Have you ever had a saltwater aquarium and regretted it?

Question

What are your experiences with them, or do you know of anyone who has had one, and do you have any tips and recommendations? I've had fish bowls and small freshwater aquariums but never a saltwater one. My husband has always wanted one, and we might invest in one. He's responsible and cleaning the tank won't be a problem. I have chronic moving-nightmare dreams, but realistically we will probably be staying in this apartment for years (we hope) and so moving a tank is not a problem right now. I'm in a rental apartment. Have contacted the property management firm and am still waiting to hear back from them whether they will allow it. He obviously forgot again. Have to email him again. But they just raised our rent so we're more likely to get the tank now. I do have renter's insurance, in case of damage (although I don't know if aquariums are covered. Have to check that later.) One time, we were sitting there in the living room watching TV and out of nowhere, our glass aquarium just came apart and the water and fish went everywhere. Really strange. I distinctly remember it was a very standard, basic, aquarium. I paid $9.95 or $19.95 for it from Petco or Petsmart, if you're familiar with those stores in the U. S. So since I know that can happen, I'm concerned about getting a tank. It was just a normal tank.  And we've experienced a massive flood in our building so water is definitely on the brain. It's a bit of a risk. The reason we want saltwater is for the different fish species. Been down the other road before. Want more colourful this time. Big and colourful. Lots of coral and types of fish. P. S. I don't like purple. Why are so many search results for 'saltwater aquarium' coming up purple?

DCooper · Accepted Answer

With a saltwater tank, it really pays to 'go big or stay home'. The reason is simple; the larger the volume of water, the slower temperature and chemistry changes occur in it. Marine fish are very intolerant of temperature, salinity, and pH swings, and not as tolerant of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate buildup as most common freshwater species.

I have had two tanks going in the living room for 7 or 8 years, and I only get around to doing 20% water changes every other month or so. And that's with a lot of soft corals as well as fish. Most of the maintenance work is keeping fresh water in the topoff reservoirs, scraping the glass, dosing vinegar, cleaning the protein skimmers, and changing activated charcoal and granular ferric oxide in the reactors. Those measures are sufficient to keep nitrates and phosphates near zero, and everything else at zero.

The trick is to go with a relatively large tank, and pick just a few really cool fish to keep in it. A well balanced tank doesn't need frequent water changes, just clean fresh top-off water (I use a 4 stage RODI unit for mine).

Lliam · Accepted Answer

I never had a saltwater tank but knew people who did. Saltwater is a particular challenge because the water has to be just right and it sucks to loose the expensive sea life you have collected. But coral, anemones, sea creatures and variety of colorful fish are spectacular.

I had a 75 gallon fresh water tank for many years, with a variety of unique and colorful fish, including a black arowana; a green gar with black and white spots and a white belly, and a copper colored one with a light gold-colored belly; a fire eel; an ornate bichir; a half dozen, different discus (red, blue, yellow); and other stuff. I really loved it.

A friend had a tank with a bunch of colorful African cichlids, but they tend to pick on each other.

Elise888888 · Accepted Answer

I regretted the salt water aquarium because salt water fish are EXTREMELY sensitive to stress and will die immediately if they are stressed. You need to spend a lot of time acclimating them to new water. You need to spend a lot of time making sure the salinity is ok in. your fish tank. If you don't have the time to do that- its not fair to the fish. The fish need someone with a lot of expertiese that can support them in doing well and being healthy. I regretted having one so much and will never do it again. It wasn't fair to the fish. You need a lot of time and knowledge to be able to maintain it. Its also soooooo expensive.

dustybiker · Accepted Answer

I’ve had a lot of fish tanks myself. No longer. And never attempted salt water.
The fish shop in my town actually takes care of everyones salt tanks in the area. He was saying everyone is too concerned to handle them themselves. So I imagine they are more work and more delicate. If you can hire someone it might be worth it.

LaFerrari · Answer

I did have one when I was young, my brother set it up when he visited us, it didn’t last to long though, it was just way to much work, to much attention needed so we went to fresh water and gave the fish to a close neighbor that had a saltwater aquarium.

exitseven · Answer

I never had one. I had several fresh water ones. I have seen a couple of really nice saltwater ones. I would do some research on which manufacturers are best and how to maintain it. Maybe start with a smaller one.
I think it is better than a waterbed.

Starla1234 · Answer

I love this type of aquarium. I’ve had a tropical fish tank once, and it wasn’t successful unfortunately. The marine fish are so delicate!

Wise4myage · Answer

No, but I know people who have and they didn't last long before they got tired of it.

strateguy632 · Answer

thank god for such a colorful variety of fish... and 1st

Citizenkirk · Answer

Salt water aquariums are expensive to maintain

Have you ever had a saltwater aquarium and regretted it?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Have you ever had a saltwater aquarium and regretted it?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.