10 Reasons Why Saltwater is Better than Freshwater Aquariums
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
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What do you think? Saltwater or freshwater?
Saltwater by a wide margin. Even if you're on a tight budget you can still setup a nice aquarium with softies.
Fresh has worked for me for forty years. Plus I dont keep tropical creatures in cold tanks.
Impossible decision, especially comparing to planted freshwater aquariums or aquaponics. Gimme both!
Enthusiasm and love makes both great. (but saltwater)
Have and love both ❤️ I have loved fishkeeping since I was a little kid. My grandma had a tiger Oscar in a big tank in her kitchen and my great aunt always has had millions of guppies. My mom loved fish tanks and we always had little ones when I was small and I got into keeping my very own freshwater at like 10. I have loved it my whole life. I have also had my FOWLR saltwater tank for about 8 years and recently (like last month) decided I wanted to try to convert it to having a few little soft corals or something in it.... I love all of my fish ❤️.
KG Tropical member here. Thank you to both John and Jake for this collaboration! I'm a freshwater enthusiast who loves to learn. Jake, you shared a some information here I had never considered before. Excellent video and we certainly appreciate your passion for fish keeping (regardless of the environment).
*Saltwater is a passion. Had freshwater tanks before, would love to set one up again.. but it wouldn’t make me as passionate as saltwater. 🙌*
As passionate? or was Saltwater more delicate and requires more attention 😂
@@fishfan2 reefing is an addiction. The corals, the perfect lighting, the rare fish and caring for them. I could buy a coral everyday if I didn’t stop myself. It’s a passion. I wake up every morning and observe every coral I have looking for any issues or the smallest bit of growth. Freshwater doesn’t have that. I can find 99% of every freshwater fish and plant at my local Petco, that’s not very exciting. It doesn’t compare.
@@Felis-Concolor okay i can relate to that lmaoo, set yourself a budget cuz if not ... 😂
Best summary of salt vs fresh
None of that makes you more passionate 😂 just means you have to do more work. Doesn't mean you're going harder than anyone with freshwater tanks
Love the term 'salt water curious' - that's a pretty good description of me, curious, but not really tempted yet. Great answers to John's video, you helped me to consider salty tanks differently. Love the idea of bringing both sides of our hobby together, thank you💕👍
Saltwater always looks amazing, and I am envious of all the cool non-fish animals you can keep. But I have way too much anxiety to try something so sensitive and expensive in my home. Fortunately, I work at a zoo, so I can always go look at the saltwater tanks there.
Luckyyy! must be a cool job!
Not as sensitive as you would think. There are some rare exceptions in some corals, but most are hardy and willing to live.
Get a 1 inch piece of a beautiful strain of Green Star Polyps (GSP) for free from some reef hobbyists (or cheap retail) and you can easily make a reef tank with minimal knowledge and knowhow for reef keeping. GSP is by far the easiest, the most forgiving and can be so beautiful when done right for a soft coral.
This video was one of many that inspired me to try out saltwater...and now that I've had my tank up for nearly 8 months, I can surely say that freshwater is way better, at least in terms of costs and payoffs. A good sized freshwater planted tank can cost under $100 to set up, can run for months without any maintenance aside from feeding fish, and can even pay for itself through the plants grown and livestock bred within. My tiny 20 gallon salt tank is by far the most expensive I've ever set up, and needs constant maintenance and water changes. Corals and macroalgae don't grow quickly enough for me to even consider selling them, and there aren't many types of fish or inverts that readily breed in a home aquarium. I'm probably gonna dismantle the tank in a few weeks to relieve the mental and financial burden it causes me, and will likley stick with freshwater from now on
Huh. I understand the increased cost, but my saltwater tank requires barely any maintenance and I am still getting intensive, sometimes even uncontrollable macroalgae growth that I have had the opportunity to sell before. In fact, I kind of abandoned my tank for like three months, only performing RODI top offs every few days and feeding, and that made my tank proliferate even more. What organisms did you have in your tank? What were your parameters and equipment like?
Thank you for this comment. I think it convinced me to stick with freshwater.
What costs did you incur? Salt water changes? With a 20 gallon tank i cant imagine the costs were high TBH.
I loved my 28 gal JBJ all in one in the beginning then six months in hair algae hit and destroyed my tank. I was need up giving it away
Thanks to John and Jake, our hobby needs this interaction. Unfortunate we lost Jake to the powers above, but I'm very pleased he was able to share his coolness and intellect while he was here. He made every minute count, so can we.
All good and valid points. It’s just too expensive and complicated for me, although I love to see a beautiful salt water setup.
