- Cost is probably the single biggest difference between saltwater and freshwater aquariums. The most beautiful freshwater tropical fish will still be less costly than the most mediocre looking saltwater fish. Live rocks that are added to saltwater tanks for filtration and aesthetics can fetch anywhere from $20 to several thousand. Plan on spending at least $2,000 on the initial set up of a saltwater tank and about $300 per month on salt, test kits, replacement parts and additional fish and rocks. In contrast, a freshwater tank can be set up for a minimum of $50 and can cost less than $10 per month to maintain.
- Saltwater tanks are very time consuming. The initial set up can take a month or more during which time you will be spending several hours per week buying items, planning and putting things together. After the tank is established, plan to spend 3 to 5 hours per week on maintenance. Freshwater tanks need about a month before they are ready for fish, but most of the work happens in the first two days. These tanks can be set up completely in a couple of hours and then are simply left to sit for a month before adding fish.
- Saltwater tanks require constant monitoring and maintenance to keep them healthy. The salinity needs to be tested daily. You must also keep a close eye on the temperature and water quality or the fish will die. Live rocks also need meticulously balanced lighting or they too will die. Freshwater tanks are not maintenance free, but they require much less attention. You need only vacuum the tank, change the filter and add some water conditioner once per month to keep a freshwater tank healthy.
