Freshwater Vs. Saltwater Aquariums

At first glance saltwater and freshwater aquariums appear to be quite similar. But other than holding fish, water and decorations they are quite different. The set up for each aquarium is different and it is not easy to convert from one type to another at a later date.

  1. Freshwater Aquariums

    • Freshwater aquariums are by far the most popular choice among novice fishkeepers. A freshwater aquarium uses plain water although brackish water aquariums generally get categorized with freshwater. There are many kinds of freshwater tanks and they range in size, shape and water temperature. Most of them are heated but some fish, like goldfish, prefer cooler water.

    Types of Freshwater Aquariums

    • Fish thrive in planted aquariums.

      The most basic freshwater set up has artificial plants, decorations and gravel on the bottom. Common fish like tetras and betta are usually housed in these. Planted aquariums have live plants in them. These give the fish a natural environment to live in, and the plants also consume harmful gases like ammonia that helps balance the aquarium. Fish in planted aquariums are more active and often show their colors better.

      Biotopes are aquariums set up to replicate the natural environment of a geographical area. They will have fish that would be found together in nature and the plants and other decor would be regional as well. Brackish water aquariums are made with a mix of salt and freshwater such as the water found where a freshwater river would meet the ocean. Plants used in this type of aquarium need to be tough to tolerate the levels of salt., and the fish in them prefer to have a lot of water movement.

    Saltwater tanks

    • Saltwater fish come in many bright colors.

      Saltwater fish are usually more expensive than their freshwater counterparts, but they're also come in many more bright colors. That and the coral they need to swim around in makes for a more scenic and attractive tank. Saltwater aquariums have fish that are usually caught wild compared to freshwater fish which are usually bred in captivity. Since their home environments were quite stable, it takes more work to keep saltwater fish healthy since they are highly sensitive to changes in water conditions.

    Types of Saltwater Aquariums

    • Saltwater tanks can be fish only aquariums similar to a basic freshwater tank. More ambitious tanks include live rocks that have microorganisms in them that act as a biological filter in the tank. They help remove toxins and keep the water stable. A reef tank is the most work intensive for the owner. A reef tank will focus on live coral as well as any fish. They require more work in order to keep all the parameters in balance.

    Considerations

    • The supplies available to you will play a factor in what kind of aquarium set up you should have. Freshwater aquarium supplies are easily found, as some major retail stores sell them. In comparison, saltwater supplies are usually only found at specialty stores or online. Saltwater aquariums are definitely more expensive as even a small reef set up can cost over $1,000.