Expensive yes complicated not really. You can do a pretty good soft coral reef in a Fluval evo 13.5 that was my first dip into the saltwater hobby. Softies grow like weeds in even not exactly ideal water there’s a few that even have pretty cool colors and forms. And the evo has almost everything you need built in
Lmao, no they're not. They're all terribly fanboyish points that fall apart the moment you take a look at them.
Having both for years I learned that it takes a lot more time and effort to get nice looking fully grown reeftank than an aquascaped planted tank. Because of this you feel more attached to your reeftank than your freshwater one.
Try a paludarium! It gives a fresh water tank a whole new atheistic and raises the difficulty considerably if you use live plants and keep amphibians or reptiles in the jungle part
The freshwater industry hasnt tried to push the costs through the roof and convince folk they need a 1k light (or 6) 6 foot above their tanks, a thousand chemicals, everything digitally operated and a 1 inch coral with a silly name.:) Its essentially a noisy space. Freshwater is more chilled out, less expensive by default........ about it.
Like getting off your 2 stroke motorbike and getting in the car :)
i appreciate both and I need both in my life :D
I liked your video.
I had a 30 gallon saltwater tank in the 1980’s. This was before all the high technical things that are in the tanks today. My tank was crystal clear all the time.
In my tank I had 2 Cowries, 1 Pacific Giant Green Anemone, 1 Pistol Shrimp, several Peppermint Shrimp, 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 1 Arrow Crab, 4 Mollies, several Guppies, 2 Clown Fish, one oyster, and 2 clams. The oyster and the clams came from the grocery store…honestly! I dipped some tank water out into a container to put them into so their temperatures could equalize. I put them back into the tank where they thrived!
I was growing coral, and breeding Fish and Shrimp. This was fun. Thanks LAM
I keep fresh water but love to look at salt water tanks. I have thought of trying salt but the salt water stops me. The winter time would be ok but in the summer my tanks can get neglected. I can do a fresh water change in 5 minutes if needed. I love that you guys are promoting the aquarium hobby.
Good stuff. I've been doing freshwater for the last 12 years or so and got my first coral last week, just dipping my toes in the ocean. Your videos have been hugely helpful for my new setup! Looking forward to getting into more of those crazy corals and gadgets in the future
This morning I watched the fresh water video and it was not until late tonight that yours popped into my lineup. You both did a great presentation. A long time ago at the end of the 60s, we would sometimes say nice colours man. Now over 60 years later you have promoted even better colours and one can never go wrong with that. Although you show all the gadgets that I think could make one remortgage the house. Still both parts of the hobby look pretty interesting and it is good that both of you keep educating the rest of us.
Rest In Peace Jake Adams
KG Tropical member: This collaboration was awesome and very informative. Thank you!! Though I would love to do a saltwater tank, I admit to falling behind on maintenance every once in a while. John is correct, salt water is less forgiving, all that money down the drain would make me quit the hobby all together. Until I have more free time, fresh water it is!!
When I used to work at an aquarium store, I would always tell the costumers about how the saltwater chemistry is easier than fresh water. You just need to be patient when starting a saltwater tank. Don’t try to rush it!
AS a freshwater person, I admire a good Saltwater setup. I am just not in a position to afford the setup. For what I spent on my two tanks, I might get a tank and water :)
I don’t like the idea of most of the fish being wild caught, much respect for keeping a reef tank but I think I’ll just stick with my freshwater tanks.
In sumarry. Salt water aquarium is very expensive (investing and maintaining).
I keep both freshwater and saltwater. Saltwater is my mixed tank with 80% being sps but my freshwater is my 1500 gal tank with a 3'+ Goliath tiger fish along with a few other fish. Two different worlds and both equally amazing!!!
I would say that the main difference in difficulty between both are not the levels of difficulty themselves, but the upfront difficulty. Sure, a beginner type freshwater can be very easy to keep and maintain, but as you advance, there are so many niches you can specialize on in the freshwater side, that the difficulty rises considerably. With saltwater, you get hit with everything at the beginning, while with freshwater it's a gradual increase in difficulty, as you progress through the different branches of it (aquascaping, nanoscaping, biotopes, high tech, monster fish, etc) and ultimately decide to stick with one of these branches. I would say a saltwater tank is probably beautiful from the start because the animals themselves in the setup are beautiful, while with freshwater, it takes time to grow in, develop and stabilize (specifically talking about high tech aquascape, since this is the branch I am in). BUT in my opinion freshwater will always have a visual edge over saltwater and that is Paludarium style emersed setups, where you can combine elements of jungle terrariums and submersed worlds together! That to me is the pinnacle in freshwater keeping!
