Cost / Difficulty of Saltwater

[abcdefghi]

This morning in my inbox arrived an email from someone giving away a full marine set up, its only a small tank (29G) but would appear to come with everything, including fish/coral.

I currently have 3 freshwater tanks, so have no experience with saltwater. But how are the running costs of a salt vs fresh water tank? what about difficulty with the upkeep? I am debating emailing about this tank, but don't want to get in over my head.

Thanks.

 

[veedubdrouin]

This morning in my inbox arrived an email from someone giving away a full marine set up, its only a small tank (29G) but would appear to come with everything, including fish/coral.

I currently have 3 freshwater tanks, so have no experience with saltwater. But how are the running costs of a salt vs fresh water tank? what about difficulty with the upkeep? I am debating emailing about this tank, but don't want to get in over my head.

Thanks.

It really depends on what you'll be keeping. You mentioned corals... do you mean live corals or coral skeletons for a fish only setup? Fish only SW tanks are not much more work, if at all, than FW. Reef tanks require more equipment (protein skimmer, calcium reactor, etc) and dosing of trace elements.

 

[abcdefghi]

I think it was live corals, the email said "soft coral's" so I am guessing they were live. Either way it is kind of a moot point now, someone already took the setup!!

Still interested to know about the setup though as I might invest in one in the future. Are there any good links / resources that are recommended for someone new to SW?

 

[Corax]

It's not that different than freshwater.. You have a few more water parameters to care about, depending on what you are keeping, and you have to mix the saltwater for waterchanges. Picking fish is a lot different, cuz you can go grab any 2 guppies and you'll do fine. Try that with 2 random clownfish, you'll end up with 1 clownfish after they fight to the death.. You just have to think a little more before you act.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

It's just different. Not necessarily harder. If it's a full setup, most of the cost will be gone for you. As far as an ongoing basis, you'll need access to RO and salt water. Whether you make it yourself or buy it from an LFS (figured $1 / G). Water changes are smaller in SW. I shoot for 10-20% per week in my reef tank vs. 50%+ in my FW tanks. So you could get by for a few bucks a week. What equipment / lighting does it come with? Lighting is usually the most expensive part of a reef setup. Soft corals will most likely be mushrooms, palys, zoas, xenia, etc. and are generally easy to keep with the proper lighting. A few test kits, a small amount of diligence, and you're golden. Read the stickies, ask questions, surf, and I'm sure you'll be fine. If your friend is in the Atlanta area and you don't go for it, shoot me a PM.