Pros & Cons of In-Home Salt Water Aquariums

Saltwater aquariums are increasingly popular because they're eye-catching. A variety of specimens, including fish, coral, live rock and invertebrates like sea urchins and anemones make up saltwater aquariums. They are almost always more difficult to keep than freshwater aquariums, but worth the work.

  1. History

    • Saltwater aquariums were virtually unheard of until the 1950s because of shipping issues and inadequate filters. When ground and air shipping became more sophisticated, it was finally possible to ship exotic tropical fish from the coasts inland. Better filters made it easier for hobbyists to keep these exciting fish in captivity.

    Types

    • There are three types of saltwater aquarium: fish-only, fish only with live rock and reef tanks. Fish-only tanks contain only fish. Fish only with live rock tanks contain fish and live rock. Reef tanks may contain fish, live rock, coral and invertebrates. Reef tanks are the most difficult to keep.

    Equipment

    • The equipment that saltwater aquariums require is probably the biggest drawback to setting up an in-home saltwater aquarium. Saltwater tanks are large, because the larger the tank, the easier it is to maintain. When setting up a saltwater aquarium, you need water testing equipment and adjustment chemicals to maintain a very delicate pH balance. Some other equipment that saltwater tanks require includes protein skimmers, hydrometers, salt and special saltwater test kits. Because saltwater tanks require much more equipment, they also require much more maintenance.

    Fish

    • The best part of keeping a saltwater aquarium is the beautiful fish. Saltwater fish are often more colorful than freshwater fish, and there are many more invertebrates to choose from in a saltwater tank than in a freshwater tank. However, the fish are not easy to care for. Most saltwater fish are caught from the wild, not bred in captivity. This means that they may be carrying parasites or diseases, so you have to quarantine them before introducing them into your aquarium. Since the ocean is a very stable environment, wild-caught tropical fish are sensitive to changes in their environment, such as a low pH. Fish that are caught in the wild may also be difficult to feed. Sometimes, fish need to be weaned onto pet store "fish food," which can take weeks or even months. Because wild-caught tropical fish often need to be shipped, the shipping cost is factored into the cost of the fish. This means that most saltwater fish are expensive. Wild-caught fish also pose environmental issues, because as demand goes up, the tropical fish population in the ocean goes down.

    Difficulty

    • Hobbyists agree that maintaining a saltwater aquarium is more difficult than maintaining a freshwater aquarium, but this could be a good thing for someone who likes a challenge. The extra maintenance, like mixing the salt, checking the water and feeding the specimens, is often rewarding. If you have the time, money, and dedication, keeping a saltwater aquarium can be a fun and fulfilling hobby for years to come.