Thanks for the video, where is the best place to learn about fish only salt water tanks?
Coming from KGT. Subscribed. Thanks for the fun crossover 🤙
🙏
Love this vid! I had freshwater tanks since I was a kid, and after college I dove deep into reef tanks.
I first set up a nano tank, and graduated to a 3' 55 gal tank. I had a bunch of corals and even a yellow tang!
Sadly, I actually ended up shutting down my reef tank after 2 years. I am at a stage in my life where I need to move apartments a lot and I hate moving reef tanks! Spending all that money on fish/corals that can die in a move is a bit stressful.
I also got tired of having to buy salt and doing water changes. And I got to a point where the tank was where I wanted it to be, and I just didn't want to keep developing it. So once I didn't want to buy any more fish/corals, I started to get a bit bored with the tank. You always need to keep progressing to keep it interesting, imo.
So anyway, I decided to go back to freshwater after being away for many years. I am ok with more muted colors, and I want to go for a more natural look with some plants. And I just want to spend very little money setting up the tank, plus I can use tap water + dechlorinator for easy water changes!
Might go back to salt one day, but I think it'll be fun venturing back into my first love of freshwater.
Can’t believe this video is what got me to convert one of my freshwater 75 aquarium to saltwater. All of Jake’s points are so true. So sad that the Bob Ross of reef keeping isn’t with us anymore 💔
I really enjoyed hearing these points, Particularly the way you articulated the last one 🙌
Im a fresh water guy, but just started. This has been very educational. Thank you for the hospitality.
I really like your reasons. I can see the appeal of salt water fish/tanks. I also never thought of your last reason in a positive light. I can see how it can actually help the fish and the environment and local communities that rely on the fish/coral. My main reason I will probably hold off on salt water fish/tanks is the extra weight that's added. Not only are you taking care of fish but also other living things. Perhaps once I get used to freshwater and understanding the basic fundamentals of caring for fish(how to tell if a fish is sick, eating etc.) I will dip my toe in to the Saltwater hobby.
Fish keeping is like a person's growth in life. You have Freshwater as a representation of starting out in life towards adulthood and saltwater is the part of your life where you want to go and make new discoveries and experience new and more out of the box things as you mature and evolve and learn complex tasks. My current freshwater fish is basically family at this point while I'm learning with saltwater fish at a slow and steady pace.
I appreciate the effort to contrast the two sides of this amazing hobby, as it is just that: two sides of the same hobby. We all keep water in a glass box. Yet, the chemistry of that water informs what we’re able to keep as pets.
And I’d argue that any hard-core hobbyist Should understand both sides. It is the same chemistry after all. The solutes change in concentrations, but it’s still water in a box. Thus, we should be able to contrast soft water, with hard water, with salt water. And understand the difference in biology enabled by those distinctions.
For me: I adore both sides. But, it’s really the photosynthetic and invertebrate organisms which lure me in. As I’m not much of a fish person. Yet my jaw drops at the sight of a Hemianthus ‘Cuba’ carpet or a Bucephalandra; almost as often, as my jaw drops at the sight of a Milka Stylaphora, a Montipora capricornis, or an Acropora.
I’ve personally kept planted freshwater for over a decade and am thoroughly familiar with that side. At the same time, I’m a new convert to the marine side. I first kept a saltwater system at the end of 2019 and my interest exploded while I was locked down during the initial pandemic outbreak. Saltwater became my extracurricular activity to occupy my time through 2020 and I started absorbing reefing content like a sponge.
As I go forward as a hobbyist, I have no doubt I will continue to keep both over the long term. I’m not a person that embraces Multiple-tank-syndrome, but I can’t see my home without a planted tank and a reef. But two really is my personal limit.
Though I must admit, it’s freshwater side that more readily engages the biologist side of me. Marine ecology is fascinating, but I find freshwater ecology more approachable. It’s that relatability which makes a simplified-freshwater systems more tangible for many, and thus far more common.
At the same time, the Marine side really engages the tech-geek in me. I adore automation brought to the forefront on the Reef hobby, and I do think the freshwater side is really missing out by not exploring that aspect.
So those are the two aspects of this hobby I’d personally argue each side excels at: Freshwater is more approachable, and often seems easier (though that’s not really accurate). And the current Marine hobby is a tech-geeks wet dream.
But those are simply preferences. The reality is: each side is equally complex, and both sides could easily be as low-tech or high-tech as desired (with Acropora being a possible exception, as a low tech Acropora tank might prove a challenge simply due to its requirements for a reef crest environment).
