Originally Posted by Feebs

I've done both. I had 4 tropical tanks at one time, plus 8 2g betta tanks... and swapped them all for one 50g marine tank.

The bottom line is, even cheaply done with no sump/refugium, you're looking at £300+ to set it up. But once you've done it, it's not hugely more expensive to take care of. The fish are much more expensive and your electric costs shoot up though. Also, I did a fish-only set up with no corals. If I'd gone with corals I'd have had to fork out for much better lighting etc - more money and more electric.

Time-wise, you'll still do the same weekly water-changes, but it takes longer because you're waiting on RO water running off, and then waiting for the salt to be mixed, checking the salinity etc. Otherwise, it's no different and it is NOT as hard as people think IF you get yourself onto a good support forum with people who are experienced and can guide you... and of course do your research before you start.

Well worth it in my opinion, we loved ours... but we stripped it down and sold it about 6 months ago due to energy costs, the credit crunch etc.