Tank differences

Are there any differences in types of setups? Like between a reef tank or a saltwater tank? I'm wondering if I need to decide ahead of time what I will want in my tank before I get too far into it.

 

From what I've read there are basically 3 types: Fish Only, Fish Only With Live Rock, and Reef. What type of creatures you want will definitely dictate what type of equipment you need, mostly on the lighting end. I believe there are fish that don't do well in captivity without live rock present, and I've been told that a skimmer is a necessity.

Apparently fish only is pretty simple, invertebrates need pretty decent lighting, and some of the corals need really high quality light.

I bought a tank that was predrilled for easier use with a sump, and I have what I believe to be middle of the road lighting. Other than that I have a decent skimmer and a pile of live rock (Future FOWLR). I'm still in the process of curing the rock and cycling the tank, but I'll get there!

 

You really should and plan ahead of time. If you think you may go Reef in the future it may be wise to do fowl that way the live rock is in the tank already and you wont have a new cycle when you change to Reef. Alas there are many different set ups too.If money is not a problem do different tanks. But any major changes to your tank can and will lead to lots of money and death for your livestock.