Had to catch this on replay. Outstanding video, I'm now on the fence for a basic sw tank. Just fake decos, and easy fish to start off with.
I've had both but now my reef tank is my only passion, there's so many levels of learning and complexity
What species of saltwater fish was the one in the thumbnail? Looked sick!
8 fresh water tanks and just started cycling my first (15gal) salt water last week. Wish me luck.
I didn't realize there was such a divide between aquarium enthusiasts! I'm also into performance cars; it reminds me of "Muscle cars vs Import cars," or even "Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge." Lots of snotty looks from opposing sides at shows. Everyone should just do what they like, but no harm in checking out what the other side has to offer!
I’m honestly on both sides. I think all types of waters have those awesome sides. And experiencing all side is amazing and having the world at your fingertips makes it better. Especially when you put every ounce of love, care and dedication to the wonderful organisms you have.
I am a freshwater curious salt water reefer, I have been wanting to set up a beta fish tank from a spare old reef tank of mine. Currently have a 75 gallon mixed reef
As a freshwater aquascaped tanks enthusiast, I really appreciated your comments under #5 and #7. I like the toys and DIY aspects, but they definitely aren’t as prolific in freshwater setups. I almost went with a saltwater tank for my new big tank, but I had to be realistic with myself and my available time to put towards the tank. Hopefully when I’m retired I’ll still be involved in the hobby and then I’ll make a commitment to the salt life, but for now, I’ll stick to breeding freshwater fish, propagating live plants, and chasing new crypts.
That said, I love talking to reefers about their setups and how they maintain them. I’ve picked up a lot of tips that can easily be applied to freshwater, especially a high tech planted tank with fish, snails, and crustaceans. Too bad the coolest crustaceans in freshwater also like to eat plants.
One difference to me is definitely just the vibe. On top of the saltwater fish being very bright colors and eye-catching along with the corals, their will always be a lot of blue lighting.
Sometimess people will prefer a white or yellow- white light instead just to change up the aesthetic which is where freshwater would come into play.
A clear water with greenery and rocks or wood, where it feels also like land meeting water too
Vs Blueee. And fluorescent colors. And feels like deep in the ocean and no land nearby.
:)
Overall they’re both absolutely amazing and one should never be judged for keeping the “easier” option ever. When looks by itself may be preferred.
The last one is the one that puts me out more. While is true wild caught can benefit local communities in practice that means there are more likely to be overfished, and for every animal that adapts well in captivity there might be a X amount who doesn't and dies from the stress or injuries from catching. Also there can carry parasites.
That doesn't mean acuiculture itself is perfect, even to this day there still strugle with feeding issues, relaying even more with fishing than usual. Also there is the issue of escape animals that become invasive in some local lakes and rivers, decimating native species too. There are two sides of the same coin.
Jake's back :) Great video as usual, I used to have a freshwater tank way back when I was a wee lad, also kept rare Newts when I was in the UK. Fell in love with Marine tanks in 1997 and got my first 90 gallon FOWLR. Now getting into corals and RFA's
For me it is the movement of the fish. Not just the fish are cooler to look at, they are much more interactive then my freshwater fish.
I have African Cichlids that play with a cat toy! They come out and follow it around every time I bring it out. (Red butterfly 🦋 )
Tbh everything loves that toy. Even the rabbit and guinea pig. Oh and the cat ofc. Lol
As a native Australia freshwater enthusiast I really appreciate your video on saltwater as someone with very little knowledge!
I definitely like your points, but any downsides KG pointed out I experienced… It became more work then my full time job. I lost the love… I’m sticking to fresh, for now ;)
These 2 videos convinced me not to start a saltwater tank, so thanks to you both for saving me a lot of money and anxiety.
I love you and miss you. You were the reason I started my tank. Although I have since gave it away due to hair algae taking over my tank. I wish I still had it. It was amazing in the beginning until the algae hit and I couldn’t get rid of it. …
This was fun to watch. I have both fresh and saltwater and definitely have more if a passion for saltwater myself.
Having done high end versions of both, saltwater is easier and less maintenance because of the gear. But more $$$.
I got really tired of the weekly 50% water changes a high end planted tank requires to be as pristine as I like it. It got to be more work than pleasure.
I'll say I'm intimidated by saltwater, but I do think corals and alike organisms are so interesting. Maybe some day I could try a saltwater tank out. This video just makes me more curious!
I'm new to your channel. I have freshwater tank and I do want to have a saltwater tank. I am nervous to do kne because of me not able to do it well. Money is a little concern but I may do it over time. I like freshwater tanks but I really love saltwater tanks. I have seen kgtropical video. I do want to be in a saltwater. I will continue to watch your channel.
