Saltwater Setup and Care

[phoenixkiller]

Hey all!

-- I am NOT about to buy a saltwater aquarium, so do not worry about my experience level --

I am wondering the basics and extremes of keeping and maintaining a saltwater aquarium. (as an average, hypothetically imagine me getting started with a 55 gallon aquarium)
1. What are the pros and cons compared to freshwater aquariums?
2. What equipment is needed?
3. How to cycle?
4. How to add live fish?
5. How to care for live rock?
6. How to clean a saltwater tank?
7. What would be the cheapest and hardiest fish to keep?

I understand that I asked a lot of questions, so feel free to answer just one and forget this post. I would love to hear any experiences with saltwater aquariums. If there is anything major that I left out, tell me how to do it.

Phoenixkiller

[Terrance]

1. con is more expensive. Pro is more colorful fish and corals. I like tinkering around with equipment.
2. Same as FW but you have a lot more options (skimmer, sump/Fuge, powerheads). You an keep it simple HOB filter with more water changes or more complex plumbing for sump/Fuge with live rocks and circulation pumps.
3. Same as FW 0 ammonia and nitrite with some nitrate
4. Same as FW acclimate
5. Provide minimal light and cure it before intro to tank
6. Same as FW siphon and Algae removal

[phoenixkiller]

Thank you!

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