Expert Knowledge
Comprehensive guides to help you master every aspect of fish keeping, from your first tank to advanced techniques.
Essential guides for new aquarists
Master the drip method, plop and drop, and temperature matching techniques. Learn step-by-step procedures for safely introducing fish to your aquarium and troubleshooting acclimation problems.
Essential safety guide for households with children and pets. Learn about securing aquariums, childproofing measures, electrical safety, and preventing accidents around fish tanks.
Learn modern stocking rules for 2026. Understand why "1 inch per gallon" is outdated, how to calculate bioload, and create balanced community tanks that thrive.
A comprehensive step-by-step guide for setting up your first aquarium in 2026. Updated with modern equipment recommendations, cycling methods, and beginner-friendly fish options based on current best practices.
Complete beginner guide to saltwater reef aquariums. Learn tank setup, cycling, equipment selection, fish and coral choices, and maintenance for a thriving reef tank in 2026.
Understanding and managing water parameters
Comprehensive guide to aquarium water sources including tap water, reverse osmosis, deionized water, well water, and aging/treatment techniques for safe aquarium use.
Master the nitrogen cycle - the most critical process in aquarium keeping. Learn the 2026 methods for cycling your tank quickly and safely, with scientific explanations and troubleshooting tips.
Master water chemistry with 2026 updated information. Learn about pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and how to maintain perfect parameters for any fish species.
Master aquarium water chemistry with detailed coverage of test kits, essential parameters, testing frequency, and interpreting results. Learn to maintain perfect water conditions for healthy fish.
Choosing and maintaining aquarium equipment
Comprehensive comparison of aquarium filtration systems including hang-on-back, canister, sponge, and sump filters. Learn the pros and cons of each type to choose the perfect filtration for your tank.
Comprehensive guide to selecting, sizing, and maintaining aquarium heaters. Covers all heater types, placement strategies, temperature controllers, and troubleshooting common heating issues in 2026.
Complete guide to aquarium heating including heater types, proper sizing calculations, strategic placement, thermostat management, and maintaining stable temperatures for healthy fish.
Comprehensive guide to aquarium lighting in 2026. Learn about LED technology, PAR values, photoperiods, and how to control algae while maximizing plant growth and fish coloration.
Comprehensive guide to aquarium substrates including gravel, sand, aqua soil, and specialty options. Learn about depth requirements, cleaning techniques, and choosing the right substrate for your tank.
Expert guide to choosing the right aquarium substrate. Compare gravel vs sand vs plant substrates, learn optimal depths, cleaning techniques, and 2026 product recommendations for every tank type.
Comprehensive guide to aquarium filtration in 2026. Compare hang-on-back, canister, sponge, and internal filters. Flow rates, media types, and maintenance explained.
Master aquarium lighting with comprehensive coverage of PAR values, photoperiod management, LED technology comparisons, and algae control through proper illumination strategies.
Keeping your aquarium clean and healthy
Complete maintenance schedule for aquariums. Organized checklists for daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks. Keep your tank healthy with consistent care routines.
Comprehensive maintenance schedule covering daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal aquarium care tasks. Learn systematic approaches to keep your tank pristine and fish healthy year-round.
Master algae control in aquariums. Identify different algae types, understand causes, implement removal strategies, and prevent future outbreaks with 2026 best practices and products.
Critical emergency procedures for aquarium disasters. Power outages, equipment failures, disease outbreaks, and fish emergencies - what to do when every minute counts.
Complete nutrition guide for aquarium fish. Learn what to feed, how often, and how much. 2026 updated recommendations for optimal fish health and coloration.
Step-by-step guide to safely moving your aquarium. Learn how to pack fish, transport equipment, minimize stress, and successfully set up your tank at a new location.
Complete guide to preparing your aquarium for travel and vacation. Learn about auto feeders, vacation blocks, asking friends for help, and ensuring your fish stay healthy while you're away.
Master aquarium maintenance with 2026 techniques. Learn proper water change procedures, gravel cleaning, filter maintenance, and troubleshooting common problems.
Preventing and treating fish illnesses
Comprehensive guide to preventing and treating fish diseases. Updated 2026 treatment protocols, medication recommendations, and quarantine procedures.
Master the essential quarantine process for new aquarium fish. Learn proper setup, duration requirements, preventative medications, and when it's safe to introduce fish to your main tank.
Complete guide to establishing a quarantine tank including setup procedures, equipment selection, medications, observation protocols, and when to safely release fish to your main tank.
Comprehensive guide to diagnosing and treating ich, fin rot, dropsy, velvet disease, and other common aquarium fish ailments. Learn professional treatment protocols for successful recovery.
Detailed care for specific fish types
Learn how to select fish that coexist peacefully. Discover compatible community combinations, semi-aggressive mixing strategies, and how to avoid disastrous tank mate choices that lead to stress and aggression.
Comprehensive guide to cichlid care covering African Rift Lake and South American species. Learn about tank setup, aggression management, water parameters, and species-specific requirements.
Master freshwater shrimp keeping in 2026. Learn care requirements for Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other popular species. Covers breeding, tank setup, water parameters, and common issues.
Explore the fascinating world of fish behavior including schooling dynamics, territorial instincts, breeding rituals, and stress indicators. Learn to read your fish like a professional aquarist.
Raising the next generation
Creating beautiful underwater landscapes
Learn aquascaping fundamentals for 2026. Design principles, plant selection, hardscape placement, and maintenance for stunning planted aquariums.
Master the art of aquascaping with golden ratio principles, focal point creation, hardscape selection, and strategic plant placement. Learn professional design techniques for breathtaking aquarium layouts.
Comprehensive comparison of live versus artificial aquarium plants covering maintenance requirements, costs, benefits for fish, and practical considerations for your tank.
For experienced aquarists
Master CO2 injection for aquarium plants with detailed guidance on pressurized systems, DIY setups, bubble counters, and daily scheduling for optimal plant growth and algae control.
Master CO2 injection for planted aquariums in 2026. Compare DIY yeast systems vs pressurized setups, learn proper dosing, equipment selection, and achieve lush plant growth without algae.
Build a thriving planted aquarium from start to finish. Covers low-tech to high-tech setups, aquascaping techniques, plant selection, and maintenance for every skill level.
We're constantly adding new guides. If you have a specific question, check out our blog or fish database.