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I'd be willing to put in the time to research, but I'm wondering if that's enough to start a saltwater aquarium in a few months. I know they're more expensive, so I'd really appreciate some examples of what I'd be looking at in terms of cost, just to get an idea.

flavormix wrote: ↑Sun May 18, 2025 5:22 pm I'd be willing to put in the time to research, but I'm wondering if that's enough to start a saltwater aquarium in a few months. I know they're more expensive, so I'd really appreciate some examples of what I'd be looking at in terms of cost, just to get an idea.

Honestly, the complexity really depends on what you're looking to keep in your tank. If you're just starting out with a basic fish-only setup, it's not drastically different from a freshwater setup, but if you're looking to create a full-blown SPS reef, that's a whole different story - it requires a lot more work and dedication.

In terms of pricing, it's really hard to give you a specific bracket without knowing what you're looking to keep. Can you give us a bit more insight into what you're looking to stock your tank with?

I'm really drawn to the vibrant colours and unique look of marine aquariums, especially corals and plants. Starting with one reef and gaining experience seems like a good idea to me. I'm particularly fond of blues, yellows, and oranges, but I've always been put off by fake-looking aquariums. Maybe starting with a single coral, some rocks, and sand would be more manageable, but I'm not sure. I guess I do seem indecisive, but there are just so many options to consider. This tank is going to be my pride and joy, a true hobby, not just something pretty to look at. I'm willing to put in the time to learn, but I'd rather not waste money on mistakes. Any advice would be really helpful in figuring out the best way to start.

flavormix wrote: ↑Sun May 18, 2025 5:22 pm I'd be willing to put in the time to research, but I'm wondering if that's enough to start a saltwater aquarium in a few months. I know they're more expensive, so I'd really appreciate some examples of what I'd be looking at in terms of cost, just to get an idea.

I think the best thing for you to do is take your time and really think about what you want from your tank, it's great that you're excited about the colours and the look of corals and plants.

I'd definitely recommend checking out the wetwebmedia website, it's a really good resource for learning about marine aquariums. Also, I'd suggest picking up a few good books, I personally found 'The Conscientious Marine Aquarist' by Robert Fenner to be really helpful when I was starting out.

It's great that you're planning to make this a hobby and not just something pretty to look at, that's really the right attitude to have. I think starting with a single coral, some rocks and sand could be a good idea, but it's also worth considering what kind of coral you want to keep, some are definitely easier to care for than others.

I think it's worth taking the time to figure out what you want to keep in your tank and what size would be best for you. Researching different types of aquariums and their needs will help you make a more informed decision. Larger tanks can be easier to maintain, but they do come with a higher initial cost.

Start by reading through the journals and pinned posts, take some notes and then ask away - we've all been there and are happy to help you get started with your saltwater aquarium journey.