Saltwater Aquarium Types

So you've finally decided to "take the plunge" and start your own saltwater aquarium, but how do you decide what type of fish tank to create? There are three ways to set up a saltwater aquarium: fish only, fish only with live rock, and reef tank.

Fish Only

A fish only saltwater tank is the most affordable option out of the three because it doesn't require an expensive lighting setup. This type of aquarium, however, is not the most simple to put together. Setup can take a long time while you wait for the nitrogen cycle to finish, and maintenance is a hassle, as the tank needs more frequent cleanings. With no live rock in the aquarium, less filtration occurs and you'll have to change the water on a consistent basis to remove excess nitrates from the water.

As you've probably already guessed, a fish only tank is only for fish, although it's possible to add some other critters to the mix, such as snails and hermit crabs, if you want to have more diversity in your saltwater aquarium and more efficiently control the formation of algae.

A fish only aquarium can be a community tank or a semi-aggressive tank. A community tank contains fish that work well together, while a semi-aggressive tank is home to lone fish from a variety of different species. In most cases, however, it's a good idea to stick to the same species in one tank.

Fish Only With Live Rock

This type of aquarium is exactly the same as the fish only tank except for the live rock and superior lighting. Live rock is making a comeback due to its natural filtration features, which is the best way to keep a saltwater aquarium clean and safe for your fish. The organisms that live in and on the rock contribute to the filtration process and aid in the nitrogen cycle. Less nitrates build up in the tank because the porous nature of the live rock filters them out of the water.

Although live rock is an exceptional biological filtration system, your saltwater aquarium will still require maintenance and frequent water changes. Add iodine, calcium, strontium, magnesium, and other minerals on a regular basis to keep the water healthy.

Fiji rock is the best live rock you can get, but it's also the most expensive (live rock doesn't come cheap). Generally, a live rock aquarium requires 1-2 pounds of live rock per aquarium gallon. Prices for live rock vary depending on the region.

Live rock also provides food for your fish.

Reef Tanks

Reef tanks are perfect for invertebrates, corals, and anemones. Most people set up this type of tank for reef keeping - if there are any fish in the tank they aren't the main attraction.

This is an expensive type of aquarium to maintain, as invertebrates, corals, and anemones cost a lot to keep.

Only the experienced aquarist sets up a reef tank because they can be difficult to maintain. You have to sustain excellent water conditions, make use of expensive lighting, use reverse osmosis or deionized water, add supplements, and purchase live rock for filtration.