Been doing saltwater for 25 years, only had freshwater for 9, but here's my take on it: freshwater aquariums are more fun, saltwater is more rewarding. Freshwater is more fun because of all of the crazy and fun ways to decorate it. Want to explore your inner Takahashi Amano? Sure thing, buddy! Wanna use Legos? Okay, that's a weird one, but you do you. Want to replicate one specific rock outcropping of Lake Tanganyika found near Kabonga, Burundi? My brother or sister, replicate it to your heart's content!
Saltwater is super rewarding because you can watch a complete ecosystem bloom from just a few rocks, sand and water. Growing a massive coral colony from a thumbnail sized frag over the course of several years? Wow. Getting to see intimate behaviors of strange, alien creatures like mantis shrimp, knowing that you might be the first person to EVER see that behavior? That's enough to make a biologist jealous!
Both styles of aquarium are amazing, and my fellow aquarists are better than people who don't want aquariums. Period!
A simple Royal Gramma blows 95% of fresh water fish out the water when it comes to color. And that is one of the more basic fish you can keep
Nah lol
Totally agree! I love my RG! their colours are stunning.
Half the saltwater fish he says are so much better are also more difficult to keep. Nice try tho
Yes! I want a royal gramma.
You pay for it😂
Came from KGs video, interested in having a salt water aquarium aswell as my freshwater one, you need to have the best of both worlds
Hello Jake, hello Reef Builders. I love both fresh and saltwater, I have both (very recent) and I don't know if salt is better, it's just different. I feel we learn to love different things of these two sides of the hobby. Perhaps the two worlds should talk to eachother a bit more because we could all learn and get inspired
I like a simple reef tank with softies. I love their movement. And I love nano saltwater fish. And I like that there are generally fewer fish in a saltwater tank. Getting to know each individual feels more personal. I like that the salt mix takes care of all the chemistry. Biggest downside is the cost. Unquestionably more expensive. Freshwater has never appealed to me because I was drawn straight to salt due to the fish being much prettier.
For me it’s the inverts. I could literally have a tank that has NO fish and the amount of Shrimp, Crabs, sea cucumbers and other wild things that exist are just unmatched. And that isn’t even getting into something like a mantis shrimp tank or a Seahorse only tank. So many options
Follow both of you already. Fun discourse. I keep both so no dog in the hunt. Appreciate it non the less.
We are blessed to have a little slice of nature in our lives no matter what.
Like I'd estimate 90% of marine keepers I started on freshwater. I kept freshwater for most of my life and always admired marines. I did reasearch for a year and have had a 55Gal for a year now and I love it I haven't regretted it one bit. I still have one fresh water but salt is way better.
Good info. glad you have both fresh and salt. ... i've done fresh water for 30 years.... but starting to try out saltwater aqauriums . this is helpful
I am planning to do saltwater aquarium after I get my marine biology career
I’d go fresh. my platies and tetras are easy to keep and they are the love of my life
Hi, I'm a freshwater guy so I will give my honest opinion regarding the points you brought. Keep in mind that I'm not hating saltwater or discredit your opinions, I just want to share mine
1.colorful fish : yeah I totally agree, saltwater fish are naturally more colorful and pretty. Even though some freshwater fish have that pop of color ( cardinal tetra, African chichilds, discus and what not) they still cant compare to Salt water
2. Corals : yeah believe it or not this is what bought me to aquarium hobby in the first place. I remembered going to SeaWorld when I was little and look at the corals. I was fascinated and want to get into aquarium because of that. Also their shapes and color are so pretty. So from an aesthetic point of view, I agree with this video
3.Diversity of animals: when you said freshwater is "mostly fish" I was kinda agree and disagree at the same time. Because sure most of it are "just fish" but there are so many different fish category. You have your ornamental fish to look pretty (tetra, discuss, molly) but you also have the big predatory fish like Pbass, Oscar, Arowana, alligator gar and so much more. I don't see any big predatory saltwater fish. And trust me, keeping an ornamental fish and predator fish is a complete different experience. Also we can make paladarium (half land half water type of habitat) and keep things like frogs, salamander and crabs. Or just keep weird animals like axolotl. I don't see saltwater aquarium that incorporate land and water based animals on them. So yeah it's mostly fish but the diversity? It's so much more than you can imagine
4. Not the same water. Honestly? Yeah lol we forgot about that a lot. But most fish can live in the same water. You just have to note a few example of fish that needs certain conditions to live (don't but green spot puffer in a fully fresh water etc)
5. The best toys. Yeah sorry this is a turn off for me because it's just so expensive and I got overwhelmed by the different gadgets and also I like to make my aquarium "natural" so I only use minimal equipments (usually just filter and aeration stuff). But I get that It can be fun for some people
6.fluoresnece. yeah I like this a lot about saltwater. Some fresh water fish does have this to some extent (glofish like you mentioned) but it's not nearly enough to be as pretty as saltwater
