Many different types of fish can be kept in an aquarium as pets. However, some are more delicate than others and require high maintenance. On the other hand, others are hardy and low-maintenance, so they are an excellent option for beginners. Below is a look at the 8 easiest fish to keep and beginner fish…
Cleaning and water change are the most time-consuming aspects of maintaining a fish tank. You should change at least 25% of the water in the fish tank weekly or biweekly. You should also clean the substrate every month. As such, self-cleaning aquariums make maintenance easier. Below is a review of the 10 best low-maintenance fish…
Live aquarium plants are not only decorative, but they also help in keeping the water oxygenated and get rid of fish waste. However, not every type of aquarium plant is suitable. Some are only suitable for freshwater aquariums, while others are for salty aquariums. Similarly, if you have a 5-10 gallons fish tank, go for…
The key to creating a modern aquarium is incorporating the various elements objectively and creatively. Each component has a functional aspect that you must think about. However, they also have aesthetic value that, if not well-thought-out, can result in an amateur-looking aquarium. Below are 7 tips for incorporating the various components to create a modern…
Mental health is a real issue in fish, just as it is in human beings. Fish can get depressed. You can easily tell if your fish is depressed. You may notice that happy, healthy, and vibrant fish becomes lethargic with minimal movement. Below are 4 tips on fish depression: the causes of depression in fish,…
Fish tank decorations and aquarium plants are prone to dirt accumulation and algae build-up. They could also form a breeding ground for bad bacteria if left uncleaned. The accumulated dirt can also compromise the water conditions. Therefore, alongside cleaning the tank and changing the water, you need to clean the aquarium decorations and plants regularly….
One of the key decisions you have to make when buying an aquarium is whether to buy a saltwater or freshwater tank. Each type of aquarium is suitable for different types of fish and has varying associated costs and maintenance requirements. Freshwater aquariums are designed for keeping freshwater fish. These species are often found in…
The common misconception about aquarium lighting is that its presence is for mere aesthetics only. However, seasoned aquarists know better. A fish tank needs the right lighting to ensure the aquatic life stays healthy and alive. So, why do fishes need light? An aquarium fish needs light to help them distinguish between day and night….
Phosphorus, also referred to as phosphate by some, is a chemical element and mineral needed by most organisms for growth. Reef aquariums also require the presence of phosphate for the corals and fish to thrive. However, the proper phosphate levels for reef tanks must be achieved. Otherwise, it can lead to algae outbreaks. Maintaining the…
Starting a new aquarium isn’t a walk in the park. Some people may make it look easy, but it is easier said than done. Proper knowledge about the fish tank, tank water, and even the type of fish you have is needed. Things like water parameters and how often to change water in fish tank…
Having a pet tortoise is a good idea for those who want to have a low-maintenance pet. Tortoises don’t need to be walked like dogs, won’t ruin your furniture like cats, and won’t scare children as much as exotic pets as snakes do. However, it is still important to know how to take care of…
An aquarium filter is an indispensable part of the fish tank. Its main function is removing debris and impurities in the water, supporting the lives of all fish species. Luckily, hardy fish that don’t need a filter to exist can survive in varied tank conditions. Along with hardy fish, small, solitary and coldwater fish are…
As an aquarist, you always make sure your pet fish is at the brim of health. Water quality is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy fish. The overall environment of the fish tank also ensures whether you get a dead fish or one that can live for a long time. How to save a…
Most turtle species are known to be wonderful swimmers. An aquatic turtle like the terrapin can live both in water and land. But what about tortoises? Tortoises and turtles are both reptiles. However, they differ regarding their liking of water, which makes us question, “Can tortoises swim?” Tortoises cannot swim as much as most turtles…
Maintaining your aquarium’s cleanliness is one of the most important things you must do to ensure your fish remain healthy. Of course, this does not mean that cleaning the aquarium and replacing the water inside is not an arduous task. If you do not have a water filter, you must keep changing the water frequently….
If you love aquariums, you are probably a fan of those that include as much of the natural surroundings of fishes as possible. Fishes that live in captivity need a space that feels comfortable and familiar. Therefore, there is no better way to provide them with that than by adding plant life into your aquarium….
The goldfish is one of the most popular fish you can find in an aquarium and is considered a cold water fish. People prefer them because they come in a wide variety of shapes and forms and, most importantly, for the beauty of their vibrant color. They are also fairly small in size, so it…
Are you thinking of getting an aquarium for your home or office but want something that will wow your family or guests? Or perhaps you want to makeover your existing tank to give it a unique character? Whether your goal is to build a new tank or upgrade one, there is surely one design that…
![Types of Pond Turtle: [20 Amazing Species You Can Keep In Your Backyard Pond]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Types-of-Pond-Turtle-768x407.jpg "Types of Pond Turtle")
Turtles are very distinctive animals, consisting of between 300 and 400 species (the actual number is debatable). Some can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds while others live in the ocean. Turtles have been around for 200 million years! They are divided into three categories that are sometimes wrongly referred to as real turtles,…
![How To Make A Self Sustaining Aquarium: [A to Z Guide]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-To-Make-A-Self-Sustaining-Aquarium-768x407.png "How To Make A Self Sustaining Aquarium")
Owning an aquarium that can clean itself is a great relief for you. Isn’t it? Both your energy and time will be saved. As a fish owner, you must have thought of getting rid of the duty of maintenance. As a beginner, it might be a bit difficult for you to build a self-sustaining aquarium….
