Marine vs. Freshwater

vs.

Marine Fish

Freshwater Fish

Fishkeeping and Aquarists all reach a point where they need to make a pivotal decision in their hobby; are they a marine fish person? or a freshwater fish person? Based upon my research it really comes to experience, cost, and time.

Freshwater fish tanks are the preferred aquarium for new hobbyist because of the low costs of setup and maintenance as well as ease of setup and maintenance.

Marine fish tanks are generally a lot more difficult to maintain and cost a lot more to setup. Most all websites, blogs, discussion boards, and forums will tell you that for a first time aquarist/fishkeeper, you should setup a freshwater tank.

With a marine fish tank, comes the splendor of much more colorful fish and rare fish and invertebrates that people don't see from day to day. With a freshwater tank, you can quickly and cheaply maintain a large community of fish, and not be afraid every minute that something could go wrong and all of the fish will die.

However, with proper research and attention to detail, a first time hobbyist can definitely handle a marine tank, but the consequences of not maintaining the environment properly are much higher than with a freshwater tank.

From what I have read, it is really a progression that aquarist/fishkeeper hobbyist make. When they start, they create a freshwater tank, and as they become more educated and experienced, they want the harder challenge of a marine tank.

Personally, I think it should be about what you keep in the tank. If you don't like your fish, your not going to take care of them or pay attention to them, just like with any other pet. sure, Leela, Fry, and Bender are a little dull sometimes, but when I come home and they are staring me in the face, going "whats up?" it makes me smile.
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