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[disguised]

Hey everyone new to the site and have an empty 55gallon aquarium i want to put to use again. I have the stand and aquarium but would need the rest of supplies and test kits again. Anyways, it was previously a freshwater tank long ago and i was thinking of doing a saltwater tank this time. However it will probably be another month before I even start it as I'm very analytical and will have to convince myself I'm ready to start again through ridiculous amounts of research.
Always had a passion for all things underwater (I should have got my degree in oceanography not business ....) and kept my freshwater tank going for what seemed like forever. Now that I finally have the time and schedule to look after another tank was thinking of doing a saltwater.
My concerns are having never done a saltwater before it sounds much more complicated to get started and maintain than a freshwater. This could be my imagination as I've never done it before but was wondering if there is anything in particular I should be aware of venturing into this new world...

 

[Terrance]

Hello. SW is pretty fun and easy to maintain. Initial cost will be very high. Monthly cost will also be slightly higher compared to FW tanks.

Since you have a passion for under water stuff, then the learning process will be less difficult. I suggest you learn about EVERYTHING and pick out the parts you would like in your own system.

 

[Ronlezah]

I too have always had a passion for "all things underwater" but I've always been more of a fan of the saltwater variety.
In my opinion, Marine fish are much more sensative to water/living conditions than freshwater fish however their variety and appearence certainly make up for the extra work you'll need to put in. Over the years, I've set-up and maintained a number of saltwater tanks all with varied levels of success. That's one reason I still consider myself a beginner.
I find that I do a ton of research upfront and I'm not one to skimp on supplies/equipment but I've always fallen behind on the maintenance necessary to keep a marine aquarium running successfully for an extended period of time.
I'm currently in the process of setting up a 92G corner tank I bought about 6 years ago. I had it running for about 4 years before things started to go downhill.
This time I purchased a RO/DI unit so I could make my own water which should help me stay up on the required bi-weekly or monthly partial water changes. I found out long ago that most tap water just doesn't cut it with marine fish and having to rely on transporting RO/DI water from my LFS turned out to be to much work for me.
All I can say is take your time, do your research and save your money because you'll need it.