7. Personal touch : I kinda agree and disagree with this as well. The reason is, although reef making is definetly much more personalized than making aquascape, we are not limited to that. We can also do paladarium as I mentioned earlier which add so much more complexity and choices. Also we can do natural setup (brackish fish only, etc) so I will say saltwater win slightly in this, but it's not as limiting as you think it is
8. Propagation. While this is true, keep in mind that for beginners it is much easier to propagate and breed fresh water fish and plants. We even have fish that you can basically leave alone in a glass of water and they will breed like rabbit like guppy and Molly. So even though it is more profitable in the long run if you propagate reef, keep in mind that you need experience and knowledge to do that, much more than what you need to start breeding freshwater fish
9. More satisfaction : yeah definetly! But keep in mind, again it's a high reward high risk thing. So if you are beginner, you are much more likely to mess up and loss more money cause salt water is expensive. You even mentioned that newly propagated corals are like $10? So prepare to lose at least twice that amount if you are new and you failed
10. Wild caught fish : honestly ? I don't think fresh water fish keeper should act "holier than thou" as even though most of freshwater fish are bred in farms, some of them are mostly wild caught as well. What's important is we do our best so those creatures can live their life in the best condition possible
As someone who is saltwater curious and a reptile keeper, I find it interesting Wild Caught is considered a pro. It’s cool that wild caught in the reef hobby actually can be turned into a pro that helps with conservation.
I'm open minded. I have a 125 fresh and wanna try my hand at salt(smaller scale) I figure if I can maintain a small one, a big one shld be even easier.
I'm not trying to be rude but freshwater has alot of color too. Plus there is so many cool freshwater fish I mean they are both just beautiful. Me and my dad are thinking about getting a salt water tank thow, even thow we already have 2 small tanks and 2 ten gallons.
Discus and South American cichlids alone make freshwater better for me then saltwater. Tons of personality in those fish. They actually greet me like puppies. I don’t get that from saltwater unless it’s a larger pufferfish.
First of all, I'm not "offended" so take this as more of a different view but honestly, I disagree with most of your points
1. Color and 6. fluorescents
Depends on what you like, for example, plan on making a black water tank (and I've always been drawn to biotope tanks but for now they are a bit above my skill), and if you want color well you need to have that skill (dutch style aquascapes come to mind).
2. Corals
Sure you have cool corals but I for one love plants and as you know there is tons of variety in aquatic and even emersed-grown plants for things like paludariums.
3. Diversity
Well depending on what you see as diversity, there is a lot of animal from freshwater and brackish water, but sure they aren't as "show-off worthy".
4. Same water
In my experience, this is kinda overblown, because in a lot of cases and with the hardier species especially if you got them locally they can live in your tap water (dechlorinated of course) but even the more sensitive species that really need special parameters that are part of the challenge so for me this is a moot point.
5. Toys
I really don't see this one, I use a sump made for reef tank on my freshwater, I could make an algae reactor but honestly don't see much of a point with floating plants, I could automate my water changes, there are WIFI controlled LEDs. Honestly, I really don't see this as a point, you could make either one as complex, expensive, automated as you'd like and had a budget for.
7. Personal touch
Again there is a ton of variety if you want it, look at for example biotope competitions, where people try to recreate really specific places (sometimes its a whole river sometimes just one lake), then aquascapers making "artificial" tanks replicating stuff like mountains, etc. again if you think its all the same then you lack the imagination in freshwater, for me no two tanks are the same even if I tried.
8. Propagation
Agree, as for RoI that depends on your initial investment that much higher, you could breed great guppies in a plastic tub with an airstone and a heater so yeah you sell it for (insert your local prices) but your investment could be as low as 20 bucks (hell even 0 if you get stuff around your house) I breed guppies in a patio pond without a filter (just ton of duckweed).
9. Satisfaction
Again you can have challenging freshwater, again look at biotopes, breeding for genetics, etc.
10. Wild-caught
This is the only point a have a real problem with, sure farm breeding fish is not the best but it's much less damaging to the natural habitat, maybe in the US or other developed countries with access to the sea it's ok but look at Africa where the oversight is well almost non-existent. There is a point I'd agree with, aquarium hobby, in general, can help preserve critically endangered species, look at axolotl for example, there are almost none left in their natural habitat but you can get one in almost any pet store, but in general I much prefer buying (or trading for) locally breed fish by people in the hobby, you don't run the risk of damaging their natural habitat by overexploitation, you support other people in the hobby and they are most likely much healthier than fish from farms.
