General Aquarium Information

The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle aka Biological Filtration

The nitrogen cycle is the natural process, during which beneficial bacteria break down dissolved organic waste inside the aquarium. [...]

Biological Filtration Balances the Aquarium

Biological filtration is another term used to describe the aquarium nitrogen cycle. It's the process of beneficial bacteria breaking down organic waste in the water. [...]

Aquarium Filtration & Filter Options

Learn about the various aquarium filter types available for your fish tank, ranging from power filters, under gravel filters, to canister filters. Choose the filter [...]

Clear cloudy aquarium water and remove nitrates with Algone

Using Algone for Preventative Aquarium Maintenance

Algone maintains a low nitrate aquarium, clears and prevents cloudy aquarium water, and polishes the water to sparkling clarity. [...]

Nitrifying Bacteria – Breaking Down Aquarium Waste

Nitrifying bacteria are responsible for breaking down organic waste in the aquarium. This beneficial bacteria is needed for a healthy aquatic environment. [...]

Preventing Aquarium Nitrate

While nitrates can't be avoided entirely in the aquarium, there are steps the fish keeper can take to minimize how much nitrate is produced. [...]

Fish Population – Stocking Guidelines for the Aquarium

Stocking an aquarium with fish requires some considerations. Choose compatible species and avoid overpopulating the aquarium. [...]

Aquarium Water Parameters

A successful aquarium requires water parameters to be routinely checked and adjustments be made when needed. [...]

The ideal pH level for planted aquariums is anywhere between 6 - 8.5

How to Adjust the pH in Your Aquarium

Learn more about aquarium pH, what it means for aquarium fish, and how to make safe adjustments. A stable pH is very important for fish [...]

Triggerfish Crossbow-clown, Balistoides Conspicillum)

Cause & Effect of Aquarium Phosphates

With all the focus on nitrate, ammonia and pH, phosphate and its effect on the aquarium is often overlooked by the casual fish keeper. [...]

Aquarium Lighting Options for a Healthy Fish Tank

Not all light is equal. This is especially true for aquarium lighting. Not only can you select different lighting types, but the correct light spectrum [...]

Large Aquarium vs The Small Fish Tank

Budget, available space, and personal preference determines the size of our aquarium. For the beginner however, the right size aquarium can simplify fish keeping. [...]

The Importance of Oxygen in the Aquarium

Most fish keepers don't think too much about the oxygen on the aquarium. Low oxygen levels are uncommon in healthy fish tanks. Review more aquarium [...]

Activated Carbon and Chemical Aquarium Filtration

Activated carbon is used to remove chemical impurities from the aquarium water. Not surprisingly, this is referred to as chemical filtration. But how does it [...]

Cycling the Aquarium Without Fish

Traditionally a fish tank is setup with live fish from the onset. It exposes fish to high levels of toxicity. To avoid this, consider cycling [...]

Choosing the Right Aquarium Substrate

Substrate will have an impact on the look of your aquarium. The preferred look is a personal choice, but beware of other effects the substrate [...]

Pleco Catfish Hypostomus Plecostomus aquarium fish

Effects of Ammonia on Aquarium Fish

Ammonia is a toxic by-product of the aquarium nitrogen cycle. It's the first nutrient produced by nitrifying bacteria. Ammonia should never be detectable in an [...]

Nitrites and the Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrites are a natural part of the aquarium nitrogen cycle. Nitrite is highly toxic for fish and levels must be kept undetectable at all times. [...]

Nitrate & the Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

Aquarium nitrate is the final by-product of the nitrogen cycle. It's the least toxic nutrient, however it must be regularly removed to avoid algae outbreaks. [...]

Aquariums and Power Outages

What happens to an aquarium when the power goes out? Short term power outages are usually harmless, but a plan of action is need when [...]

How to Catch a Fish in an Aquarium

Anyone who has ever attempted to catch a fish in the aquarium knows this can be a challenging and frustrating task. Try this. [...]

Is a Nano Tank Right for Me?

Maintaining a nano tank has its own specific challenges. The smaller the aquarium, the greater the need for accuracy when maintaining and caring for fish. [...]

Chemical Aquarium Filtration

Chemical aquarium filtration sounds more complicated then it is. While the processes may be technical in nature, it is easily achieved with activated carbon. [...]

Setting Up Your First Aquarium

Tips for the beginner setting up an aquarium for the first time. Here are our recommendations for tank size, filter, and other essential equipment. [...]

Choose Compatible Fish for a New Aquarium

Avoid aquarium disaster by carefully selecting compatible fish. It's in the description "community" tank. Your goal is to combine species that live peacefully in one [...]

Vacation Tips for the Aquarium Owner

Going on vacation? Here are some tips on leaving your aquarium for an extended time while you're enjoying time away from home. [...]

Aquarium Cycling Without Fish

Consider cycling your aquarium without live fish. Using pure ammonia to cycle the aquarium avoids fish being exposed to harmful nutrients during the process. [...]

The Small Aquarium

Small aquariums can present a greater challenge. A small aquarium can be very rewarding, but beware that the limited volume is less forgiving if overstocked [...]

Freshwater Fish Habitats

Interested in where common freshwater fish come from? We put together a brief overview of the natural habitats of some popular aquarium fish species. [...]

Converting a Freshwater Aquarium to Saltwater

Ready to move from a freshwater to a saltwater aquarium? Make the leap with your existing tank and equipment, with just a few items to [...]

Reduce Fish Stress When Moving Your Aquarium

Moving and taking your aquarium with you? With a little preparation you can considerably minimize the stress on your fish and yourself. [...]

Choosing the Right Fish for Your Aquarium

The rule of thumb for aquarium stocking rates is commonly considered one inch of fish for every 2 gallons of freshwater; and one inch per [...]

The Brackish Aquarium

Brackish habitats can be found in nature throughout the world where river deltas meet the ocean. These environments are known as estuaries, mangrove forests or [...]

Aquarium Power Consumption. Energy Cost of a Fish Tank

Worried about the impact of an aquarium on your electric bill? There are various factors that will determine the cost of electricity to run a [...]

History of the Aquarium & Fish Keeping

Want to know more about the origins of aquariums and fish keeping? Check out this fun fact filled overview of the history of the aquarium. [...]

The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle aka Biological Filtration

The nitrogen cycle is the natural process, during which beneficial bacteria break down dissolved organic waste inside the aquarium. [...]

Biological Filtration Balances the Aquarium

Biological filtration is another term used to describe the aquarium nitrogen cycle. It's the process of beneficial bacteria breaking down organic waste in the water. [...]