New to aquariums - Fresh or Salt water?

[officernate3236]

Hi all,

I am getting a 29 gallon tank this week and was wondering if I should go fresh water or salt water. I am very responsible and can handle maintanance. So thats not much of an issue. I have always enjoyed fish and grew up in Florida. I know tropical fish are generally more colorful which is a plus for me. Its coming with a filter and pump and what nots in the tank but I don't have experience on what a fish needs in the tank.

I will attempt to load a picture of what I am getting to better inform anyone who answers. I am glad to have found this blog and look forward to many convo's with you all! Thanks!

 

[officernate3236]

Here is what I am getting.

 

[Datreeferman]

Looks more of a freshwater cause of the gravel. Saltwater you would a whole lot more stuff, more expensive, it's harder too. If you do want to do saltwater I would recommend replacing the gravel with live sand or crushed coral. That would be a nice freshwater aquarium though. Cichlids are nice and colorful freshwater fish for your tank.

 

[officernate3236]

Finances are a concern so I think you just answered the question for me. It comes with gravel and I have a friend with more gravel. Fresh water it is. Any suggestions on multiple types of organisms i could put in there with fish. If it helps: this is partly for stress reason. PTSD and all. Grow a garden, care for fish. Plus my kids will love it and multiple things to look at will help all the way around.

FYI, I keep my house at 67 degrees. I know that may influance things

 

[Datreeferman]

Organisms can only help you so much, so you'll still have to do water changes. Freshwater with my experience is a whole lot more forgiving than saltwater. A cuc(clean up crew) will help a lot. Ghost shrimp,snails,sucker fish etc. keep your kids interested by buying more colorful,active organisms. Good luck, it's awesome having an aquarium!

 

[officernate3236]

very much!

 

[AC-X2]

I'd definitely suggest freshwater since you said you are new. Saltwater setups are much more expensive, harder to maintain, etc. Later on after you've done well with a freshwater tank and decide you want to start a saltwater tank that'd be great!