gettting started

[armyracer67]

waht r the benifits off have a saltwater fish only tank compared to a saltwater reef tank what do u need to get start in a reef tank that is different from a fish only tank.

thanks for any info

[leebca]

The fish only (FO) tank, having emphasis on fish, means that the aquarist:

1. Doesn't worry too much about nitrates;
2. Doesn't worry too much about lighting (cheaper electric and lighting bill);
3. Can let the water quality be less than high quality;
4. Doesn't have to be too concerned with calcium, magnesium, trace element, and alkalinity content and controls; and
5. Needs less circulation.

With a FO tank you can of course have many different kinds of fish that would not be able to be kept with corals and invertebrates (because they eat or bother them).

Obviously, with a reef tank, you have less options for which fish to keep. The tank emphasis is usually on the invertebrates: corals, anemones, etc. All those things mentioned above 1. to 5. are of a concern and will increase costs. Since you'll need stronger lighting, you'll be concerned more about temperatures getting too high.

Look over the general instructions for starting a FO or FOWLR aquarium here: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

The above reference will give you a feel for the FO or FOWLR aquarium system and some differences are noted between that and the reef aquarium. You should come to the conclusion that a FO aquarium is less demanding, less challenging to keep going well, less costly, but also for some people, less entertaining and less natural appearing, than a reef aquarium. A lot depends upon the kinds of marine life you want to support and invite into your home.

You may wish to post this same question in the Reef Aquariums Forum for other perspectives!