Once you are done setting up an aquarium, the first thought that comes in your head is how can you grow the aquatic plants faster and make them healthy so the fishes living in the aquarium can have a safe habitat. Unlike humans, CO2 is very important for plants to grow. And with a proper…
Aquascaping is all about innovative and blissful decorations with plants and hardscape in a tank. There are limitless opportunities and ideas on how you should design an aquarium. While there are some fixed styles invented by some creative people, you can surely go on with your own ideas. You can take professional help to create…
Due to the huge popularity “Finding Nemo” has garnered, Clownfish has occupied a significant place in the hearts of fish lovers. They are popular aquarium residents because they are hardy, attractive, and relatively easy to take care of. However, not all fish make great tank mates for these little guys and it’s important to choose…
In an aquarium, there are different kinds of fish from different ecosystems. It looks absolutely beautiful to watch them playing. One thing they all have in common is that they all love waves and currents. That’s why owners try to replicate it using artificial means. Powerheads and wavemakers are two tools through which you can…
With their gorgeous and vibrant colors and flowing fins, betta fishes are a sight to behold. No wonder they are so popular in the aquarium hobby. And to keep them happy and thriving, your bettas need more than a small bowl. Planted aquariums fulfill all of the requirements for a great betta environment. Live plants…
Snails are the most common dwellers in a freshwater aquarium. They play a vital part in retaining aquariums. Choosing the right snail for your aquarium needs a lot of research and time. The majority of snails are scavengers that feast on algae, dead plant remains, and other remnants, making snails an excellent alternative to help…
This article is the second in a series of articles where we will discuss our work over the last few years. To better understand the information in this article, we recommend that you read the first article [1]. When selecting a luminaire, you should consider the following criteria, which we regard as important for aquarium…
When it comes to aquarium filters, undoubtedly, canister filters bring the magic out of its hat. It is the most high-performing, durable, and efficient filtering system out there for aquariums of all sorts. It works fine for freshwater, planted, and even saltwater tanks. Furthermore, it provides all three types of filtration for the aquarium. Since…
When you buy and set up a new aquarium, choosing the right substrate for it is an essential issue. These days, people alsoselect plants, specific substrates, or gravel for their aquarium to help the plants grow better and faster. However, cleaning the planted aquarium substrate is as essential as setting up the fish tank substrate….
Naturally, whenever we think of aquariums- we imagine tons of water, vibrant colored fish, some UV lights, and a whole bunch of plants. But those with a vivacious taste want something unseen in mundane life. For them, a sand aquarium is a perfect match. Plants in a sand aquarium pave the way for a unique…
Ask any expert aquarist or fish owner, they will reply that opting for the canister filter for their aquarium is one of the best decisions they have made in their fish keeping journey. The canister filter is suitable for freshwater, planted, and saltwater aquariums. However, when you 1st use the filter you might want to…
Aquatic plants are super cool. They add freshness and life to your aquarium, give the tank an aesthetic look, supply valuable oxygen to your aquatic pets and give you piece of mind when you sit in front of your aquarium. An underwater garden commonly known as aquascape is a great way to ornate your fish…
Your aquarium isn’t complete without plants. They add beauty and complete the most important tasks to set up a healthy ecosystem inside your aquarium. Plants need fertilizers to have good growth and health. Also, you need to avoid algae by providing everything to the plants so that they won’t rot, die off, or face any…
Editor’s Note: It’s my immense pleasure to introduce Dmitry Karpenko, a passionate aquarist with over 40 years of experience. Dmitry’s public aquarium exhibition was recognized as the best in Russia back in 2000. For the last 8 years Dmitry and his team is dedicated to develop LED lights for aquariums. As the project now enters…
A week ago, my niece came to my home with his momma. She was keen at watching my bettas right in the living room. She was so impressed with the bettas that he kept looking at them almost throughout the day. And guess what? After observing my fishes for three days, she asked me, “Doesn’t…
The shortage of open space has forced people to find an alternative way of gardening as a hobby. No doubt planted aquariums are getting so much popularity among fish lovers and plant lovers. It is soothing to watch. Sometimes a beautifully maintained planted aquarium becomes the main attraction of your living room. If you don’t…
![11 Best Aquarium Carpet Plants For Beginners: [That Are Easy To Grow]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/best-aquarium-carpet-plants-for-beginners-768x727.jpg "best aquarium carpet plants for beginners")
Let’s get acquainted with aquarium carpet plants! The name says what they are, isn’t it? Carpet plants are kinds of live aquatic plants that spread themselves along the substrate, forming a natural carpet in the aquarium. Live aquarium plants can accompany your aquarium journey with many benefits. Besides enhancing the aesthetic appeal, they establish a…
