Well, I think that it depends on what you're growing.
If one aspires to Amano-like tanks, it's a sine non qua.
In my own case, I need a little CO2 to get the water
into a habitable condition, since it comes out of
the tank at pH 8.4 with KH of 20+ and I will insist
on keeping Amazonian biotopes. But of course
people have different experiences. As for not
being on sale in Australia--well, my recollection
is that you're a tad off the beaten path. Maybe CO2
is just a big-city vice ?

-coelacanth

"Bassett" wrote in message
...
While I agree with your ideas about marine, you did forget, that he will
also need plenty of cash,
But, Please tell me, Why does he need a CO-2 unit.
I,ve had planted tanks for years, and have never bothered with all that
stuff,
In fact I,ve never ever seen it for sale in Australia..

bassett

"coelacanth" wrote in message

Even that seemingly straightforward question is not as
easy as it seems. The equipment can be virtually identical
(filter, heater, light) if you're comparing simple fish-only
set ups. On the other hand, if you have a freshwater planted
aquarium, there's a whole bunch of CO2-related equipment
to be added. If you want to do marine reefkeeping, the
equipment needed include the basics plus protein skimmer,
elaborate lighting, sumps, refugiums, etc., etc. hth.

-coelacanth

wrote in message
...
CAn anyone tell me what the difference is between salt and fresh
water.
I
am
curious to know the difference's in equipment only, I understand the
care
and maintance will be different, but what are the equipment
differences
?

Thanks.