I'd add one negative of saltwater
11. Cost and Accessibility
This is a big one but your minimal investment is so much bigger in saltwater and for me living in the EU (and without direct/close access to the sea) it's much harder to even get saltwater fish, corals, etc. that also drives the price even higher.
For me, the best thing about freshwater is that you really can make it fit your lifestyle, budget, and interest. You can recreate your local biotope with locally gathered materials, you can setup no water change almost self-sustaining aquarium, you can make a stunning scape with CO2, auto water change, auto fertilizer with rare fish and plants nobody in the hobby uses, and only using ADA equipment, making river tanks with the fast flow you name it.
Again don't take this as hate but just a different POV, for me sometimes even the bland-looking fish could be interesting and enjoyable to watch.
I have had freshwater tanks in the past, they grow fast, can take care of themselves with minimal equipment/maintenance, and still look amazing. Their are a lot of really good aquascapes, and some awsome fish. BUT IT DOSNT HAVE CORAL! Ugh, so I moved for a new job, I got a great brand new apartment thats spacious and has lots of great spots for an aquarium. But man the start up cost on saltwater is pretty wild, but I know how rough upgrading to larger setups can be from freshwater (which I assume is a lot faster than salt) so I might start buying equipment over time and eventually find a good stand or build my own. Because I already know for sure I'm going to have a sump. Iv never really built anything but I need a new hobby or DiY project and your really selling me more on just taking care of the tank and all the possible options. Iv thought about making a youtube journal or something of the process of getting it all setup running and any events that happen. Eventually the end game is to get a house with plenty of space for longterm/endgame show room.
I love both Freshwater and Saltwater :) I think they're both fun. I also think the knowledge you develop on chemistry and much more can be extrapolated from the Saltwater hobby, and transitioned into the Freshwater hobby to maybe give diehard Freshwater enthusiasts a new fresh outlook on keeping their tanks, maybe even slightly improving them by having a stronger understanding of stability in a tank.
I think a more fair comparison would be between saltwater vs "high energy" planted tanks. There's no denying that saltwater fish are more impressive looking. However fish are almost always a lower priority in planted tanks.
When you go high end in planted tanks you do have to use co2 diffusion, dosing pumps, controllable led lights, hydrolysis devices, UV filters, pH controllers and RO/DI water. A 55g tank can quickly cost 2-3K which puts it (I assume) in saltwater territory.
I'm interested in reef tanks but I'm worried the noise of such a tank would make it difficult to keep it in my living room and the maintenance and sensitivity of such tank would cause too much anxiety to actually provide the same calming effect as a freshwater setup.
I went over your points with an open mind..I got 4 fresh and 1 saltwater tank..Love em all but my Saltwater tank is definitively my favorite..Great Video
Omg the thumbnail is absolutely hilarious
Only thing is that i hope aquascaping takes off more in the reef keeping side as it has in the freshwater side
I think if you have the necessary time and money, both fresh- and saltwater aquariums are amazing.
But if you're tight on budget, schedule or both, freshwater is a better option. Still, a good freshwater tank will require some work. But because I'm still both studying and working, I have to admit freshwater is the only option left. Would I try saltwater? Maybe. But by now, from a practical point of view, I'll still stick with freshwater.
Also, I love planted tanks. And while I know there are macroalgae and seagrass (i.e.: Posidonia) which can thrive in saltwater aquariums, freshwater gives you much more options in regard. It sometimes is said you have to either trade off plants for corals, or otherwise round, but even if I'd try a saltwater tank, I would never be able to fully leave freshwater ones.
From what I see, I’m less interested in the salt water fish but WAAAAAY more interested in the coral reef scaping. Living plant rock creatures are far more interesting than the fish and can be grown and sold, a much more consistent revenue than the fish itself.
Tho I gotta say that salt water aquariums are more expensive and takes way more effort that freshwater tanks. That’s not a bad thing but I feel it’s hard for beginners to jump in. We all know humans tend to want to take the lazy route so someone has to be willing to devote a good portion of their lives to being a salt water hobbyist.
