When it comes to cichlid tanks, most people prefer to create a natural-looking tank that resembles their natural environment. A few hobbyists and professionals, however, are choosing bare-bottom tanks instead of substrate. So what are the pros and cons of bare-bottom tanks? Should you be trying them out? That depends on your priorities, so let’s … Read more
If you’ve been in the aquarium hobby for a while, you’ll probably have heard of UV sterilizers. By passing water through UV light, the sterilizer reduces the number of algae and bacteria suspended in the water column. But while many people claim that UV sterilizers are useful for clearing up cloudy or green water, there … Read more
Performing partial water changes every week or so is an essential part of your aquarium maintenance routine. But even though keeping your aquarium water in good condition and free from toxins is crucial for good fish health, your fishy friends can get pretty stressed out during the process. This guide explains how you can make … Read more
Owning an aquarium is a fun hobby that’s popular worldwide. Picture the scene; you’ve spent many hours and a lot of cash on designing the perfect aquascape and providing the perfect habitat for your pets. But what’s that horrendous smell coming from your fish tank? That can’t be happening! You maintain your tank correctly, and … Read more
These days, fake plants have become extremely popular as aquarium decoration pieces, largely because of their low maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Indeed, when I got into the fishkeeping hobby over 40 years ago, I had lots of silk plants adorning my first aquarium. However, there are quite a few hidden downsides to using artificial plants … Read more
Knowing how to achieve the right water pH for a particular community of fish is a skill that separates fishkeeping pros from the rest. But what if your water pH is inconsistent and keeps fluctuating? Because unstable water pH can be dangerous to fish health and tank ecology, it’s important to know how to correct … Read more
The 1980s marked an era of exuberance and bold experimentation, not just in fashion and music but also in the world of aquarium decor. I remember visiting my college friends’ homes and admiring the outlandish decor in their fish tanks, then catching the bus to my local fish store to buy something even more bizarre … Read more
As an aquarist with over four decades of experience in keeping coldwater and tropical fish of many different species, I’ve learned that having a successful, thriving aquarium isn’t just about water and fish. This absorbing hobby is all about creating a harmonious, balanced ecosystem where every element, from the substrate to the lighting, contributes to … Read more
When it comes to aquarium equipment, almost everyone knows that a reliable filter and lighting are essential, as is an aquarium heater for tropical fish tanks. But other aquarium accessories can be incredibly useful, too! Here we’ll look at some of the most underrated bits of aquarium gear, and explain why you may wish you’d … Read more
Nothing sets off a tank full of beautiful tropical fish like a lush backdrop of healthy aquatic plants. But maintaining a thriving planted aquarium takes time, effort, and attention to detail. Don’t let that put you off! Even a complete beginner can successfully keep a planted fish tank, provided you choose types of plants that … Read more
No matter what size of fish tank you have, some kind of aquarium lighting is essential for the health and growth of fish and plants in your setup. However, you must strike the right balance. Too much light can cause many issues, potentially impacting the well-being of your entire aquatic ecosystem. In this guide, I … Read more
Keeping fish is a wonderful hobby enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. However, caring for your precious pets can be expensive and time-consuming, even if you only have a small tank. Recently, a few hacks have been circulating online that purport to save you time, money, and effort. However, the bad news for … Read more
When it comes to aquarium design, it’s easy for things to get over-complicated. Elaborate planting and fancy layouts might look impressive, but they also take considerable time, effort, and money to establish and maintain. Thankfully, a beautiful and effective aquarium design doesn’t have to be complicated. With a strong vision for what you want to … Read more
Purchasing an aquarium setup can be a daunting task. First, you need to choose the right tank, then the right substrate, lighting, heater, and filter before you can even consider plants, invertebrates, and fish! If all of this seems like a bit of a headache, you may be happy to hear about all-in-one aquarium kits! … Read more
As an experienced tropical and coldwater fish keeper with over 40 years of experience, I can state with some authority that the best way to keep diseases and parasites out of your aquarium is by quarantining all new aquatic life before adding the newbies to your main tank. Now, you’d think that putting your livestock … Read more
