habits for a healthy community aquarium

11 Habits of People Who Have a Healthy Community Aquarium

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

Simple Habits for a Thriving Fish Tank

10 Simple Habits of People Who Have a Thriving Fish Tank

When it comes to good fish keeping, certain habits and routines make excellent fish keepers stand head and shoulders above the rest. While maintenance tasks may sometimes feel like a chore, the glowing health of your fish and plants will reward you many times over. By following each of the 10 steps listed below, you’ll … Read more

Purple Thai Devil Crab

The Purple Thai Devil Crab Guide: Exploring the Enigma

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

Pencilfish

Pencilfish: Care Tips and Insights for This Enchanting Fish

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

Betta Imbellis

Betta Imbellis: In-depth Care Guide and Habitat Insights

Recent years have seen wild betta fish species becoming more popular. One of the most popular types is Betta imbellis. Because of their relatively relaxed temperament and docile character, Betta imbellis has earned the common name the ‘Peaceful Betta’. Peaceful bettas can be kept in a wider variety of tank setups than other bettas, including … Read more

Pearlscale Goldfish

Pearlscale Goldfish: Curious and Fascinating Tank Additions

Pearlscale goldfish are famed for being one of the roundest of all fancy goldfish varieties. But this pronounced deformity has led some animal welfare advocates to question the ethics of keeping fish whose traits could affect their health and well-being. In this guide, I’ll explore some of the issues with keeping pearlscale goldfish and share … Read more

Black Phantom Tetra

Black Phantom Tetra: Unveiling a Captivating Tank Addition

Tetras are the bread and butter of tropical community tanks. But if there’s one species in the family that’s under-represented, it could well be the black phantom tetra. With an elegant, oval shape, peaceful character, and entertaining, active behavior, black phantoms deserve to be kept far more often than they are. Let’s take a closer … Read more

Festivum Cichlid

Festivum Cichlid Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Aquarists

Have you ever heard of the festivum cichlid? Also known as ‘flag cichlids’, festivums were once more popular than they are today. Although less colorful and flashy than some other cichlids, these sociable fish are more peaceful than many of their feisty relatives and can be kept in groups in large community tanks. Some of … Read more

Honduran Red Point Cichlid

Honduran Red Point Cichlid: Our Ultimate Care Guide

The recently discovered Honduran red point cichlid possesses many of the desirable traits that have made the infamous convict cichlid so popular. Yet this lesser-known fish is smaller, less aggressive, and more suitable for community tanks. While I’ve had lots of fun breeding convict cichlids, Honduran red points (HRPs) have many unique qualities that make … Read more

Nicaragua Cichlid

Nicaragua Cichlid: Care, Diet, and Habitat Insights

The Nicaragua cichlid is sometimes also known as the ‘Macaw Cichlid’. Why? These cichlids have the potential to be some of the most colorful members of the family. To see them in their full glory, however, ‘Nics’ need to be kept in excellent condition. Because they are aggressive fish that require a specialist tank set … Read more

Chocolate Cichlid

Chocolate Cichlid: Habits, Habitats, Appearance, and Diet

Chocolate cichlids, otherwise known as ‘emerald cichlids’ are a lesser-known but intriguing large South American cichlid. Sometimes compared to Severum cichlids or Oscars, chocolate cichlids are either gentle giants or moody monsters depending on who you ask! While chocolate cichlids are not the best choice for first-time cichlid keepers, advanced aquarists might find this a … Read more

Cockatoo Cichlids

Cockatoo Cichlids: Intriguing and Colorful Swimmers

Named after the colorful pet bird with frilly feathers, cockatoo dwarf cichlids match their feathered namesakes with their exotic colors and impressive crested fins. But while they may be alluring, cockatoo cichlids are not the ideal beginner’s fish, and won’t fit in any old community aquarium. Their complex requirements and aggressive streak mean that this … Read more

Alien Betta

Full Alien Betta Care Guide (+ Related FAQs)

A few years ago, a new hybrid betta arrived on the aquarium scene. Boasting intricate markings and otherworldly colors, the newcomer was branded the ‘Alien Betta,’ although nobody knew exactly why. Much confusion and controversy still surrounds the alien betta: Where it came from and whether it’s an ethical breed. What we do know is … Read more