After weighing the pros and cons, you have decided that the aquarium hobby is right for you. Now it’s time to decide what kind of ecosystem you want to create: freshwater or saltwater? If you’re reading this and aren’t sure if this is the right hobby for you, check out my previous pro and con blogs! Just like the hobby itself, each type of ecosystem setup has its advantages and disadvantages.

Freshwater

Advantages

Cost- Setting up a freshwater aquarium significantly cheaper than setting up a saltwater aquarium. The main reason for the cost difference is that the freshwater ecosystem requires less to get it started. I will further discuss this in the saltwater disadvantages.

Schooling Behaviors- Freshwater aquariums allow you to see some extremely neat natural behaviors in fish such as schooling together. This is possible in freshwater aquariums because they allow you to keep more fish in smaller size tank. Essentially, you could also see this behavior in saltwater aquariums as well. However, it would require a larger tank. 

Disadvantages

Breeding- Freshwater fish are known to breed like crazy! This is a disadvantage because it leaves you with a ton of fish and too small of a tank to handle the bio-load, which will lead to fish loss. However, if you have a local fish store nearby, they may take your baby fish and even exchange them for store credit.

Size- The potential size of many freshwater fish is definitely something to consider. Many species of freshwater fish grow to substantial sizes. Depending on the fish you want, this require you to purchase a larger aquarium or have less fish.

Saltwater

Advantages

Vibrant Colors- Saltwater aquariums and reef tanks are known for all of their bright and vibrant colors. The blue lighting on saltwater aquariums make all of the colors of fish and corals really pop. The variety of colors is much more extensive in this area of the hobby.

Biodiversity- Saltwater fish have so many different looking species. Yes, freshwater fish do as well. However, freshwater species look quite like each other. Whereas, saltwater species of fish and coral are extremely diverse with patterns and vivid colors.

Disadvantages

Importance of Water Quality- Saltwater fish are a lot more reactive to their water qualities. The salt and pH levels have to stay just right and be consistent or you will lose fish and corals. This means that you have to take extra precautions and make sure you do 10-20% weekly water changes to keep your water nice and clean.

Cost- The main disadvantage to the saltwater aquarium is how expensive it is to get going. Setting up a saltwater tank costs about twice as much as a freshwater aquarium. This is because you have to purchase live rock, protein skimmer, hydrometer, salt, sand, etc. The fish and corals for saltwater tanks are also considerably more costly.

Personally, the colors and diversity of a saltwater aquarium outweigh its disadvantages for me. All the movement from corals and fish is extremely calming and meditative to me. Although I prefer saltwater aquariums over freshwater, the choice is up to you. Look at the advantages and disadvantages of each and see which setup intrigues you the most!