The 3 Types of Saltwater Tanks

Are you ready to go salty? Did you know that there are three types of saltwater tanks? Yep! But don’t fret, whether you’re a newbie or switching from fresh- to saltwater, we’ve got you! 

Starting a saltwater aquarium can be such a rewarding experience, but you should also know what your experience level is to ensure you pick the right type to start with. Each of these types of saltwater tanks offer a unique way to create your underwater paradise. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into each and help you decide which one is best for you!

1. Fish-Only (FO)

FO saltwater tanks are a fantastic entry point for anyone new to the hobby. These tanks are all about keeping marine fish without the added complexity of maintaining live corals or other invertebrates. 

FO tanks are simpler to manage compared to more intricate setups like reef tanks. They don’t need the high-intensity lighting or precise water parameters that corals need. So, in a sense, they’re more forgiving for beginners. This means you can focus on enjoying your fish without worrying too much about advanced water chemistry.

In an FO tank, you’ll typically add artificial decorations — like rocks and plants — that give some hiding spots and interesting landscapes for your fish to explore. These decorations are also easy to clean and maintain. Plus, you can get creative with the tank’s look without the constraints of coral care.

You’ll also have a wide variety of species to choose from. You can finally have your very own Nemo! There are also tangs and angelfish. Since you’re only dealing with fish, you can also experiment with species that might not be safe for a reef tank, like certain predatory fish.

Another perk of FO tanks is the cost. You don’t need specialized lighting and equipment for coral care, so your initial investment and ongoing expenses are lower. This makes it easier to get started without breaking the bank.

2. Fish-Only With Live Rock (FOWLR)

FOWLR saltwater tanks are a fantastic step up from the basic FO tanks. They combine the beauty and benefits of live rock with the simplicity of keeping only fish. 

First, let’s talk about live rock. Live rock is essentially natural rock from the ocean, packed with beneficial bacteria, algae and tiny invertebrates. And although it’s a rock, it also plays a crucial role in your tank’s ecosystem — breaking down waste products and improving water quality!

A FOWLR tank gives you the best of both worlds — the stunning appearance of a more natural reef environment without the added complexity of maintaining live corals. The live rock adds that visual aesthetic and gives hiding spots for your fish.

When setting up a FOWLR tank, you can choose from a wide variety of marine fish — including some that aren’t suitable for reef tanks. This gives you more flexibility! Popular choices include clownfish, wrasses, blennies, and damselfish. So exciting! 

However, maintaining a FOWLR tank is a bit more involved than an FO tank. But don’t worry, it’s still manageable. You’ll need to monitor water parameters to make sure your live rock stays, well, alive and healthy.

3. Reef

Reef saltwater tanks are like the crown jewels of the saltwater aquarium world. They’re packed with vibrant corals, diverse marine life, and intricate ecosystems. They’re both stunning and challenging! So be prepared!

In a reef tank, you’re not just keeping fish — you’re creating a mini coral reef. This means adding live corals, anemones, and other invertebrates alongside your fish. The result? A colorful, dynamic underwater world that’s both beautiful and teeming with life. Oh, the satisfaction! 

One of the key elements of reef tanks is high-quality lighting. Corals need intense light to thrive, so you’ll need lighting systems like LED or T5 fixtures to keep them healthy and vibrant. Also — water quality! You’ll need to carefully monitor and maintain parameters like temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels to support both fish and corals.

Reef tanks also require a good filtration system. A protein skimmer is often used to remove organic waste, and a well-maintained live rock setup helps with biological filtration. You’ll also need to do regular water changes to keep everything in balance.

Maintaining a reef tank can be complex and demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll enjoy watching your coral grow and your marine life thrive.

Which One Should You Start With?

Let’s break down the best saltwater tank options based on your experience level

Beginner: FO Tank

Kick off your saltwater adventure with an FO tank. It’s the easiest to handle and perfect for newbies. Start with hardy fish like clownfish and gobies. They’re tough cookies and don’t demand too much in terms of care.

Intermediate: FOWLR Tank

Ready to level up? A FOWLR tank is your next step. The live rock adds a cool natural touch and helps keep your water quality in check. Plus, you can include more interesting fish like tangs and wrasses, which love to explore the rockwork.

Advanced: Reef Tank

For those who want to dive into the deep end, the reef tank is where it’s at. It’s a bit of a wild ride with its high-tech lighting and meticulous maintenance needs. But, oh, the reward! You’ll get to add stunning corals and fish like angelfish and butterflyfish.

Build Your Dream Saltwater Tank With Aquabuildr!

Make the journey to saltiness easier with the Aquabuildr app — it’s free by the way!

Aquabuildr’s intelligent algorithm makes designing your saltwater tank a breeze. It helps you keep track of key saltwater parameters — everything from salinity levels to temperature. You can also go into finer details such as your tank’s size and fish compatibility! 

Choose from custom setups or explore starter tanks from 5 to 150 gallons. With Aquabuildr, you’ll have all the tools you need to build a thriving, stunning saltwater aquarium.

Aquabuildr is free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store — ready and waiting to help you create your perfect saltwater tank.