TANK

By paul On May 20, 2010 Under AIR COMPRESSOR

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a planted tank versus a saltwater tank?

I posted another topic before about 10 gallon tank. I'm going to hopefully be able to convince my parents to allow me to get a 50-55 gallon tank because there is just so many more options. Can someone please describe the advantages and disadvantages of a planted tank versus a saltwater tank. If I end up doing freshwater it will definitely be planted, and if I end up going salt water it will definetly be a reef tank with live rock.

A well planted freshwater tank can be a beautiful sight. I love them. But a reef tank.... wow. The vibrant colors, the diversity of life - there is really nothing that can compare.

A reef tank is probably the ultimate achievement in the aquarium hobby. And it is no coincidence or mistake that the most beautiful of them belong to the most experienced among us. Tanks like this are truly a testament to their owners' knowledge, patience and dedication.

The ultimate on the freshwater side would probably be the planted biotope type tank. It's the unsalted equivalent of the reef tank. There is no lack of knowledge, patience, or dedication here either.

When it comes down to advantage/disadvantage, its really hard to define those. What you may see as a disadvantage could be exactly what attracted me to a certain thing. There is a lot of personal preference involved.

Since I am in to freshwater planted, of course my answer would be biased. The next person to answer might be a reef keeper who says the exact opposite of what I say. And based on our own goals and desires, we are both right.

Both types of tanks require planning and research. You have to find out what plants will work, what fish will work, and how to maintain your water - often in a very different way than what you are used to.

In my case, I found that information and help were far more readily available on FW than they were on SW. Supplies and stock are much easier to get locally (for me) on the FW side.

So, advantage or disadvantage? Only you can decide.

Overall, I would have to say that you will need a broader knowledge base for a reef. You simply have to know more about more different things.

Attention to detail can be far more important with a reef - many of the inhabitants are less tolerant of any mishaps.

"Contents" of the tank tend to be more expensive for SW than for FW.

SW will require some different equipment. But so will the planted FW when compared to a regular fish only tank.

Both types of tanks are very enjoyable and rewarding. Some people (ok, most people) may consider the amount of water testing and tweaking that goes into my biotope to be too much bother. Actually, it was one of the things that attracted me to it.

The kind of tank you end up with will be based on many different factors, ranging from budget to available space and how much time you have to dedicate to it. But in the end, it will be a decision that only you can make. Others can share their experiences and likes/dislikes - but in the end, it's as personal as the clothes you wear and how you cut your hair.