If you're interested in keeping saltwater fish, you have some decisions to make about what else will be going into your tank. Saltwater aquariums fall into three main categories, each with unique needs, tendencies, and challenges. Gerber's Tropical Fish in Dayton, OH can help get you started—but first, you need to decide whether you're keeping a fish-only, FOWLR, or reef tank.

The Top Saltwater Fish Tank Types

1. Fish-Only

While on the surface this may seem like the simplest saltwater fish tank option, it can actually be more challenging to maintain than the other types. A fish-only tank houses fish and non-living decorations, without any extra organisms added.

Even so, there are beneficial bacteria present, and it's a good thing, too: the nitrogen balance in your tank water depends on those bacteria. While it is possible to get a fish-only tank to a comfortable equilibrium, it is a slower process than with other types of tanks, and you'll need to test the water carefully for quality.

2. FOWLR

FOWLR stands for Fish Only With Live Rock. “Live rock” doesn't actually mean that the rock itself is alive; rather, the rock serves as a home for bacteria and algae which help keep the tank in balance. Live rock makes it much simpler to maintain a beneficial water quality.

However, it can be expensive; store-bought live rock ranges from $5 to $10 per pound, and you'll need one to two pounds of live rock per gallon in your tank. You also shouldn’t skimp on the tank size; a larger tank is actually easier to establish and bounces back more readily from water quality problems.

3. Reef Tanks

A reef tank includes living coral and other invertebrates, simulating a thriving natural ecosystem. Depending on your preferences, it may not even contain any fish at all. A reef tank is the most challenging type of tank to maintain and requires an investment in advanced lighting, temperature control, and water testing. While it is a major investment in terms of both money and time, a reef tank can be extremely rewarding to keep.

If you're interested in starting a new saltwater fish tank, Gerber's Tropical Fish in the greater Cincinnati area can help. Visit or call them at (937) 297-0515 for advice, or browse their inventory of saltwater fish for ideas.