Marine Vs. Reef Tank Aquarium

Setting up a saltwater aquarium can be a daunting process for any newcomer, especially when trying to choose which type of tank to set up. Reef tanks contain coral and live rock in addition to fish, while marine aquariums do not. For years, aquarium enthusiasts have debated the benefits of both types of tanks and which type of tank is easier to maintain. At the heart of the matter, anyone setting up their first aquarium should educate themselves about saltwater tanks prior to making a commitment.

  1. Tank Types

    • Historically there have been two main types of tanks, reef and marine tanks. Marine tanks, also known as fish only tanks, contain only fish while reef tanks also support live rock and invertebrates.

    Fish Health

    • The majority of fish sold in pet stores come from natural habitats near coral reefs, therefore fish seem to experience less stress when in a reef tank. Marine tanks typically have a lower rate of fish survival.

    Filtration

    • Marine tanks require a filtration system to keep the water clean, and sometimes need to be treated with chemical cleaning agents. Reef tanks require less filtration due to the natural filtration ability of live rock and sand. Most reef tank keepers just need a protein skimmer, which is a device that removes protein and organic material from the water.

    Lighting

    • Both tanks benefit from a lighting system, which helps aquarium owners maintain temperature. Lighting is particularly important for reef tanks because coral needs adequate light to stay alive.

    Warning

    • Copper is commonly used to treat fish disease in marine tanks. Do not use copper in a reef tank because the crustaceans that live in the coral may die if exposed to copper.

    Cost

    • Reef tanks generally cost more to set up, but are less costly to maintain overtime. With the right education about how to set up a reef tank, the cost is comparable to setting up and maintaining a marine tank.