The Official Asylum Freshwater Tank Thread

[ColdCuts]

Brothers, it's funny. At risk of sounding like a hippy, 'what a long strange trip it's been.' And I haven't even actually started yet!

This is a bit long-winded. Sorry.

So, I initially assumed I'd go with a freshwater set up because I read they require less maintenance and are cheaper to stock and run, generally, than saltwater. But then, while exploring further, I got exposed to the marine side of the hobby. I was mesmerized by the impossible colors, knocked-out by the outter-space strangeness of marine creatures. Nevertheless, I'd heard somewhere along the line that saltwater is for experts only. That one advances to saltwater only after first mastering freshwater aquaria.

Later, here and there, I read a conflicting POV: that keeping a FOWLR tank is really no more difficult than keeping a well-planted freshwater tank. Equipped with this nugget, I began planning for a saltwater set up. Not reef to start, but FOWLR with a eye on adding corals later. I continued to read. I visited a couple of all-saltwater B&Ms. I asked questions. I joined a forum called Manhattan Reefs, I watched a dozen or more setup guides on YouTube, I got active on The Official Asylum Reef Tank Thread, and I was even negotiating the purchase and delivery of a brand new 75-gallon reef-ready tank, when I suddenly decided to pull the saltwater E-brake.

Why?

There are a few reasons for this; in brief, what we all already knew, that saltwater is more demanding than fresh, the livestock more expensive, more exacting, the possibility of a tank "crash" more likely with saltwater, and also -- and this is big -- the issue of how to responsibly source tank inhabitants.

You do a few dozen Googles on tropical fish and you're bound to be confronted by the ethical dilemma of where livestock comes from. I've read arguments suggesting that captive-bred (most freshwater fish) doesn't necessarily mean ecologically sound. Likewise, not all wild-caught (most saltwater fish) are caught using reef-blasting explosives or cyanide. Having said that, I feel better about freshwater. I know not all freshwater aquarium fish are farmed, but it's the majority, if you believe what I've been reading. It's difficult to truly know, of course. Which I find troubling. And "troubling" is antithetical to why I want to get into the hobby. Which brings me to my main point, personally speaking, regarding freshwater versus saltwater aquariums...

I think that for a short while I had lost sight of what attracted me to the idea of fishkeeping in the first place, that I find watching aquarium fish relaxing. That's what I hope to achieve with my tank. That's the objective. I want the successful keeping of my tank's inhabitants to be easy enough that care and maintenance don't impinge upon on that objective. I think that'll be easier to do with freshwater. What do you think?

[jjirons69]

Dave, I like a thinking man. Given that a tank setup is a big commitment, it's great you've thought it out. I've really never given harvesting practices much thought, but you do have a valid thought process. My biggest drawbacks were the fears you've expressed - increased maintenance, higher investment costs, higher priced inhabitants, and possible sudden failure. I've always been intrigued by the saltwater realm. A lot of them can resemble alien-like worlds and can have tons of unique inhabitants. With that, I'd have to say my favorite part about freshwater tanks is the naturalism they afford. I know I'd have to put forth a lot of effort and probably money to get a salty to function as close as possible to a natural environment. Even then, I don't see it ever being an aquarium that could take of itself. My tanks have been taking care of themselves for years. I change 50% water, wipe down any algae starting to show, clean the power canister filters, and remove any overgrown plants about every 2-3 months. Other than that a little daily feeding and maybe a little water addition to top them off weekly. They truly take care of themselves, finding the larger the tank, the more robust they are. If I want to get slack and put off some duties, I have no worries anything will crash. I can leave for the weekend (or the week) and return knowing everything is as good as it was when I left. If the power goes out for a day or two, everything is just fine. I like the luxury of using water right out of the tap with a little Prime and everyone goes about their business without the slightest inconvenience. Finally, I have the luxury of a nice aquarium downtown if I want to see salties in action.

Dave, try www.aquabid.com for plenty of freshwater variety. Most times you know if they're wild-caught, farmed, or raised by hobbyist.

Good luck on your adventure!