Many serious fish lovers dream of getting a saltwater fish tank. These aquariums can be amazing and beautiful additions to homes. However, it’s also undeniable that they’re trickier to keep than their freshwater equivalents. In this guide, we’ll look at all the challenges owners may face. We’ll also consider ways to make life easier for saltwater fish tank keepers.
1. They’re More Expensive to Purchase and Maintain
While there are many benefits to keeping a saltwater aquarium, for many people, they’re just too expensive to purchase and maintain. It’s true; unlike freshwater tanks, the upfront costs are relatively high. This is because they require more supporting equipment like lighting systems and hygrometers. Even the saltwater itself is more expensive. It’s not unusual for new owners to spend hundreds of dollars on their new aquarium. This costly factor may put saltwater aquariums out of reach for some marine life lovers.
The ongoing costs are higher than freshwater aquariums because owners must maintain saltwater tanks’ ideal conditions. One of the best ways to reduce the cost is to check out the second-hand market. Be wary of buying tanks because they’re fragile and may have damage. But you should be able to find filtration systems and other supporting devices for a fraction of their full price. Remember, you’ll also need a backup tank for quarantining and cleaning purposes.
2. Saltwater Aquariums Can Become Complicated to Install
Setting up a saltwater aquarium is more than buying a tank and filling it with water; it involves creating the right water temperature and constantly testing the parameters. As a new saltwater tank owner, you must get these conditions right because it can seriously affect your fish’s health. Unfortunately, this is the main reason many new aquarists lose saltwater fish. Always do your research before placing fish in a saltwater aquarium. You can also get help from a marine specialist or experienced keepers online.
3. Maintaining Water Parameters Can Prove Challenging
Maintaining the water’s chemistry is crucial for your fish’s health. First, there must be adequate filtration in the tank. This will help to preserve the overall water quality and keep it clean. It’s also important to have decent water circulation. A buildup of dissolved oxygen is a frequent problem for inexperienced owners. This can cause algae to form and cause problems for your fish.
Other issues include maintaining the right pH, calcium, and salinity. Regulating the aquarium water parameters requires some of the expensive equipment we mentioned earlier. You may need a protein skimmer to remove debris. A hydrometer will help check the saline levels. Owners must change 10 to 20 percent of the water volume every couple of weeks. It may be necessary to add more salt mix and supplements. You can raise pH levels by using a simple sodium bicarbonate and water solution. Sometimes increased aeration is enough.
4. Pest Problems Can Threaten Fish’s Health
Unfortunately, saltwater tanks also tend to be susceptible to pests. This is especially a problem if you have a reef aquarium. Aiptasia is a common hitchhiker pest that can wreak havoc in reef tanks. Flatworms are also very prevalent and can cause plenty of damage. It’s crucial to quarantine new fish and coral before introducing them to your saltwater tank. Also immediately remove fish that show any signs of disease.
Algae is unavoidable, but you can prevent blooms in a clean and healthy aquarium. Maintaining good water quality and regular cleaning will help keep algae under control. You’ll need to scrub the glass, but it’s worth it to keep a healthy tank environment. This may seem like lots of work, but it won’t take long if you’re regularly maintaining your aquarium. It’s more of an issue if you allow it to go out of control.
5. Not Every Fish Will Get Along
Saltwater fish aren’t easy for first-time fish keepers, so it’s essential to do your research before buying any. First, ensure your tank is big enough for your planned fish population. The general rule is one gallon of water per one inch of fish. Overcrowding is one of the quickest ways to cause disease and other issues in your aquarium. Generally, a 10-gallon tank can contain two small fish, but this will vary depending on the species.
Be careful when mixing different exotic fish species. Some fish are very aggressive and will fight or even eat their fellow tank inhabitants. Cichlids, for example, are territorial. Other fish may become too large for the aquarium or big enough to eat their tankmates. Saltwater fish also have trickier and more expensive diets. They should eat ocean organisms like plankton, krill, and seaweed.
6. They Require Specialized Knowledge
The simple reality is that owning a saltwater tank requires more homework and preparation than a freshwater equivalent. This may not be suitable for every prospective owner. We’re not saying this to dissuade anybody but to inform. Owning a saltwater aquarium can be a gratifying experience. They offer more potential because of the rich diversity of ocean species. Watching fish go about their lives is very therapeutic and enjoyable.
However, you must be willing to put in the work if you want to care for your fish properly. Learn about the species you want before bringing them home. Practice setting up your tank and changing the settings on the different devices before using them properly. It will be worth it in the end because many fish have long lives. This is the best way to maximize what your saltwater tank can become.
