Getting Started: Freshwater vs Marine Fishkeeping

Freshwater and marine (saltwater) fishkeeping are quite different hobbies – marine setups are generally more expensive and technically demanding, and usually not the best starting point for a complete beginner.

• A cycled freshwater tank is the standard recommended starting point for new fishkeepers.
• Marine tanks typically need more specialised equipment (protein skimmers, live rock, precise water testing) and more research before starting.
• Whichever you choose, let a new tank cycle before adding fish – see our Setting Up an Aquarium guide for the basics.

This is a general starting point, not a complete care guide – always research your specific species and setup in depth.