You’ve got your filter, your heater, and your light all ready to go, so you’re all set to start up your aquarium, right? Well, maybe. You may need to consider investing in a UV sterilizer for problems that you could come across down the line. Or maybe you’ve already reached that point and you’re trying … Read more
Wait. What? If fish can only live underwater, how can fish drown? It seems like a simple yes/no question, but a lot of things can actually go wrong that would deprive a fish of being able to breathe correctly to the point where the fish could suffocate and ‘drown.’ Some reasons for this would be … Read more
The Black Ghost Knifefish is an unusual creature that can make a stunning centerpiece in any tropical, freshwater display aquarium. The species has been around in the hobby for many decades and has gained a large following thanks to its elegant, unusual looks, and interesting behavior. In this guide, we introduce you to the Black … Read more
It might seem like a simple question, but did you know that there are over 30,000 different species of fish all with their own dietary needs? And yes, this includes sharks (though humans are not usually on the main menu)! When considering which fish foods to buy for your aquarium, you must first consider what … Read more
The peacock eel is a perfect mix between a bichir and a loach and can get along with most large tropical fish. They will need a soft substrate for burrowing and a decent-sized tank to allow them to fully grow to their potential length. However, they are not much harder to keep than most other … Read more
The term, “dropsy” is enough to strike fear into the hearts of all fish keepers. Dropsy is a common fish disease that can cause death within hours unless you spot the danger signs early enough to treat your fish. Many myths and inaccuracies surround dropsy, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the condition, including … Read more
Dwarf baby tears are one of the most beautiful and delicate foreground plants you can currently get. Their bright clusters can be used to completely cover the substrate of freshwater aquariums, creating a soft bed of lush green, or they can be used for coverage floating on the surface of the water. They demand high … Read more
If you’re going to go big you might as well go BIG. While it might seem like 200 gallons is a huge aquarium, this amount simply still does not compare to the natural environments that your fish are actually coming from, though your fish will definitely appreciate it. There are a couple of advantages to … Read more
Experienced aquarists with large display tanks may be interested in adding a Green Terror cichlid to their collection. These cichlids are colorful and moderately easy to care for, provided that you keep the water quality in the tank within acceptable parameters and feed your fish a high-quality diet. You can breed Green Terrors quite easily … Read more
All species of gourami are popular with hobbyists for their looks and for their peaceful, amenable temperament, making them ideal for a community aquarium setup. Also, these fish are easy to care for, so beginners can enjoy them too. However, gourami Osphrenemus goramy is more challenging to keep, mainly because of the massive size they … Read more
Goldfish make great starter pets for kids and are often an enthusiast’s first venture into the exciting world of fishkeeping. There are many different varieties of goldfish, and lots of different colors and shapes to choose from. Goldfish are hardy and generally pretty easy to care for, too, making them the ideal choice for a … Read more
Pucker up! If you’ve ever wanted a kiss from a fish, then the kissing gourami may be the next addition to your freshwater tank. These dazzling fish in their pink variety have become a favorite among many aquarium hobbyists, and are a popular alternative to the dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius). However, they can have some … Read more
One of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy for your aquarium is a heater. From my own experience and from the horror stories of others in the hobby, it is most definitely worth it to spend a little more on a reliable heater than to find a frozen or boiling tank waiting … Read more
If you’ve ever walked along the beach, you’ve definitely seen clamshells and mussel shells of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Did you know that there are clams and mussels that live in freshwater, too? Did you know that some small species can even be kept in an aquarium setting? Freshwater clams can make the perfect … Read more
If you’re looking for a rare kind of freshwater shrimp that looks a little scary (but is completely harmless), then the vampire shrimp might be right for you. These shrimp are actually incredibly peaceful and can be seen sifting through the water column for food with their tiny fan-like appendages. They’re a little hard to … Read more
