Aquatic plants are an extremely important addition to any freshwater fish tank. In return for a little simple maintenance, plants bring color and beauty to the underwater environment. They also add value by helping to oxygenate the water, taking up harmful nitrates, and providing plenty of hiding spots for shy fish and vulnerable fry. Beginners are often put off keeping living plants, assuming they’re difficult to care for. Although some species are indeed more challenging to keep than others, we’ve found ten ideal beginner plants. These species stand out for their resilience and simplicity of ..read more

Performing partial water changes every week or so is an essential part of your aquarium maintenance routine. But even though keeping your aquarium water in good condition and free from toxins is crucial for good fish health, your fishy friends can get pretty stressed out during the process. This guide explains how you can make those regular water changes much less stressful for your fish. I’ve also included some helpful tips on how to spot the signs of stress in your fish and what you can do to prevent this potentially serious condition from affecting your pets. Key Takeaways Importance of Ge ..read more

Owning an aquarium is a fun hobby that’s popular worldwide. Picture the scene; you’ve spent many hours and a lot of cash on designing the perfect aquascape and providing the perfect habitat for your pets. But what’s that horrendous smell coming from your fish tank? That can’t be happening! You maintain your tank correctly, and it’s full of fresh plants that are supposed to help purify the water. So, why does it stink so bad? If your aquarium smells bad, that means there’s a serious problem somewhere that needs your immediate attention. Keep reading to find out why your fish tank is still malod ..read more

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 in natural aquariums, particularly concerning the environment, the tank’s ecosystem, and your aquatic pets’ well-being. In this guide, I expose the problems with using artificial plants versus living ones. Keep reading to find out why using faux foliage in y ..read more

Knowing how to achieve the right water pH for a particular community of fish is a skill that separates fishkeeping pros from the rest. But what if your water pH is inconsistent and keeps fluctuating? Because unstable water pH can be dangerous to fish health and tank ecology, it’s important to know how to correct it. Here we’ll identify the chief causes and suggest some effective solutions to this awkward problem. Key Takeaways Water pH most often becomes unstable due to poor water quality in small aquariums that are overstocked with too many fish. Other causes for a fluctuating pH include the ..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 good! Overcrowded or improperly chosen decorations can significantly impact water flow, quality, and, ultimately, the well-being of your fish. In this article, I explore the hidden downsides of excessive decorations and explain how you can create a balanced, safe, healthy environment ..read more

If you’ve ever handled a fish, you’ll know that all fish are slimy and slippery. But why? Every fish’s body is completely covered by a layer of mucus called the slime coat. So, what is the slime coat made of? What is its purpose? And how can you maintain your fish’s slime coat in good condition? Keep reading to find out! Key Takeaways The slime coat is a vital protective barrier for fish, containing mucins, glycoproteins, and electrolytes that protect against pathogens, prevent dehydration, and support wound healing. Stress in the aquarium environment can damage the slime coat, so maintaining ..read more

Although many aquarium fish live relatively short lives, some enjoy impressive lifespans as long as you provide your pets with a high-quality diet and optimal living conditions. So, before taking on any of the following fishy friends, remember that you could be taking on a lifelong commitment, and in some cases, your pet could outlive you! Keep reading to discover ten amazing fish species that typically enjoy surprisingly long lifespans. Key Takeaways Lifelong companions: Certain aquarium fish like Koi and Lungfish have the potential for extraordinarily long lifespans, providing their owners ..read more

The 1980s marked an era of exuberance and bold experimentation, not just in fashion and music but also in the world of aquarium decor. I remember visiting my college friends’ homes and admiring the outlandish decor in their fish tanks, then catching the bus to my local fish store to buy something even more bizarre for my goldfish tank! It was quite a competition to see who could find the strangest, most eye-catching ornament out there! In a nod to those great days, this nostalgic article delves into the eccentric world of 1980s aquarium decor. It explores the most bizarre throwback ornaments t ..read more

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