start a saltwater aquarium

i started out a couple years ago with 10 gallon freshwater aquarium and got a 25 gallon as a christmas gift..now i want to practice saltwater with my 10 gallon…

I’m going to officially defer this goal for the following reasons:

The sustainability of a reef aquarium is too dependent on factors beyond my control, particularly stability of the electrical system. Given the number of times my power has gone out in the last month alone, I think a reef aquarium would be doomed in my home.

I also don’t like the idea of using more energy than I absolutely need, and reef aquariums use a LOT of energy.

Finally, I don’t ever want to have to MOVE a reef aquarium, and until I get settled somewhere permanent (which admittedly might never happen), I don’t want to even consider this.

Maybe someday. But it’s time to accept that it won’t be someday soon.

There are good reasons I haven’t started my saltwater aquarium yet. I’ve read quite a bit about them, and I have come to the conclusion that it’s just not a good idea for me at this time. It’s prohibitively expensive (I’ve spent $500 on books alone – I figure it will cost about $5,000 to set up a 55 gallon tank, and many enthusiasts say this is the bare minimum size). It’s a simulated ecosystem that depends heavily on electricity to survive – I would need metal halide lighting, a heater, a chiller (either that or I’d need to invest in air conditioning for my apartment), and a pump. I would be wise to invest in a generator, because without electricity, the system will die within a day or two.

I think I would be wise to wait until I’m in a different environment – something more permanent, and something where I have more control over temperatures. And something that isn’t on the 3rd floor…just in case.

with multiple clown fish swimming in it. i’ve loved clown fish ever since i saw them on the front page of the weekly reader in third grade. i’m not sure what other fish i want in the aquarium, but clown fish are a must. =)