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