Question on new 125g setup

IME start up cost is less for FW and maintenance will be a little cheaper also if you stay fish only. Reef set up is more expensive than a planted tank if you get all of the equipment needed to automate the tank. Maintenance is more time consuming with the planted tank by a little bit.

 

I agree 100%. IMHO there's not even a comparison: saltwater is much more expensive.

 

FWIW, I tore my reef down and recently set up a fw planted tank. I'm still learning the chemistry for planted tanks but the work involved to maintain my fw tank is nothing compared to what my reef needed.

I keep watching my fw tank thinking I should be doing something----IDK, it's just easier.

I guess it really comes down to what you want because saltwater tanks are absolutely stunning and so are many fw tanks.

 

FW is def cheaper to start up and run, but a FOWLR start up right with a bit of initial investment is pretty light on maintenance and SO MUCH COOLER than a FW. Just invest in alot of rock and sand and use the KISS method.

 

This is a very good point: I didn't have my reef automated which absolutely would have saved some time.

 

Another good point! I wonder if we're helping at all. :

 

Thank you all for the comments. I am going to go with FW due to cost. I have had FW tanks before so I feel like I can handle it. I will post pics of it when it's. done. Will still be awhile but will be done by years end.

 

OK, I am finally getting around to starting this project. I am going with Freshwater. I am going to test the tank to hold water tomorrow (wish me luck) and if that goes well, I am looking at buying a Fluval G6 filtration system.

My question is this..

If I put gravel in the tank, do I need an undergravel filter as well? In the past they never seemed to do any good so I don't really see the point. But wanted to check with all of you.

Thanks again. I am so excited to finally tackle this tank. I am tired of it being empty.

 

Got my answer regarding UGF. Not using one. I ordered a Fluval G6 and got everything else ready to go. Filter set to arrive on Monday. I am expecting to have fish in the tank Wed. Night. I will post pics.

 

I have a planted tank and a slat water tank currently. Neither are overbearing in terms of maintenance (little less for planted), but the costs are not even comparable. Saltwater reef tanks are unbelievably expensive as start ups and maintenance can be too. The price difference between fish and plant/corals are significantly different too. at least 10X less money for cheap saltwater vs. freshwater fish and plants vs. coral.