Has anyone ever owned a saltwater aquarium? I think they are absolutely beautiful but I have been told they are very high maintenance. I'd like to get something for the boys to watch but I don't want to have a "third child" so to speak.
Wow... Thanks for all the responses. I think I am going to wait until the boys are older before tackling a fish tank. Ideally, I'd really like a saltwater tank but I'm not up for all the work involved.
They are deffinelty high maintenance. I had a 200 gallon tank and it kept me busy at least once a week.
If you are worried about colors there are multiple very colorful fish the a freshwater tank can have.
I would stay away from a salt water tank.
If you want something low maintenance, I recommend African Dwarf Frogs. They are fresh water, only need to be fed twice a week if you get the special pellets, and if you have a snail in the tank you don't need to change the water very often. My boys, 5, 3, and 6 mos, love our frog, and so do I!
We currently have a salt water tank and a freshwater tank and have had some combination of the two for the last 15 years. Once the salt water tanks are set up, they are as easy to maintain as the freshwater tank. Also, the freshwater fish seem to generate more waste, so the tank gets dirtier a lot quicker. When we do a partial water change, we mix the salt water in a trash can and dump it in the tank. If you decide to go salt, I would recommend not getting anything smaller than a 29 or 30 gallon. Salt water fish have a much smaller inch of fish per gallon ratio than freshwater fish. The fish can be expensive, but the damsels and some of the clown fish are pretty cheap. Research your fish first though, because some of the damsels can be pretty aggressive and some of the larger fish will eat each other or any shrimp or crabs you put in the tank. Also, if you want to have corals and anemones, that is a whole different ballgame. They are VERY sensitive and expensive and are very time consuming. If you just want something for your boys to watch, a freshwater tank can be very pretty. Stick to natural looking rocks and driftwood and plants to create a natural looking setting (add bubblers and things for movement - and the fish seem to enjoy them). Live bearers like Mollys get along well together and will come to the top when you are going to feed them and follow your finger around the front of the tank. Some of the fish live a long time. We have a plex that is over 11 years old. If you really want a salt tank, I would recommend you try it.
Hi G.,
What size tank are you thinking about getting? My husband has a 150 gallon saltwater tank and it's really not high maintenance, but I wouldn't recommend getting a saltwater tank for your boys. My husband and I moved to Texas from Maryland and since the water here is very "hard" he does have to purchase water from the fish store.
Let's just say I have a 50 gallon salt water tank and I'm waiting for the fish (1 fish) to die. So I can get my wall space back. LOL They are pretty but they are work. Good Luck.
My husband has had a saltwater aquarium for over 10 years now and it's a pain! He always seems to be behind in maintenance chores and is constantly fighting algae growth. To set up the tank, you have to let it "cycle" through a few times and then buy "throw-away" fish to test if the chemical ratios are correct...you know it's okay when your fish haven't died. The saltwater fish are pretty, but they're also expensive and sensitive to bad water (i.e. they die easily). Seeing what he has to do with his tank, I would recommend against getting a saltwater tank. We did have a small freshwater tank once and it was MUCH easier to care for, so if you really want fish, start off with that first. However, you will need an entirely new set-up if you decide to try saltwater - you can't simply convert a tank from freshwater to salt.
maybe a little late but don't do it i have a 30 gallon freshwater aquarium and i am waiting the fish to die because i really need that space.i have like 5 fish so is gonna take a while.
We have a 29 gallon freshwater and it requires a LOT of maintaining.
I would not get one again. There are daily jobs, monthly jobs (filters, etc), routine weekly care (keepiig algae away, cleaning), regular water changes of 6-8 gallons at a time, keeping water balance in check and of course feeding the fish.
The fish are very pretty...you have to get fish who seem to get along, we had a lot of fighters and lost some due to fights. Petco has been very helpful to us but I will say it gets old with all the maintaining.
We've had our a couple of years.
A saltwater tank is part-time job - wouldn't do it unless you like it as a hobby.
My husband and I own a petstore with an aquatics department. A fish tank is a great idea, they are very fun to watch and can be calming also. But if you don't have a lot of time, then absolutely go freshwater. You can always "upgrade" to the more difficult saltwater later when you have more experience. Also don't go too big at first because it's easy to get overwhelmed. I know our store carrys 10 gallon kits that come with everything you need except water and fish. I think that would be a great start for you and your family. Also, take the time to talk to the store employees and tell them what you want. They can guide you to the right fish that will all get along in the same tank. Start small and involve the family in the maintenence and I believe you'll really enjoy it.
My husband of 27 yrs. bought his 1st aquarium about a month after we got married! It was a freshwater tank. If we were not at work, we were at the aquarium shop! After a year, he was bored with it and switched to saltwater. Yes, the fish are beautiful, but they are also very sensitive and expensive. He spent more time cleaning the aquarium than watching his beautiful fish! Now, I can say that my kiddos know everything about saltwater fish. My husband finally gave it up 8 yrs. ago when we moved to our current home. But....he also has a huge koi pond....our 3rd home...4th pond. *Sigh* Good luck!!
Go with a freshwater tank with African OR south American cichlids. They are beautiful fish and fun to watch. They move rocks around and each take a spot in the tank as their territory. Make sure you get an algae eating fish too to help keep the tank clean. I agree with the others though. Aquariums are a lot of work, but this would be way less work than a saltwater tank. Good luck!
Hi there. My husband and I are in the process of setting up a saltwater tank and if it is not something you want to maintain constantly, I would go with fresh water. Salt water is much more complicated, requiring more plumbing, etc. Plus, the fish are way more expensive. We have owned other tanks in the past and really enjoyed them. Maybe go with a Cichlid Tank. There are alot of really pretty fresh water fish. Go to an actual fish store though. PetSmart is fine but you will find more selection and better quality at a fish store and the employees are more knowledgeable.
H.
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