how hard to maintain a salty

muskieswen

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Jan 7, 2004
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I hope that someone can answer this for me. How much maitanance is there for a salt water aquarium. I think I would like to try my hand at a 30 gallon with anenomes and coral and a couple of fish(not sure what kind). I presently have 2 fresh water tanks and change water once a week along with ferts for the plants. Is it much different with a salty. What kind of filtration and equipment would I need? I do not want to buy a book in case it is too much and I choose not to do it, then I have a useless book. Can someone here break it down for me if possible? Thank you in advance
 
In terms of work, a saltwater tank is a bit less than for a heavily planted tank. About the same parameters to check and track, similar in terms of weekly maintenance and water changes.

Cost will be a bit more--for a reef, you'll need good lights, salt is an ongoing expense, and the equipment can run a bit more than for a FW tank. On the good side, you don't need as much equipment other than lights, powerheads, heater, and skimmer, but on the downside, live rock is an essential part of most tanks and all reefs, and it doesn't come real cheap. There are cheaper options, but they are usually a bit slower to develop.

If you don't want to buy a book, check your library. It probably will have several good books you can check out. They really are an important reference--I've had to replace some of the ones I purchased, they were so well-used. You definitely will have to research the organisms you want to keep, and make sure you aren't getting in over your head with something (anenomes specifically--they are not easy animals to care for).
 
Compared to my planted tank of the same size, the marine tank takes a similar amount of time and a lot more money. As Oriongirl pointed out, the live rock is going to be one of the biggest expenses, but is critically important of you want corals.

The other issue is time from start to fruition. You can plant a freshwater tank, cycle it and add fish, and it will be running in a month or so. The maturation of a reef tank takes considerably longer.

If you are at all serious, Fenner's book is a great start.
 
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