There’s so much to learn about routine aquarium maintenance that it can take a while to learn the ropes, and longer still to become a maintenance master at all times! In reality, most of us have made many routine maintenance errors, especially when we were starting out with our first fish tank. Occasionally, even experts … Read more
If you’ve ever had a good look at a Lionhead, Pearlscale, or Celestial Eye Goldfish and wondered if those extreme mutations might cause the fish to suffer, you’re not alone. More people than ever are beginning to question the ethics of keeping fancy goldfish, a pet that has been so severely inbred that they often … Read more
What are nitrates vs. nitrites in the aquarium? Why is it important to know how to manage their levels? Are these chemicals dangerous to your fish? So, there’s some science involved in the aquarium hobby, but understanding how your fish tank’s ecosystem works needn’t be complicated. However, you need to understand the difference between nitrates … Read more
Corydoras catfish are one of the most popular tropical fish in the aquarium hobby. These little guys are hardy, cute, entertaining, and beginner-friendly. And there are over 170 varieties to choose from! But when it comes to choosing the best substrate for Corydoras catfish, many beginners often get it wrong. So, to help you out, … Read more
Mystery snails are one of the most popular aquarium snails in the world, and one of the reasons is that they’re fairly easy to keep. That said, even the most robust mollusks can suffer from health issues now and then. If your mystery snail is producing copious amounts of slime, it usually means that it’s … Read more
In some cases, swim bladder disease is a minor condition that will only last a few days, but in other cases, it can become a permanent ailment. Where chronic symptoms are mild, a fish may be able to continue living a long and relatively happy life, but in more severe cases, euthanasia may be the … Read more
If you have a reef tank, you’ll likely enjoy having a few snails in your tank as good company for your other invertebrates and as part of a cleanup crew. However, Vermetid snails are quite another matter. These snails are pests, and you must get rid of them immediately. But what’s so bad about Vermetid … Read more
The Midas blenny is a beautiful golden saltwater fish that many people with marine tanks love to keep. These gorgeous fish not only bring a brilliant splash of color to your setup but are a great choice for beginners to the hobby. Read this detailed guide to learn everything you need to know to keep … Read more
The Diamond tetra makes a dazzling addition to any peaceful community tank, especially when you keep these stunning little fish in large groups. These fish are relatively straightforward to care for, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists, and you can breed them pretty easily in the aquarium. Keep reading to learn everything you … Read more
There’s been a growing interest in unusual crustaceans in recent years, and, unfortunately, this sometimes results in new species being kept in inappropriate conditions. Sadly, there’s been much misinformation about how to keep purple Thai devil crabs, and these terrestrial crabs are sometimes even seen immersed in water in pet stores. In this article, I’ll … Read more
Goldfish are infamously messy fish and it’s not unusual to see their tanks covered in algae. Since snails are one of the best algae eaters, many fish keepers have asked the question: Can goldfish live with snails? The answer is that snails can sometimes live with goldfish, but you need to get the combination right. … Read more
The Bucktooth tetra looks cute and innocent enough, but these are actually some of the most aggressive fish in the hobby! For that reason, although they can make an interesting addition to your home tank, they are also challenging to keep successfully, largely because of their nasty behavior. Needless to say, this species is not … Read more
The Odessa barb is a brightly colored freshwater fish that’s easy to care for and relatively hardy, making them the ideal candidate for a peaceful community tank. Not surprisingly, these fish have grown in popularity over the last few years, so it seemed right to put together this guide so that you can learn more … Read more
The Tiger Shovelnose catfish is a large freshwater fish with a unique look many fishkeepers fall for. But are these fish suitable for beginners, and will one thrive in a tank environment? There’s so much you need to know before you buy a Tiger Shovelnose catfish, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the species … Read more
What if I told you that there’s a family of beautiful community fish, closely related to tetras, but rarely kept, even by advanced fish keepers? Introducing the pencilfish – a fish tribe that’s largely overlooked, yet brimming with potential for freshwater community tanks. In this guide, we’ll explore the most commonly kept species, and learn … Read more
