Freshwater or Saltwater?

Probably the first and biggest question is, ‘Should I keep a freshwater or saltwater tank?’ Here are a couple of considerations that you’ll have to answer to find this out:

• Larger, brighter fish are more plentiful in saltwater.
• Invertebrates (those animals without back bones such as anemones and starfish) are more plentiful in saltwater.
• Freshwater animals are easier to maintain. Saltwater tanks usually require more expertise or experience in maintaining salt levels, PH levels, and animal compatibility checks.
• Freshwater tanks are typically cheaper to maintain. You won’t need to buy aquarium salt for freshwater tanks, for instance. The fish and equipment will all be cheaper for a freshwater tank.
  

If you’re a first time aquariumist, you can start with a freshwater aquarium and see if you actually like keeping water animals as a hobby. If it turns out you don’t like it, at least you didn’t spend a lot of money. Nonetheless, I’m sure you’ll enjoy keeping fish and water animals as a hobby… it’s a relaxing, enjoyable hobby that anyone of any age can enjoy.