Okay so my daughter loves anything that the swims in an aquarium. What are the pros and cons about owning one.

Saltwater tanks or Fresh water tanks ?

I need to decide which way to go.

Thanks in advance

gino




no I am not putting Tilapia inside for dinner or lunch consumption okay ...LOL....

 

Saltwater = $$$$$$$ High maintenance, very hard to take care of and requires a lot of care. If you got the cash and the time. Go for it.

Freshwater = less expensive. Ease of care. Always good to start of kids with freshwater.


In either case, Gino, I'll set you up. PM me.

Stan

 

freshwater fish like goldfish are easy to maintain. Saltwater fish like tropical fish are much more difficult to maintain. They need to be kept at a constant temperature and stuff. Goldfish poop more but they don't require as much attention as the tropical fish do.

 

Saltwater tanks are very high maintainence, but you can get much more colorful fish and other live stuff like coral and the like. I've always wanted a saltwater tank. I've never had one, but I've always heard they were really hard to maintain.

I used to have a freshwater tank, and they are a little easier to maintain. Clean once a week, change filter, cycle water, and you should be fine. Feed daily (obviously). There are also some pretty hearty fish, ask your local aquarium. They should be able to set you up with some fish that will be relatively indestructible (tetras and cory catfish are my favorites, especially their ability to survive the occasional cleaning lapse).

Talk to someone at an aquatic store preferably over a general pet store, they should be able to set you up pretty well. I think I was out the door for about ~$250 20gal tank, gravel, pump, filter, water purifier and starter fish.

But beware, having fish is somewhat addictive . I found myself buying news fish every few weeks at one point, even when I didn't need replacements. And you should probably help your daughter realize that some fish are going to die, hopefully she won't take it too hard (waking up to find a dead fish never makes for a fun day).

 

Well it can be fun when u flush them down the toilet (when dead of course)

 

You monster




Euthanizing your fish (if they get an infection or something) is even worse.

 

Once worked with a guy who started with a 75 gal saltwater tank. An avid diver, he wanted to recreate a portion of the Red Sea. Did his homework, and got his (and I must say quite the beautiful tank at that) little piece of the Red Sea up and running for a mere...... $12.5K


Saltwater tanks is difficult to balance. The fish/gallon on salt water is very small compared to a fresh water tank. You can't really go wrong with a couple of gold fish and a couple of algae eaters. But tropical fish isn't that far of a leap either. More fish per gallon.

This spring, we're putting together a 5 gal tank. Blacked out on the sides and the back. White sand on the bottom and a single rock and a single plant.... and 40 neon tetras.... That's gonna be fun.

 

Pee on them just to make sure their dead before you deep six them....

I'm sorry... it had to be said. me.

 

lol, you heartless bastards

 

You guys saying saltwater tanks are a lot of maintenance have either:

1. Never had one

2. Had one, but had no idea what you're doing.

New saltwater methods (live rock/sandbed/big skimmer) can get you a tank that needs almost no water changes/regular maintenance. Of course you can't keep a million fish in it, but otherwise it's worth it.

My tank at work:









Gino...I have some good books if you want to borrow or barter (), and of course I can help you with setup, etc. Read up on http://www.reefcentral.com/ and ask questions in the newbie section.

My 25 gallon full stony corals tank was pretty amazing when they were growing at 1/2 inch a month. Clams as big as your head.

 

Btw...there is a KICKass store on C street in Hayward...Aquarium Concepts. Don't go look at their 750+ gallon reef if you're not ready to get into the hobby hardcore.

They might be gone, I haven't been there in a while.

 

con: huge power bill.

 

Do freshwater first. Saltwater requires a lot more research and knowledge. You have to watch your water parameters (temp, salinity, ph, nh3, no2, no3, etc). It may not be more work, but it takes a little time to get there. Movies like Finding Nemo has sent countless clownfish and tangs to death.

If you are doing fish only, your power bill won't be bad..

 

Wrong again.

My 25 gallon had a single (albeit expensive) 175W metal halide bulb that was on <8 hours a day. Almost insignificant power usage compared to my computers and my wife using the heaters and the oven.

 

If you are going to go with a freshwater tank, I can donate some cory catfish for you

lol.. mine wont stop breeding