap or expensive as you want because the bigger your tank, the more expensive the needed equipment.
The Average Cost Of Freshwater Aquariums
When it comes to a freshwater aquarium, there will be less equipment, the fish tend to be more affordable, and the equipment is cheaper than saltwater aquarium equipment.
Potential buyers often see the prices of special package deals and assume they can start freshwater tanks for as little as $50. However, this is not the case, and realistically it would cost around $150 to $200 to purchase a twenty-gallon aquarium with beginner equipment.
If this investment seems too expensive for your budget, it may be wise to save and invest in a freshwater aquarium once you become more experienced in looking after it.
Aesthetic Features Of Saltwater And Freshwater Aquariums
Both saltwater and freshwater tanks could add a touch of color and aesthetic value to your home. Let’s look more closely:
Aesthetic Features Of A Saltwater Aquarium
The biggest attraction to saltwater aquariums is usually the wide variety of fish and other marine life that can be kept in one. There are many unusual creatures to choose from, such as:
- brightly colored fish
- anemones
- corals
- invertebrates
Create some aquascapes in your home from different color lights giving a room a calm, relaxing, and beautiful aesthetic!
Aesthetic Features Of Freshwater Aquariums
Although some varieties of freshwater fish have appearances that are similar to marine fish, they tend to be less vibrant and colorful.
At some point, you may want to expand your horizons with a colorful coral reef, which is not possible to achieve with a freshwater aquarium.
Furthermore, you can install lights on your freshwater aquarium and achieve a beautiful and expensive aesthetic to your home, but it won’t have the same vibrancy of a saltwater tank.
Can You Convert A Freshwater Aquarium Into A Saltwater One?
Suppose you have a freshwater aquarium and want to convert it into a saltwater one or vice versa. Luckily, the tanks are not specially designed for one or the other, so don’t run out for another tank just yet!
As long as your tank holds water without leaking, whether it’s acrylic or glass will not make a difference.
However, the most significant difference is the aquarium’s size. For the most part, the larger your aquarium is for saltwater, the better it will work.
If you have a smaller aquarium, such as 10 gallons or less, if problems or mistakes arise, things could become life-threatening to your fish. Including serious issues such as high ammonia during cycling, which must be fixed immediately.
Even though you can convert your freshwater tank into a saltwater one and vice versa, you need to keep in mind that you can’t place as many saltwater fish in a particular-sized tank as you would be able to place in a freshwater one.
TIP: The general rule for the number of fish in a freshwater tank is about one adult fish per gallon of water. The general rule in a saltwater tank is one adult fish for every 5 gallons of water.
Saltwater Aquariums Vs. Freshwater Aquariums: Pros Vs. Cons
Choosing the ideal aquarium might be difficult, especially keeping all the things above in mind. However, you can narrow your choice down by looking at the pros of cons of each and deciding which one would suit your wants and needs.
Take a look at our complete pros and cons list of saltwater and freshwater aquariums:
Benefits Of Having A Saltwater Aquarium
Having a saltwater aquarium in your home has many benefits, and guests will turn their heads at this beautiful sight. Let’s look at the benefits of saltwater aquariums:
Unique Invertebrate
If you have a saltwater aquarium, you will have the option to keep loads of fascinating organisms such as sea anemones and corals. These invertebrates can only be purchased for saltwater aquariums and are always fascinating to see.
You may even see some new invertebrates who took the habitat in your tank without you purchasing them. Saltwater is forever changing, making for new scenes every day!
Wide Variety Of Beautiful Fish
Saltwater fish have a tendency to have more varied shapes and vibrant colors. Many people spend their whole lives without seeing a single piece of marine life, and you get to have a whole habitat of them at your fingertips.
NOTE: Seeing these fish up close and how they live their lives is rewarding and breathtaking.
You Get To Choose Many Varieties Of Fish
Except for the fact that you have the chance to choose attractive fish, you will get to choose different ones you may never even have heard of before!
While everyone knows what a betta or goldfish looks like, you will get to choose ones like tangs or gobies, which are rare fish!
Drawbacks Of Having A Saltwater Aquarium
Of course, there are some drawbacks to saltwater aquariums, which is seriously worth taking note of:
Saltwater Aquariums Are Not Beginner Friendly
While beginners with adequate knowledge can keep saltwater aquariums, they are much more complex than freshwater aquariums. Mistakes are also more likely to occur and put your fish’s lives in danger.
Saltwater Aquariums Are More Expensive
Saltwater aquariums have to be larger than freshwater ones, as saltwater has 20% less dissolved oxygen in the water.
You will need a much larger one to keep the same amount of fish in a saltwater aquarium.
Saltwater Fish Are Fragile
In the natural marine environment, the water parameters stay relatively constant. Therefore, you have to ensure the conditions in your tank stay constant, as sudden changes could kill the fish.
Benefits Of Having A Freshwater Aquarium
Before you decide on a saltwater aquarium, you may need to take note of all the good things a freshwater aquarium has to offer:
Freshwater Aquariums Are Beginner Friendly
Most people prefer to start their journey with a humble freshwater aquarium as their first tank. This is because freshwater aquariums offer low and high versatility requirements. You won’t have to be concerned about the dissolved oxygen constant to the salt content!
Freshwater Aquariums Are Affordable
Freshwater aquariums are much cheaper on average when compared to saltwater aquariums. The fish are cheaper, and the tanks need much less equipment, which helps to keep it fun and affordable!
Freshwater Aquariums Have Low Maintenance
The maintenance requirements for freshwater aquariums are much easier and simpler. The fish are easy to feed and have simple dietary needs.
Freshwater Fish Are Tough
Since freshwater fish are used to having rapid changes in their water, they are hardy and can even survive in poor conditions.
You won’t have to be too concerned about them, and they won’t mind a few mistakes from your side, especially if you’re still in the beginning phase.
Disadvantages Of Freshwater Aquariums
Lastly, let’s look closer at some of the disadvantages users need to take note of when purchasing a freshwater aquarium:
You Have Less Chance For Interesting Decorations And Add-ins
You may want to keep a pretty coral reef at some point, but unfortunately, this cannot be done in freshwater aquariums. You will then have to convert your freshwater aquarium into a saltwater one.
You Won’t Have As Many Options For Fish
Although some freshwater fish may have some visual appearances close to marine fish, they tend to be less vibrant than saltwater fish. You also don’t have many choices of different fish.
Conclusion
When you’re stuck between choosing a saltwater or freshwater aquarium for your home, it may seem overwhelming when considering things like space, cost, maintenance, and what each one has to offer. It largely depends on how much time and effort you put in, as well as your budget!
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