Freshwater Vs Saltwater Aquariums: What Is More Challenging?

The debate between saltwater and freshwater aquariums is a continuous one that sparks interest among reef aquarists. While many hobbyists assume that freshwater aquariums are less challenging, the reality is far more complicated, particularly when it comes to the specialized aquarium equipment that is required for planting freshwater systems. 

What Is The Main Difference Between Freshwater & Saltwater Aquariums?

The main difference between freshwater and saltwater aquariums is the salinity of the water. In freshwater aquariums, the salt concentration (salinity) is lower than in saltwater aquariums. 

Another difference is the type of livestock inside the two. In freshwater aquariums, you will see fish such as tetras, betta, and beginner-friendly goldfish, whereas in saltwater, you have more tropical fish like angelfish, wrasse, and the infamous clownfish. Freshwater aquariums are also limited to freshwater plants compared to saltwater aquariums which can host an array of corals, algae, and mangrove root.

Equipment Requirements In Freshwater & Saltwater Aquariums

Freshwater aquariums typically require minimal equipment such as an appropriately sized tank, basic lighting, a reliable filtration system, a substrate, and a heater. However, if you have a planted freshwater aquarium, you will need additional specialized equipment for your tank to thrive. This may include a CO2 injection system, enhanced filtration for plant water, high-quality lighting suited for aquatic plants, and often specialized substrates for optimal plant growth. 

On the other hand, marine or saltwater aquariums demand a slightly more demanding setup. Saltwater aquariums need a suitably sized reef tank, protein skimmer, specialized coral lighting, a powerful filtration system and reef-specific filtration system, multiple powerheads to improve water circulation, live rock, sand substrate, testing equipment for testing water parameters, larger sump systems, aquarium salt mix and equipment for mixing, and, in many cases, chillers. 

Are Freshwater Or Saltwater Aquariums Cheaper?

Generally, freshwater aquariums are cheaper than saltwater aquariums. This is because saltwater aquariums need more specialized equipment and monitoring systems. Aquarium setups vary depending on the size and complexity of the aquarium. For example, a freshwater aquarium with a few goldfish can be very budget-friendly, but for more complex freshwater setups, an aquarium can range between $500 and $5,000. 

Due to their complexity, saltwater aquariums usually cost much more, but they don’t have to! Some epic saltwater aquariums with a few livestock can cost only $600. However, most marine enthusiasts usually end up doubling their costs within the first year due to adding more desirable corals, fish, and the latest high-quality aquarium equipment. For those experienced and dedicated hobbyists, the costs associated with the hobby can reach well into the thousands. 

If you are new to the hobby, here are some common costs to consider for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums:

Freshwater

• Initial tank setup - $200 to $500

• Planted tanks - CO2 system ($100 to $300), specialized lighting ($50 to $200), plant-specific substrate ($30 to $100)

• Freshwater fish - $2 to $30 each

• Aquatic plants - $5 to $25 per plant species

• Monthly maintenance - $20 to $50

Saltwater

• Initial tank setup - $600 to $5000+

• Protein skimmer - $200 to $500

• Coral lighting - $250 to $1000+

• Powerheads - $100 to $300 each

• Marine fish - $25 to $200+ each

• Coral - $30 to $500+ each

• Mangrove plants - $15 to $40 per stalk

• Monthly maintenance - $50 to $150

The Different Maintenance Needs For Freshwater & Saltwater Aquariums

Each setup has specific maintenance needs. Planted freshwater tanks include weekly water changes, fertilizer dosing, CO2 system monitoring, monthly plant pruning (if you have fast-growing plants, this may need to be done weekly), algae management, filter cleaning, and plant substrate maintenance. 

Saltwater aquariums require more attention to detail. This includes the following daily and weekly maintenance tasks:

• Frequent water testing

• Preparing and storing your salt mix

• Maintaining the protein skimmer

• Feeding corals depending on what species you have

• Closely monitoring alkalinity and calcium levels

• Regularly cleaning and calibrating equipment

• Maintaining the wave pump and powerheads

• Performing regular water changes with your pre-mixed salt water

The Difference Between Growth & Development In Planted Freshwater Tanks Vs Reef Tanks

Planted freshwater aquariums typically show visible growth in a matter of days or weeks, whereas coral growth is usually slower and measured in months. 

Reef tanks usually require less physical maintenance but freshwater aquariums require regular pruning. 

For those less patient hobbyists, a freshwater setup may be better suited as they offer quick visual feedback while reef tanks require more patience to see results. 

Mistakes happen in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, however, in freshwater tanks water parameters are easier to adjust and you can experience more with layouts, plus they are faster to recover from mistakes because they are more forgiving with parameter fluctuations. On the other hand, mistakes in reef tanks usually have more devastating consequences as they are very sensitive to parameter changes. 

The Biggest Challenges Of Freshwater & Saltwater Aquariums

As we have mentioned, the complexity of owning an aquarium isn’t really down to whether you get a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium, but rather on your specific aquarium setup and goals. 

As a recap, here are the most challenging aspects of each type of aquarium.

Freshwater (planted) aquariums

• Controlling nutrient levels for optimal plant growth

• Managing algae growth

• Balancing CO2 levels

• Creating a self-sustaining freshwater ecosystem

• Maintaining proper light levels

Saltwater aquariums

• Understanding a more complex water chemistry

• Being aware of the higher equipment and maintenance costs

• Maintaining stable water parameters

• Patience - corals don’t grow overnight!

• Higher risk from expensive livestock

• More troubleshooting is needed

• Longer recovery time from common saltwater aquarium mistakes

Conclusion

While freshwater aquariums typically require less technical knowledge and specialized equipment, heavily planted freshwater tanks can be equally as challenging as reef tanks. You should consider the financial investment required for your dream setup, the time you have for maintenance, the risks you are willing to take, and what experience you have. 

If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with a basic freshwater or saltwater aquarium before diving straight into a complex system. This way, you can learn the fundamental skills in the hobby without adding unnecessary complexities. At Reefco Aquariums, we also say to our customers that success comes from understanding the unique requirements and being prepared to meet them so that your system thrives and you enjoy the journey. 

If you need help with your aquarium setup or installation, or would like to speak to our experienced team of aquarium enthusiasts, contact the Reefco Team today for a chat - we are always happy to help where we can!