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
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
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
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
Corydoras catfish are one of the most popular tropical fish in the aquarium hobby. These little guys are hardy, cute, entertaining, and beginner-friendly. And there are over 170 varieties to choose from! But when it comes to choosing the best substrate for Corydoras catfish, many beginners often get it wrong. So, to help you out, … 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’re a newbie to the fish-keeping hobby, you’ll be keen to provide the perfect environment for your new pets. Once you’ve chosen your aquarium and decorations, you’ll need something to cover the tank bottom. But how much substrate do you need to use per gallon of water? And with so many high-quality substrates to … Read more
Although putting a few pretty rocks and stones in your fish tank might seem like a great idea, and can make an excellent habitat for your fish, did you know that limestone can change the water chemistry? In this article, we’re going to focus on limestone. What happens to your fish tank water when you … 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
The debate between glass and acrylic fish tanks is actually a debate between glass and plastic aquariums because acrylic is a type of plastic. In fact, acrylic is a type of plastic meant to mimic glass. That being said, acrylic has some unique benefits that glass does not. Ultimately, the type of fish tank you … Read more
They say bigger is better. But honestly, nothing beats a small, self-contained aquarium system. Smaller aquariums are indeed more difficult to keep than larger ones, but the challenge can make the results that much more rewarding. Successfully running a 3.5-gallon (13.2L) is no easy feat, but these pico systems can surprisingly hold an abundance of … Read more
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
If you love the idea of creating a natural look for your aquarium, you might want to know more about how to set up a blackwater tank. Blackwater biotopes are more challenging to create and manage than a regular setup, being more on par with reef or marine tanks. However, once your blackwater tank is … Read more
Tired of keeping fish tanks? Need to get away from water for a bit? Why not try something like a paludarium that combines the best of both worlds? Paludariums combine a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments, usually used to house fish, reptiles, amphibians, and even birds! Keep reading to find out everything you … Read more
