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Anyone here have a saltwater aquarium?

Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:19 am
Posted by CBandits82
Lurker since May 2008
Member since May 2012
54310 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:19 am
How difficult is the upkeep compared to freshwater?

Do you make your own saltwater for water changes?
Posted by Cosmo
glassman's guest house
Member since Oct 2003
120802 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:21 am to
ib4 Jones
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
66307 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:22 am to
quote:

Do you make your own saltwater for water changes?
You people disgust me.

RA’ed

Move to Aggie Board
Posted by mt1
LV
Member since Nov 2006
7213 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:26 am to
A magnitude of at least 10x, closer to 100x. Same as the cost.
Posted by medium rare
Member since Feb 2024
262 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:36 am to
Saltwater aquariums are badass
Posted by Bamadiver
Member since Jun 2014
3244 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:56 am to
A fish only sw system is no more difficult than a fresh. Once you start adding corals the complexity rises but, depending on species it can be pretty easy. As a sw system ages it gets easier to maintain.

I do mix my own water. It’s cheaper to mix it than buy it once you get into larger systems.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
516 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:59 am to
Tried one for about a year. I went back to freshwater, but with a South American blackwater setup. So far this current setup, to me, is my favorite.

Salt water was too finicky for me. Blackwater fits into a nice area.
Posted by LegendInMyMind
Member since Apr 2019
55593 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:59 am to
We had both fresh and salt growing up. Salt was a good bit more difficult. It is a lot easier nowadays, though, because of the internet. Back then (90s mainly) you had to rely on others and books, and there was no consensus whatsoever it seemed. Information was hard to come by. That's not a problem now. Hell, you can have information overload if you aren't careful.
Posted by NoBoDawg
Member since Feb 2014
1597 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 11:33 am to
I used to have a 75 gallon salt several years ago. It was relatively easy for me (after initial tank cycle) because I decided to make it an aggressive fish tank. I had live rock, but since I had aggressive fish like clown trigger & hawk fish, I couldn’t have shrimp, snails, corals, etc. So, no expensive lighting & upkeep. I really enjoyed it. If you went salt, I would recommend a large one. I wouldn’t recommend a small salt tank because you don’t want fluctuations in water salinity & quality.

Currently,, I just have 5 gallon freshwater nano, planted tank with endler livebearers, a tiny bumblebee goby & cherry shrimp in my office. I think I’m enjoying my little planted tank more. The plants are pretty satisfying to grow & the little endlers are colorful & fun to watch. I do have upgraded lighting for plants, but this freshwater planted tank set-up is a lot less expensive than a salt of similar size & a lot less maintenance.
Posted by DownSouthTiger
downsouth
Member since Jan 2005
2555 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 11:36 am to
I have had a 100 gallon. Extremely difficult and extremely expensive.
Posted by NATidefan
Two hours North of Birmingham
Member since Dec 2008
36374 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 12:09 pm to
I do. They are alot of work compared to fresh especially if you have corals. I make my own saltwater, also basically a must.

Reef2reef is a good source to learn from people.

Do ALOT of research first and learn as much as you possibly can before starting and it will save you alot of headache, time, and money. Buy a used system, but kniw what you are getting. I've had mine 3 years. It's pretty easy now to keep things in balance, but first year or so is the worst.
This post was edited on 3/19/24 at 12:19 pm
Posted by captainpodnuh
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Jan 2004
482 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 12:56 pm to
I have maintained a 100 gal saltwater tank for over 15 years now. I have a sump with rock rather than bio balls. Keep a spare pump on hand in the closet. Think ahead about extended power outages and having your aquarium running on generator power along with your fridge and freezer.

I had a bad run w keeping fish alive and currently I’m corals only. Having a lot of luck with leathers and frog spawn. Will likely start adding fish again later this year.

It can be an expensive hobby. Invest in RODI filters to save money. Fresh for topping off and salt for water changes. My LED light fixtures seem to need replacement every 4 years or so.

You ultimately have to decide what kind of aquatic life you want to have. The brighter the color fish and coral, generally the higher the cost of livestock.

I’ve had more luck w buying local. The Aqua Hut guys are quite knowledgeable and happy to help any hobbyist. Do them a solid and buy from them if/when you are seeking their advice.
Posted by ticklechain
Forgotten coast
Member since Mar 2018
541 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 3:59 pm to
Had one for about five years. The newer technology makes it a bit less maintenance. 10% water change and a little cleaning every week and your good. Buy your fish and rock online,much cheaper. Would definitely do again
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