Aquarium Fish, Tropical Fish, and Saltwater Aquariums
“Saltwater fish aquarium or freshwater fish aquarium?” This is the most common question asked by aquarists when they start an aquarium.
This article will explain some terminologies and a comparison between freshwater and saltwater fish aquariums.
It is important to have a basic knowledge of aquarium and fish terms before setting up an aquarium. It will help you to converse with other fish enthusiasts and aquarium store personnel.
Why is it important to know the difference between saltwater and freshwater fish? Fish are found in a variety of climates. Fish from similar climates and water conditions often live together happily. Fishes from different natural environments should never be combined in the same tank.
What are saltwater fish?
Saltwater fish are those that live in seawater and oceans where the water contains dissolved salt. The saltwater fish aquarium must duplicate their natural environment.
What are freshwater fish?
Freshwater fish are those species found in lakes and rivers. The water of their natural habitats contains no or very little dissolved salt.
What are tropical fish?
Tropical fish are found in tropical environments around the world, where the climates are warm and the water temperatures range from 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They include both freshwater and salt water species. However fish keepers often use the term “tropical fish' to refer only to freshwater fish. They call the saltwater tropic fish “marine fish”.
Let's make a comparison between saltwater fish aquarium and a freshwater fish aquarium.
1. Cost
Saltware aquariums are more expensive than freshwater fish aquariums. This is the main reason why saltwater fish aquarium are generally considered to be for experienced aquarists. It is quite expensive to make a mistake with saltwater aquariums.
The saltwater filtration systems more expensive than freshwater ones. Saltwater fish and invertebrates thrive in a reef environment with live rock. Live rock costs more than gravel. Marine plants are difficult to harvest and are also pricier than their freshwater equivalent. Saltwater fish cost much more than freshwater fish because they are captured in the wild whereas many freshwater fish are bred in captivity. Saltwater fish tend to need larger tanks than freshwater.
2. Maintenance
Freshwater aquariums are more tolerant to lack of cleaning but not so with saltwater fish aquariums. It is easy to add water to a freshwater aquairum, but saltwater aquariums require the water to be mixed with salt first.
Saltwater fish are sensitive to environmental changes. For example, the temperature, salinity, ammonia, nitrate, and the pH must be kept at appropriate levels. This requires maintenance.
3.Beauty and Variety
Although saltwater fish aquariums are more costly and harder to maintain, why do some aquarists still prefer saltwater aquariums over freshwater ones?
While there are many beautiful freshwater fish, the saltwater species are more brilliant and colorful. Moreover, they offer a wider variety. A saltwater fish aquarium can have a lot of company in the tank. Salt water offers a host of invertebrates ranging from eels, clams, crabs, corals, to starfish.
If you are the regimented type of person who can stay true to your commitment of cleaning your aquarium and changing the water regularly, the preferred choice is definitely a saltwater fish aquarium.
Kurt Rorbakken has more than one interesting site - checkout his <a href="http://aquariumssaltwater.com/">Aquariums Saltwater Blog</a> site and also his <a href="http://www.salt-water-aquarium.com/affiliates/id/1171">Saltwater Aquarium Guide<a/>. You may reprint this article, as long as you include all of the above text, About the Author box and all the links are working.
