i have to say that i have both fresh and saltwater tanks. saltwater def has more maintence and is more money. WAY more money, but i can tell you that im am on a VERY STRICT budget. i dont have much money to spare. i can tell you to get teh best right away, other wise youll spend double the money (once on the cheap stuff, then again on the right stuff) and i cant tell you how much $ i have wasted. research on everything, then go for the right things. i can tell you
lr is the best thing you can invest your money in. the
lr/base idea is the best to save on costs.
i watch the salt tank more than i watch tv, i think. lol. its alot more rewarding
imo.
there is more maintence, depending on your water quality. start off with a
fowlr, then go reef when yo uhave a feel for it.
good luck!