If you’re a beginner and about to set up your first aquarium, you’ll need to know how to cycle your tank. So, what is cycling, and why is it necessary? Essentially, if you don’t cycle your fish tank before adding your pet fish, they will almost certainly not survive for very long, if at all! So, … Read more
Immediately after setting up your aquarium, it can be very tempting to head to the pet store and buy a bunch of fish. Unfortunately, you’ll often find your new aquarium inhabitants upside down within a week if you do this. It can be very demotivating to find your new tank full of dead fish, but … Read more
What are the signs of a cycled aquarium? That’s what you need to know if you’ve recently set up a brand-new fish tank and you’re eagerly waiting to add your first fish. Adding fish to a newly set aquarium too soon is a common newbie error that can result in mass fish kills. So, keep … Read more
Ideally, you would have a few weeks or months to prepare your fish tank for new friends. In reality, most people purchase their fish tanks the same day they purchase their fishy friends. So, what can you do? How to cycle a tank in 24 hours? Keep reading to find out. Can You Cycle a … 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
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
Cloudy aquarium water is frustrating for any aquarist, especially if you’re new to the hobby. After all, you want to enjoy a clear view of your fish, and if the water turns murky, you can’t do that. In addition, cloudy tank water can’t be good news for your fish, right? But what does it mean … Read more
Maintaining a fish tank is a labor of love, and it takes a lot of your time and energy to keep your fish and other tank residents healthy and happy. However, in the hustle and bustle of your daily routine, it’s tempting to cut corners when it comes to tank maintenance and fish care. I … Read more
As with any pet, providing your fish with a correct diet in the right amounts is essential for their health and longevity. That sounds pretty straightforward, but it’s something that beginners to the hobby often get wrong, sometimes with drastic results. One of the most important aspects of tropical and cold water fishkeeping is understanding … Read more
Have you ever gazed into a thriving community tank and wondered how every fish, plant, and critter appears so healthy and glowing with vitality? The answer often comes down to a few simple habits that separate pro fishkeepers from the rest. If you want to boast a vibrant community tank, in radiant health, we suggest … 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
Maintaining good water quality in your fish tank is the most important aspect of keeping aquarium fish of any species, as the fish will quickly become sick and die if the water is dirty and polluted with ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. To keep the water safe and clean, you should run an efficient aquarium filter … Read more
If you’ve seen your Oscar’s skin peeling, or scales flaking off, you have good reason to be concerned. Most of the time, skin conditions indicate a serious underlying problem in your Oscar’s tank that need addressing promptly. Whether your Oscar’s skin is peeling after an ugly encounter with another fish, a skin disease, or incorrect … Read more
If you spot one of your fish lying on the substrate, should you be concerned? Well, that depends on the species of fish and what other symptoms it is displaying. Read this guide to learn why your fish is lying on the bottom of the tank and what you should do to help your pet. … Read more
Adding a bacteria starter to a new aquarium can help to kickstart the biological filter, reducing the time it takes to cycle the fish tank fully. But what is a bacteria starter? How do these products work? And what’s the best bacteria starter to use? Read this guide to learn how aquarium bacteria starters work … Read more