My feelings towards both freshwater and saltwater keeping is that while salt water has more beautiful fish, freshwater is about the fish itself. Saltwater keepers grow coral while freshwater keepers breed fish. Saltwater has so much gadgets and gizmos but freshwater only needs the bare minimum because it’s about the fish that live in thier tanks. I’m not saying that saltwater doesn’t have as much love for thier fish compared to freshwater keepers but that saltwater keepers must distribute that love across coral, thier tech, and the salt water sea creatures that aren’t fish. As for freshwater, because it takes so little to set up, most of the time it’s all about the fish kept in thier tank and I feel that for people who love fish, there is a more personal connection to the life freshwater keepers keep, breed, and care for.
I would love to get into salt water aquariums but I’m more interested in the coral reefs and the tech. The salt water fish is more of an added decor to make the coral reef stand out better.
Came over from KG Tropicals. This is really interesting! My in laws kept salt water fish for a long time. I’m still a baby fresh water keeper but one day I’d like to try saltwater.
I’m 100% on the side of less work needed in a freshwater aquarium but I want at least one saltwater tank. Preferably a 200+ gallon as a show piece just because it’s undeniable that saltwater tanks are much more beautiful
I love them all! Fresh, salt, brackish, goldfish, monster fish, paludariums.
I'm also one of those purists that try to make them as low tech and low maintenance as possible. Sponge filters for days! With maybe a simple hang on the back with just bio balls and some carbon and filter floss. And plants. Even my reef has mangroves. Crossing fingers but I haven't had a crash since I first started in the hobby over 25yrs ago 😅
saltwater curious. I feel like I could get into trouble with saltwater. I would have to do more research
My little ranchu is just staring… so disappointed im watching something talking about salt water fish 🐠 😂
Jake, your eloquence, knowledge are impeccable. I keep both freshwater and Saltwater. You pundits should really consider lobbying the producers of lighting for instance, to drop the insane pricing. It's the dangled carrot. You folks promote, they send you free gear etc. Chemicals produce these flawless, perfect tanks lol. Keeping the micro-fauna in balance a never ending battle. If you put water in a glass box, light it correctly, add all the nutrients etc. Algae will grow. It's simply life.
I've always had freshwater. Currently have 2 freshwater tanks. Been thinking about a nano reef build. Found your channel from kg tropicals. Love the content and you definitely gained a subscriber
Nanos are cool but crash easier might want to start bigger but if you want an affordable starter nano I always recommend Fluval. I started with their 13.5 kit and I love it
@@kevinpeters6709 This is my concern as well. The general rule is the bigger the tank, the more stable it is so having a nano reef tank really stacks the deck against you.
Where is the physical store
I really want to get into the saltwater aquarium hobby with corals and tropical fish but I really dont know where to start. Any tips or advice?
Just ask around in ur local aquarium store
What about the price differens monthly …
Or the cost to set up salt vs fresh aquarium
Holding a fresh vs a salt tank at about same level to the eye over time …
In Sweden there a big differensen.
Peace ⚒️
Freshwater planted tanks just look much better than even the best reef tank to me. Reef tanks *look* like a facsimile of nature. An approximation. A good planted tank looks like you put a section of nature in a box. Corals are beautiful, but they can't hold a candle to a lush forest of carefully selected flora. Saltwater macroalgae can't even begin to compare.
If freshwater fish were as beautiful as saltwater fish, it wouldn't even be a contest.
KGTropicals led me to this video. Haha. I had a hard time having reef tank but still, Saltwater hobby captured my heart, fell in love with it.
Question! All the saltwater aquarium I’ve seen (on the internet) always uses neon light, which ofcourse makes the fishes more colourful. But what if you use normal light as you do with fresh water? Will the colour still be as different? What if you use neon light on a fresh water tank?
What is that beautiful fish at the 1:25 mark?
Whenever I have someone new over the house, they look in my tank and ask if the corals are real, lol.
The freshwater angelfish?
@@ReefBuildersVideo yes, looked it up, that’s it, thanks 😊
I keep alot of freshwater planted tanks, and I have a beginner reef tank, mostly softies but it's very fun and I'm hooked now. 😎
DAMMIT..I live in Socal, i can literally drive 15 mins to the beach and get gallons of perfect seawater to start my saltwater aquarium. SOLD. Thanks son
Wow you make very valid points but fresh water is for me
I have 2 salt waters tanks and I knew I just had to have a fresh water I was pretty creative and I'm happy with it
Good point in the #10
Does anyone have some info on his last point? I have read about the fish trade being an alternative to deforestation in the Amazon. But not about anything salt water.
It’s just the same argument should theoretically work for ivory, pelt and similar poached animals…
I love both but lately i been planted scape tanks
A lot of the lake Malawi cichlids are fluorescent under specific lighting, too.
I enjoy both salt and fresh. I have a reef tank, fresh water planted aquarium and a freshwater shrimp tank.