| Should you go fresh or saltwater? When you decide | | | | Stocking your saltwater aquarium should be done |
| to invest in an aquarium for the first time, the | | | | with care. Quite a number of fish are not suitable for |
| decision could be quite a challenge. Knowing the | | | | captivity. Even so, many are still for sale in shops. Buy |
| difference between the two with respect to cost, | | | | from a reputable dealer, do your homework before |
| maintenance, etc., could make it easier to decide. | | | | you buy and avoid buying species that will not do |
| Setting up a freshwater aquarium is cheaper and | | | | well in captivity. |
| maintenance is easier than a saltwater aquarium. | | | | Puffers, pinfish, pigfish, sheepshead and bull minnows |
| However, the magnificent sight when you look at the | | | | are all suitable but great care must be taken to make |
| wonderful undersea life forms in your tank makes | | | | sure fish are compatible and do not fight. Some fish |
| the extra cost of a saltwater aquarium worth it. | | | | also tend to bully others. It is necessary to observe |
| Freshwater fish are overall more adaptable than | | | | the fish for two or three days every time you |
| marine fish. While fresh water fish adjust easily to | | | | introduce new fish. Should you notice aggressive |
| changes in the aquarium, marine fish need their | | | | behavior, you must be prepared to separate fish. |
| environment just right. Temperature, nitrate, salinity, | | | | Your aquarium retailer should be able to provide this |
| ammonia and pH always have to be at the | | | | information for you. |
| appropriate levels. | | | | As an example of an exotic fish, many people think |
| Freshwater fish are cheaper than marine fish, but on | | | | of the Moorish Idol as an ideal aquarium fish. |
| the other hand, the wonderful colors available in | | | | Unfortunately, we do not have the necessary food |
| marine fish more than makes up for that. Marine | | | | to replace their specialized diet and 90% of them die |
| plants are also pricier because harvesting is more | | | | within a few months. It is better to settle for the |
| difficult. | | | | nearly identical Banner fish, which will live a long and |
| If you are on a tight budget, you can start your | | | | happy life in captivity if given proper care. |
| saltwater aquarium with fish only and then build on | | | | To ensure your marine aquarium is always a joy will |
| from there adding live rock, plants, etc. After a while, | | | | require you to put in some time. If you establish a |
| you will have a beautiful tank, excellent for soothing | | | | routine, you should be able to relax and admire your |
| the senses and relieving stress. | | | | aquarium at any time. |
| Although the saltwater aquarium requires monitoring | | | | Daily: Feed in the morning and early evening. Check |
| of more levels, the price difference between kits is | | | | fish for any signs of problems |
| minimal. To ensure proper salinity in your saltwater | | | | Weekly: Check pH and other levels. Top up tank if |
| aquarium, a hydrometer is necessary, but also | | | | necessary. Check equipment such as heater, etc. |
| inexpensive. | | | | Once a month: Clean box, filters and glass. Check |
| Lighting and filtration systems are also more | | | | lighting equipment, etc. |
| expensive for saltwater aquariums. | | | | Four to six weeks: Prepare 20-25% water change 24 |
| Whatever aquarium you have, always buy good | | | | hrs in advance. Aerate well and check all levels before |
| quality commercially prepared foods and never | | | | adding to tank. |
| overfeed your fish. If any flakes remain after 10 | | | | Putting together your saltwater aquarium is bound to |
| minutes, you are overfeeding. Pathogenic organisms | | | | give you hours of fun and offering peace, tranquility |
| could be introduced into your tank, so it is advisable | | | | and beauty to your home or office for years to |
| to keep away from live foods. | | | | come. |