Regarding the Fish Section...

Question

1. Why are there so many freshwater questions? Do people really not have the guts to maintain marine aquariums?

2. If you're going to go 100-gallon freshwater, why not go marine?

Just.. far too much freshwater, and not enough marine.

Answer 1

Maybe because lots of people that like fish can't afford marine fish and set-up, since it's much more expensive.

Answer 2

1. Because freshwater is cheaper, and beginners who just want to get their feet wet (hehe) don't want to spend $25 on a single fish, then have to worry about the tank to house them (considerably harder than a tank for something like a Betta) and maintain a proper environment.  If people kill a little Tetra, they (unfortunately) feel much better than killing a $200 French Angel.

2.  Again, there is a considerable difference in price.  For such a large tank, you're probably going to want a sump if it's marine, but a freshwater tank could be managed with a couple canisters.  Also, protein skimmers are a considerable addition.  In a larger tank, you're probaby keeping larger fish, which will again, cost much more if saltwater.

Lastly, I quite frankly find saltwater fish rather gaudy. If I wanted to see a bunch of brightly colored, flashy things every time I look next to my bed, I'd go and put a tub of sequins there.  I would take a school of Harlequin Rasboras and some earth-toned  South American Cichlids with iridescence (I love my Discus) ANY day of the week.  The only reason I'd really want to set up a saltwater tank would be for corals (tack on an additional several hundred dollars for light, trace elements, calcium, etc.).  While I've got a fish-only saltwater tank, I really don't think it's worth it without corals...

Answer 3

Its probably because those who have marine are experienced and do not need to ask questions on YA, they're already established on aquatics forums, websites and groups.

Its not just balls you need to own marine, but cash. I'd love a marine tank, but this credit crunch has hit me hard and there is no way I could justify getting one. Fish are luxury items after all. I'm down from 4 tanks to 2 as it is at the moment.

And there are some quite dramatic large freshwater fish for 100 gallons or more. Monster freshwater fish need homes too! I've seen some fantastic 200-900 gallon freshwater tanks, running a 900 gallon as marine would need a lottery win.

Answer 4

I agree with pretty much every single thing everyone's said.  Cost is probably the big inhibitor for one.  All the points Soopy made are quite valid.  Add in corals, then increased difficulty doing water changes, where in fresh water all you do add de-chlorinator and bang you done.  You don't have to adjust any salinity.  No need for any protein skimmers or sumps like Soopy said, and how much do coral run you for that 100 gallon?  And then after that, how much is a good LED or proper lighting for them?  How much does that increase your electric bill too?

It's completely nothing to do with guts.  Like Soopy said and cat, you add in the price of your stock like over five times as much for most basic freshwaters, and wow, forget that.  Then, let's just assume money isn't an issue for someone, freshwater fish most people have so learning something about your freshwater fish isn't a very difficult task.  Once you go salt water, finding out about those fish, you are pretty much limited to have to find a different forum or a place that has people that specialize in it.

You're not going to find depth in salt water here sorry.  There are a few salt water tank keepers in here I know of, but not many.  I will say this.  I truly believe the coloration and splendor of salt water fish in the right enviroment rocks compared to fresh water fish, and I keep and breed African cichlids, where males have absolutely stunning colors.  I think fresh water fish cannot compare to salt water fish when it comes to colors.

I think one last thing, keeping a salt water tank, is more liable to leave a smell in your house/room then fresh water is from the salt water itself.  I don't think you should phrase that as lack of guts.  If money, time, and hassles were not an obstacle, I'd do a salt water tank.  It's not from lack of guts.  Fresh water is always going to dominate this forum for years to come, sorry to say.

Answer 5

saltwater is harder to maintain and some people prefer the cost and look of freshwater aquariums

Answer 6

umm... im sorry but this Q? is rude... most people on here are BEGINNERS who are testiong things out and just starting... not experts. we come here to get help. excuse me for not being an expert after 4 months of a 10g tropical tnak...