Freshwater versus Saltwater Aquarium - Which Of These Should You Start With

Should you establish a freshwater aquarium or a marine saltwater tank if you are a new aquarium hobbyist and this is your first attempt to set up one. Most experience aquarist suggest first timers to start off with freshwater aquarium for the following reasons namely:

Less Complex
Generally speaking, freshwater fish tank accessories and equipments are less complex and easier to set up. Aquarium filters for freshwater are quite easy to operate and usually the "standard" type that you can easily get from any local fish stores.

It takes you less time to establish a freshwater aquarium compare to a marine fish tank. Generally speaking, most marine aquatic fish and plant are more sensitive to the environment such as the water pH level and other water quality parametric such as the level of contaminants, waste and etc.

Don't take the local fish store salesman word and advice for granted. There are those who are honest and genuine in offering sound advice. There are also those who couldn't care less because they are just working for others and their objective is to sell you the most complicated and expensive items so that they can get a bigger cut of the sales commissions. When in doubt, go to the library or the Internet to find out more about those information you need.

Less Expensive
Marine fish, plants and associated aquarium accessories are usually more expensive compare to its freshwater counterparts. You wouldn't want to spend a fortune or burn a hole in your pocket by investing in expensive equipments, fish and plants when you establish your first aquarium

It's not surprising that you might make mistakes particularly when you are new to this hobby. Furthermore, saltwater aquarium accessories are usually more fragile and sensitive compare to its freshwater counterpart.

In summary, it is recommended that you start your first aquarium hobby by considering freshwater inhabitants over the more expensive and complicated marine saltwater aquascaping and aquarium. Once you have gathered some hands on experience and knowledge with it, you can then move on to establish saltwater aquarium.