Many people would not consider a fish to be a "real" pet, but keeping exotic salt water fish is a pleasurable hobby for families around the world. If you are a complete beginner then beginning with a goldfish would be the best start, but if you want a little more of a challenge then exotic salt water fish are the way to go.
There is an aesthetic appeal of keeping a exotic salt water fish tank in your home because you get to design and decorate your tank. Tropical fish don't tie you down to a lot of expenses after you set up the aquarium and buy the fish, maybe it will cost you around $25 a year to feed a fish. But what most people appreciate most is that you don't have to walk them, wash them, groom them, play catch with them or take them in for regular check-ups. Still, that doesn't mean that you can just put your fish in a tank and walk away. Exotic salt water fish do require more care than a plant; you must know how and when to change the water, clean the tank, and what to feed them. A little research will also help you keep your aquarium free from algae blooms and snail infestations.
An absolute necessity for exotic salt water fish is a tank heater, and you may also find a tank thermometer to be very helpful. The most commonly used heater for aquariums is a submersible heater, which you should position where it will circulate the most water, so it can spread out the heat properly. The thermometer should also be a submersed one because they are usually more accurate and if you are keeping exotic salt water fish the temperature of the tank water is of the utmost importance.
