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
Choosing decorations and ornaments for a new aquarium is one of the most exciting parts of setting up an underwater kingdom for your fish. However, you must consider more than just how your setup looks. After all, your aquarium should be a safe, comfortable home for your fish and other aquatic pets, not just look … 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
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
Fishkeeping is a popular hobby with hobbyists of all ages. In fact, I got my first fish tank as a birthday present when I was 15 years old. Since then, I’ve successfully kept many different fish species in tanks of various shapes and sizes and loved every moment of my hobby. Of course, I’ve tried … 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
Discovering that your glass aquarium is leaking is a hobbyist’s worst nightmare! The quality of the tank water will suffer, the lives of your fish and other aquatic pets will be endangered, and you could be faced with the prospect of having to buy a whole new tank. Your heart sinks as you consider the … 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
The BioCube 32 by Coralife is a great way to get your toes wet in the saltwater aquarium hobby. These all-in-one aquarium setups have everything you need to run a successful marine system. While the BioCube 32 comes equipped with efficient stock equipment, there are a few upgrades that can be made to make your … Read more
Looking to keep expensive corals in your saltwater tank? Stock lights won’t cut it. You’re going to need a high-quality, completely customizable light that you can trust. For years, the AI Prime 16HD has been one of the most popular reef LEDs available. This light is a pioneer in reef lighting and has succeeded in … Read more
Can you safely use baking soda in your aquarium? Yes, you can! I’ve kept fish for over 40 years, and I routinely use baking soda in my tropical tanks to make any necessary adjustments to pH levels. I’ve also used it for cleaning stubborn grime from resin decorations. So, I can tell you from personal … Read more
If you have two small fish tanks, but you want more fish than just one tank can comfortably hold, why not construct a bridge between the two tanks? That increases the total water volume available, giving you the scope to increase your stock without overcrowding. In addition, cleaning the tanks is made easier because all … Read more
