Still Trying To Decide

[sic0198]

Hi,

I am gonna try to get a 75 gallon tank for christmas, and I hope to get it set up in March. I think (since it's obvious this is going to be expensive either way) I should do my share of research as to what kind of fish tank I want. So since there are experts here, can you tell me which is easier to maintain a cichlid tank, a (normal" freshwater tank or a SW tank.

Each of these can be expensive and I know a SW tank is high on that list. So let's put expenses aside, of the 3 which is easiest to maintain, once you get all the numbers right?

 

[Mr Miagi]

Having kept FW and SW, but not Cichlids, im only inclined to compare FW/SW.

SW has been much easier to care for than my planted FW tank.

 

[Siamese Fighter05]

I've kept both FW and SW and SW is a little more work than FW but not as much as you are lead to believe, sure you have to be more vigilant but for the rewards it is well worth it.

rearing FW fry is much more work that SW by far

What kind've cichlids are you talking about anyway? I've kept rams before if that counts?

 

[sic0198]

I've kept both FW and SW and SW is a little more work than FW but not as much as you are lead to believe, sure you have to be more vigilant but for the rewards it is well worth it.

rearing FW fry is much more work that SW by far

What kind've cichlids are you talking about anyway? I've kept rams before if that counts?

I was thinking about some Johannis and Lemon Yellows.

 

[Eelzor]

For my FW tanks I had to do a water change strictly every 2 weeks to not allow the nitrates to get too high. I suppose plants do help (haven't had too much experience in that area), however I still find SW much more managable in the long run. I have also kept cichlids, I would have to say they are pretty easy too but mainly due to their hardiness. Regular water changes would still be neccesary. Expenses and initial setting up aside, I found personally found SW tanks much easier to maintain then FW tanks. Although setting up and costs are usually much more then FW, once set up, the tank can be quite stable and self-sustainable. Having sufficient live rock in a marine tank works as a natural nitrate reducer and converts nitrates to nitrogen gas, thus completing natures cycle. All you really need to do is keep parameters in check and usual feeding/cleaning. Personally I find there's a wider variety of species, looks better, and is more rewarding too.

My 2 centz. B)