Thinking of starting a saltwater tank.

[LittleFish]

I'm thinking of starting a saltwater tank in the near future. What do you guys think? How much will it cost? I am going to do it cheaply and I won't pay as much attention to it.

[Fish_Genius]

Tsk Tsk, you are of to a bad start. Saltwater is not cheap! I will tell you that, as I have spent almost $700 on one of my 8 gallon nano-reefs, and it is barely even stocked. I recommend you stay with freshwater for a few years, and once you get more freshwater tanks, maybe try your hand at a FOWLR tank (FOWLR stands for fish only with live rock). I recommend you start off with a 70 gallon+ tank, you will need decent live rock, a stand, 2 heaters, some powerheads, flouresent lighting, a protein skimmer, a wet/dry filter, and a sump. That is all without livestock. Without livestock, it will cost you about 1.2 thousand, and expect more if you are going to get fish. Still, you have to pay a lot of attention to it, and if you are not going to, and if you can't afford it, saltwater tanks are not for you.

[LittleFish]

Wow, this is going to be tough, I don't know if I have the budget for it.

[Fish_Genius]

Then don't get one! Saltwater tanks are VERY expensive at times and require quite a LOT of attention. Although they are very rewarding, you must keep your tank in top shape!

[LittleFish]

Awww....... but the corals, fish, and everything are much more beautiful than freshwater! Is there any way I do this in maybe, $200?

[Fish_Genius]

No, saltwater tanks aren't for you at this time LittleFish. Keep Freshwater for a few years until you get good at it, then MAYBE try Saltwtaer.

[Mr.HugeSHOT]

I agree with Fish_Genius, saltwater isn't cheap, and isn't easy. I tried saltwater, and it wasn't for me.