The thought of setting up a saltwater aquarium is often associated with a high price tag.
That perceived high cost of salt water aquariums is what keeps most people from getting into the hobby.
First before you can determine what your tank will cost you need to figure out what type of saltwater tank you actually want.
Do you want a basic and very inexpensive fish only system that is decorated with artificial coral.
This is normally what most beginners start with.
Do you want a fish only with live rock, this set up uses live rock for decoration and is more expensive then a basic fish only and one step below a full blown reef aquarium.
Or are you going for a full blown reef aquarium with live coral, intense lighting and high water circulation.
Average Prices For The Various Saltwater Tank Setups If you decided on a simple saltwater fish only tank with just a filter, basic decorations and simple fish like clown fish your cost will be somewhere in the area of $1.
50 per gallon.
The saltwater fish only tank setup will run you on average in the area of $2-$2.
50 per gallon depending on the type of live rock you buyand also any extra equipment you choose to buy like protein skimmers or lighting.
A reef aquarium will easily cost anywhere from $3.
50 to start and the sky is the limit for a high end range.
It is all based on the type of lighting you need and how you setup your tank These numbers are based on a saltwater setup that is ready for fish and not full of live stock.
Obviously fish will add more to the cost but its hard to determine since the prices vary so much on saltwater fish!