Freshwater Aquarium or Saltwater Aquarium: Which Should I Get?

Purchasing an aquarium is a large investment, so research is a very important step in getting the right aquarium for you. Know that most setups are freshwater aquariums, so there is a lot more information available on these setups. Freshwater and saltwater aquariums both have pros and cons, however, so choosing the right one isn’t always an obvious choice.

Taking Care of a Freshwater Aquarium

Freshwater aquariums tend to be the default, so you’ll have an easier time getting tips and doing research for this type of aquarium setup. The simplest setup is a coldwater aquarium. These tanks do not require a water heater, and the temperature is much easier to maintain. You’ll want the tank to stay at room temperature, so make sure it’s not in direct sunlight or near any other drastic temperature changes such as space heaters.

A popular choice for freshwater aquariums, however, is the tropical tank. This requires a water heater to maintain a temperature of around 76-82°F, depending on your fishes’ needs. You’ll want to regularly monitor the temperature of the water using a submerged thermometer to ensure your fish are staying comfortable.

In addition to monitoring temperature, you’ll need to monitor nitrate/ammonia levels and pH levels. It is recommended to use decent equipment for this and avoid cheap pH test strips. You also might need to treat your water before adding it to your tank. Even with a freshwater aquarium, you never want to put tap water into a tank without testing/treating for chlorine content first.

Taking Care of a Saltwater Aquarium

A saltwater aquarium, sometimes known as a marine aquarium, is typically more work to take care of than a freshwater aquarium. In addition to requiring a water heater, and pH/nitrate/ammonia monitoring, you’ll also need to monitor salinity or the amount of salt in the water.

You can use genuine seawater in your tank as long as it has been tested and cleared of any pathogens that could affect your fish. A better option is synthetic seawater since it is free of pollutants and fairly simple to make. It’s not as simple as mixing tap water and table salt, however; you’ll likely want to purchase a commercial mix for your saltwater.

One major difference between freshwater and saltwater aquariums is that saltwater needs to be frequently monitored for salinity. Watch for evaporation in your saltwater tank. When water evaporates, the salt content stays in the remaining water, increasing salinity. For this reason, you’ll want to frequently add fresh water to your tank.

In addition to saltwater requirements, know that saltwater fish are generally more sensitive to pH level differences. You’ll need to closely monitor the pH as well to allow your fish to thrive. While saltwater tanks are more difficult to care for, you might decide on it due to the various fish you can keep in saltwater.

Common Fish for Your Freshwater or Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater tanks are hard to care for, but they offer some beautiful choices when it comes to fish. Clownfish, royal grammas, butterflyfish, lionfish, and various gobies are just a few amazing saltwater fish choices.

Freshwater fish can be interesting and beautiful, too. Tetras, plecos, bettas, Oscars, angelfish, and traditional goldfish are all fish that you can consider for your freshwater tank. There are hundreds and hundreds of options, far too many to list here, so take this as a starting guide and explore your options before deciding on a tank type.

Regardless of whether you choose a freshwater aquarium or a saltwater aquarium, make sure you check the needs and compatibility of your desired fish before making any commitments. Fish require different temperatures, pH levels, and salinity levels to thrive. They can also have behavioral issues when placed in a tank with the wrong kind of fish. Keeping your fish safe and healthy is the most important part of owning an aquarium.