Expense

[ShadowVengance]

How much more expensive do you think saltwater is compared to freshwater?

[Dargath78]

Lots if its a reef. Live rock for a 100 gallon tank can cost $1000.

[ShadowVengance]

money is the only thing stopping me from starting a saltwater tank. it's a whore aint it?

I was thinking, wouldn't it be wierd/cool to set up a saltwater tank like a freshwater? you could trick people and save some money, but than who doesnt want coral?

[Dargath78]

If you cure the rock yourself and shop around you can get it a lot cheaper.

[ShadowVengance]

but than the fish are more expensive and arent as hardy. (please convince me not to like saltwater, it'll just make me crave it and i'll need to be put in a padded room lol)

[Dargath78]

In general the fish are more expensive, but many of the monster freshwater fish we want aren't all that cheap either.

[ShadowVengance]

that is true, but they are hardier and live longer than most of the 1-10$ fw fish

[Oddball]

If you're thinking of starting a SW system on a tight budget, you may as well stick with FW. The number one cause of failure for people starting out a SW system is going cheap or lowest rate on the equipment. Do the research on the best equipment for the set up you want and save for it. Or buy the equipment piece by piece until you have everything needed to set the system up. Mostly, resist the temptation to start buying any fish that catches your interest and stick to the species that fit your plan. It'll save you alot of headaches later.

[guppy]

Even if you go temparate local at least twice as much per gallon