vote freshwater tank vs saltwater tank vs freshwater pond vs saltwater pond?

I think people are missing the point here - what I'm assuming to be if the resources were thrown at you to do so. In that case I'd definitely be going for a saltwater "pond" (I say "pond", though no doubt my definition of a pond is vastly different from most people), something which need not be difficult to maintain if the system is designed properly from the outset. Of course it'd have its own unique challenges, as with anything not within the confines of a regulated environment, but with proper thought it can (and does) be done with excellent results.

Second on the order of things would be a saltwater tank, an undertaking I'm just about to do again. Getting my current "dream tank" (within my bounds...), a 250g system. After keeping ponds and freshwater systems for many years I think it's time to really step up to the fun stuff =]

I have both fresh water and saltwater. you need live rock to help clean the tank because saltwater fish need a much cleaner environment. If you put sand in with live rock it will become live sand eventually so no need to spend the extra money for live sand I honestly don't know if you can use gravel. like most fish tanks once its cycled it's not really that much work. If you have the money I would say go for it. It's much more entertaining watching a saltwater tank in action then freshwater. however you will learn that you can't fit many fish in a 20 gallon tank with saltwater. 3 at the most. And non of the big beautiful fish like angel fish or butterflies will work in that small of a tank.

A saltwater pond ? Yeah okay.

1) Freshwater Tank because water quality is much easier to maintain resulting in happier healthier fish.

Saltwater is WAY nicer than fresh, so definitely get salt over fresh.

They are a lot more maintenance and way harder, but worth the trouble.

IDK about SW pond though, only tanks

Well I have 3 fresh water tanks. So I would want a big salt water tank.

Saltwater pound??

SW ponds are too hard to maintain.. i'd just rather have a large SW tank

in order...

SW tank

FW pond

FW tank

SW pond

definitely 4) if I had the space and the $$ to go round ;) had enough of small SW tanks, and need something I can dive in and "interact" with the inhabitants :D

definitely saltwater pond because it can be big and you can have spacious ammounts of room

I would choose 4) saltwater pond because if it is big enough, you can add reef sharks and other cool assorted fish!