Planted Vs. Corals
- Thread starter TankMan
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skywhitney
Aquarium Advice Addict
Considering everything I have had running in my planted setup (quad T5, CO2, sump, return, PH controller, powerheads, etc) I don't see how the cost could be much if at all different.
I wasn't comparing, but I've been told that reef tanks eats up a lot more electricity.
Terrance said:
They can be pretty bad on the electric bill but you have to keep in mind there are a lot of people running MH which is a lot of electric along with raising the temperature causing you to need a chiller which is another big hit. With the new tech though on the market you can really cut the cost to be minimal
Nu-Nu the eel
Aquarium Advice Addict
TankMan said:
A chiller is a unit that is used to cool your saltwater tank. Some use fans, but a chiller is much more effective. They are needed because there is alot more heat coming from the lights, pumps, etc
skywhitney
Aquarium Advice Addict
Nu-Nu the eel said:
Chillers also cost big $$$ to run
skywhitney
Aquarium Advice Addict
TankMan said:
depends on the specs of the unit of course but you're effectively running a refrigeration unit on your tank.
hpiguy
Aquarium Advice Freak
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I will always prefer freshwater planted tanks. The green and wood look is very calming to me. It looks soft, calm and relaxing.
I think saltwater tanks are cool and I enjoy looking at other's tank, but will never set one up for myself.
I think saltwater tanks are cool and I enjoy looking at other's tank, but will never set one up for myself.
hpiguy
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A friend with one says it's the equivalent of running a medium size window air conditioner year round on their electric bill.
hpiguy
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Exactly..you have never set one up
I said I like how they look, but do not want to own one.
Mixing salt for water changes and such has zero appeal for me at all.
Just my opinion.
hpiguy said:I said I like how they look, but do not want to own one.
Mixing salt for water changes and such has zero appeal for me at all.
Just my opinion.
But how can you ALWAYS prefer fw if you will NEVER try sw? Thats like looking at a food and hating it just based off of looks!
Haha i hope that isnt the only thing holding you back
hpiguy
Aquarium Advice Freak
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I always prefer FW because I have friends with SW. I see them, I like them, then I'm drawn to the FW tanks full of plants and wood and stay there longer. Every single time.
I do watch the reef tanks, the life in them, all that stuff. I'm glad others keep them so I can enjoy them. Great stuff.
If SW was really easy, like if someone made a premix machine that measured and did it all and was reasonable priced, I'd give it a shot. That's probably not going to happen.
BUT, and I know this is blasphemy, I'm setting up a fake coral FW tank with some colorful fish. Because I enjoy the SW look (again, not as much as FW planted) but do not want the added maintenance of mixing the water each time. So this will suffice for me. I saw some on You Tube and thought they were cool. Going to give it a shot and see what I get.
I prefer the look of FW planted, always will. I don't hate SW, I like it. But it's not in my future to own a real one with coral, which is what this topic is about.
I do watch the reef tanks, the life in them, all that stuff. I'm glad others keep them so I can enjoy them. Great stuff.
If SW was really easy, like if someone made a premix machine that measured and did it all and was reasonable priced, I'd give it a shot. That's probably not going to happen.
BUT, and I know this is blasphemy, I'm setting up a fake coral FW tank with some colorful fish. Because I enjoy the SW look (again, not as much as FW planted) but do not want the added maintenance of mixing the water each time. So this will suffice for me. I saw some on You Tube and thought they were cool. Going to give it a shot and see what I get.
I prefer the look of FW planted, always will. I don't hate SW, I like it. But it's not in my future to own a real one with coral, which is what this topic is about.
hpiguy said:
Lol but there are those machines. Every lfs should have them..spend a couple bucks tops every week fpr a water change dude.
Haha seems like your trying to setup the reef tank's little brother there! Sounds cool though
skywhitney
Aquarium Advice Addict
I completely understand where hpiguy is coming from, SW is a BIG undertaking (specially at first, trust me i'm losing my mind lol). The look of a nice planted tank brings a relaxing low key environment compared to a reef system that usually is exciting and full of activity. This is why i'm going to have both
skywhitney said:
Can't agree with you more on the start up as I feel I'm on the last leg of my reef tank to completion but looking back on it I feel it gives me a much greater feel of accomplishment to bring all the variables together to house a living growing reef in your home then a planted tank (no offense intended and strictly Jmo). It's for sure not for everyone though but those who have decided to take the reef route should know what I'm talking about
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