smileyfish

Ive had this freshwater tank 3 months now and im satisfied. My uncle has 8 saltwater tanks and loves it. I would love to switch.... If i do what kind of costs am i looking at? Is it really that hard he says he switched from freshwater after a month and never looked back. I would live out the fish in my tank of course and when theres no more fish i would switch over.

matt6765

Saltwater is much, much more expensive then freshwater

ApolloX54

The way I see it the level of priceyness will come from with type of set up you decide to do... between FO, FOWLR, and REEF

harpua2002

I agree to an extent, but still any SW setup is going to cost more than the majority of FW setups for the same size tank. The ongoing cost of salt mix and the higher cost of fish are just a couple of reasons.

kloseo

saltwater is more expensive, but this gives you time to price check around and see if it is worth it to you, while you still have the fresh water setup... i have both and enjoy both
since no rush, think about it price check and see which will ultimately be most enjoyable and rewarding to you

smileyfish

well i convinced my father to use this as my christmas gift

pepetj

Way to go smileyfish! You have plenty of time to research enough information to be ready by Xmas. I spent a few months reading around before deciding to go SW.

I am cycling my first SW ever. There's less room for error (compared to most FW) and testing parameters can make the difference (more than in FW I mean).

There are some interesting DIY projects that would save you some money if you are handy at putting things together.

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

smileyfish

well actually im getting it now, after ive done the research of course, but im just not going to get anything for christmas (at christmas time)

Time

I made my dad get my saltwater through yard work and he just gave me a 10 gal. He is so satisfied with how well I am doing that he said he is going to buy me more tanks, my mom is really mad but she pitched in too! I helped her for free to convice her. She only gave me 5 dollars for fish and 20 dollars for "video games" which was spent on live rock. Trust me. I already spent 70$ on live rock. Have a wonderfull time! I am still adding things to mine. MY clean up crew costs 20.50$ and needs another snail. Here is a list on what I( my parents) spent:

Filter: 70.00$
Live Rock: 70.00$
Clean up crew: 20.50$
Tank: 30.00$
Power Head: 15.00$
live sand: 20.00$ (not sure I forgot but it is like 1$ a pound)
Thermometer: 3.00$
Heater: 12.00$
Water Conditioners: 30.00$
Saltwater test kit: 40.00$
Other Critter: 14.00$
Water: 24.00$

Here is what I still need:
Canopy: 150.00$
Protien skimmer: 70$
Fish: Priceless

I am going to do a DIY Canopy so it will be much cheaper. Have fun. I havn't finished and I am having lots of fun.

smileyfish

haha thats like exactly what happened to me. My mom was extremely against it, now shes sort of indifferent. Its awesome. Ill probably be getting my first fish next week.