[Hollywood]

I was at petco the other day checking out some of the fishes......I was telling the employee that I was really wanting to get into saltwater and asked him how much harder it was than freshwater. He said its pretty much the same (ive always heard different) and the only real concern was with the pH. Other than that, he said, you do a 10-20% water change a week and your ok.

So, i've had freshwater, so im sure you all know better, how much harder is a saltwater tank?

[leebca]

That post should give you an idea on the differences: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Do you test freshwater for:
Ammonia
Nitrites
Nitrates
Calcium
Magnesium
Alkalinity?

Do you have to take steps to control pH, temperature, and salinity?

Most advice you get from local fish stores (LFS), especially the department stores, will be from the perspective of them wanting to sell you something. In effect, the salesperson heard you say, "Should I buy some equipment from Petco?"

[Hollywood]

ok, well the extent of my freshwater tanks goes like this.

1. add rock to bottom.
2. add plastic little bushes to bottom.
3. fill with tap water
4. add 5 drps chlorine
5. float bag for 10 minutes
6. add el fish.

does that give you an idea?? So, obviously its harder than that, but what im going for, is what am I going to have to do on a daily/hourly/monthly basis to ensure my fishes survival?

[leebca]

Daily would be:
feeding twice or three times (depending upon type of fish);
monitoring pH, temperature, salinity
At startup: one ammonia and one nitrite test until readings are zero for both.

Tank maintenance frequency varies depending upon the type of setup you want. Since there are dozens of different setups, it is not easy to nail down everything required. But there will be equipment checks, cleanup of detritus, cleaning of filters, replacing carbon, bulbs, etc.

[Frag Hag]

So, obviously its harder than that, but what im going for, is what am I going to have to do on a daily/hourly/monthly basis to ensure my fishes survival?

Hi Hollywood!

You are already starting to do what is necessary to ensure any potential fishes survival... you are asking questions. Good for you!

This is a great place to start, everyone is very helpful here. Also, spend some time reading on sites like:Wetwebmedia, Aquarium, Pond, Marine and Freshwater Fish, reef tanks, and Aquatics Information before you purchase a tank. The time you spend researching is invaluable - it will help save you heartache, frustration and money... not to mention a finned friend's life!

Good luck!

Shay