Pet lovers with hair allergies or significant space limitations can still experience the everyday joy brought about through caring for animals. Clear off a little shelf space and you’ll find room to create a flourishing aquatic habitat. A saltwater aquarium demands slightly more time and resources than its freshwater counterpart, but the dazzling results make that effort worthwhile.

Before investing in a tank and the appropriate accessories, try to determine what creatures you want dwelling in the new aquarium. The simplest setup caters to fish alone; upgraded tanks can handle coral and invertebrates as well. Most amateur aquariums begin with a few fish and gradually expand into more complex ecosystems. In a short time, you’ll have a close-up glimpse into the daily activities of some fascinating fauna.