What Is the Difference between Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums?

Water is a compound of Hydrogen and Oxygen, which exists in three physical states, solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). Our state of interest here is water in liquid form. Water has further two chemical types, Freshwater and Saltwater. Now, what is the difference between freshwater and saltwater? The ensuing discussion takes a look on the subject vis-à-vis the chemical difference of the two types and their importance in aquarium.

What Is The Difference Between Freshwater And Saltwater? – A Chemical View

1. Freshwater Aquariums - Water with dissolved salt content measuring less than 1% is called Freshwater. Freshwater is available from two types of sources, stagnant water bodies, such as, Lakes, Ponds, & Inland Wetlands; and flowing water bodies, such as, Rivers and Streams. Freshwater covers only 1% of the total earth’s surface.

1. Saltwater Aquariums - When water has high quantity of salts dissolved in it, it is called Saltwater. Owing to the large amount of dissolved salts and the associated electric charges on these salts, the conductivity of saltwater is high and it tastes salty. Sea, Oceans, Rivers, and Saltwater Ponds are the natural sources of saltwater, which add up together to cover 71% of earth surface.