Most people admire an aquarium because it adds décor to the house. But there are a lot of materials that go into keeping its environment functional and healthy. The aquatic plants and fish need nutrients to thrive. If you are planning to keep a planted aquarium, you need to know about the necessary components. Other…
Planted aquariums are always beneficial because it does not only increase the beauty of the tank but also it provides sufficient dissolved oxygen to the fish. At times, the ecosystem fails to provide the organic carbon necessary. Later it leads to hindrance in food production for your aquatic life. So, for your convenience, it is…
Feeding turtles with a proper diet is essential to maintain their health. And when we talk about turtle diet, a combo of proteins and vegetables is crucial at the optimal level. While access to vegetables is easy, sometimes finding the right protein source can be hectic. So, turtle owners sometimes look for natural protein sources…
Aiptasia Anemone; an enemy to all aquarists. It reeks of despair and destruction. For this blood-thirsty parasite, your habitual aquarium is an oasis. Their ruthless assault is enough to drive any tank enthusiast nuts. As an enemy, it attacks in large numbers and surrounds the whole tank, harming all its habitat. These vicious creatures multiply…
If you have ever seen a vibrant saltwater tank or gone scuba diving in the ocean, you will know how beautiful the reef environment is with its fishes and corals. Most people want to recreate that beauty by setting up their reef tanks at home. However, you cannot just randomly stock an aquarium with fishes…
Aquariums around the world display beautiful marine life. It makes it easier for people who are not able to scuba dive enjoy the vivid beauty of the sea. Likewise, aquariums are fun for both adults and children; however, if we cannot see what is on display, then where’s the fun in that? If your reef…
As an aquarist, we understand how tricky it is to manage all the marine species. Although there are many hacks or tricks for maintenance, you need to know when to apply the techniques so that your aquarium is in excellent condition. And today, we will be discussing one such essential technique that can help you…
Fragging is one of the primary hobbies and also a source of income for any reef enthusiast. No one wants to ignore the possibility of a few extra bucks, right? Even if you are not an experienced reefer and you wish to begin reefing, then zoanthids are one of the easiest corals that you can…
When it comes to planted tanks, one of the essential elements you need to focus on is a substrate that you’re going to use. Choosing the best substrate is very important for your planted tank because it makes a big difference and also has a significant impact on the aftermath of the container, either positively…
Maintaining an aquarium (saltwater or freshwater) is a tedious task. It requires constant attention and effort from the keeper. And sometimes, despite all your effort, all can quickly go south! At times, even the premium aquarium filters have a hard time maintaining the environment of your tank. Chances are, you tried several alternatives. However, the…
In a planted tank, fertilizers are very important. Plants need CO2, fertilizers and light for their growth. All three are important. And they need to be balanced. So, you cannot have like good light and high CO2 but low fertilizers. Similarly, you cannot have low co2 and low light but provide high fertilizers. But among…
Aquascapes and planted tanks are extremely rewarding if done right. But finding the balance for a thriving planted tank could be tricky, specially for beginners. Many people suffer with finding the right balance in their planted tanks and as a result they grow more algae than actual plants. Sounds familiar? Well, been there, done that!…
One thing that pops into our mind when talking about frags is grenades. So, let us clear out the air; we are not talking about crazy war equipment; instead, we are discussing about fragging corals and how to do that by yourself. Most of you probably have limited knowledge of aquarium and corals; however, it…
We understand your desire to purchase and even maintain a reef aquarium. It has all the vivid colors, and it feels like you have a mini ocean right in your living room. However, the aesthetic value you get from this aquarium comes at a cost (don’t spook prematurely!) By cost, what I mean is, you…
![How to Quarantine Saltwater Fish: [Step By Step Guide]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/quarantine-saltwater-fish-768x435.jpg "quarantine saltwater fish")
If you’re interested in keeping an aquarium in your home, then you need to know the basic rules and regulations of fish keeping. Don’t just get too excited after setting up your nano reef tank. To make sure that marine life stays healthy, you need to consider quarantining the fish. In this article, we’ll be…
There are quite a few SPS corals that you can get for your reef tank. While it is true that LPS corals are comparatively easier to take care of, with proper knowledge, you can get your fish tank to shine with SPS corals too. Keeping this in mind, we are going to review some of…
Best CO2 diffusers will deliver the right level of carbon dioxide (CO2) and promote vibrant and healthy aquatic plants underwater. While all CO2 diffusers accomplish the same thing, there are subtleties involved. All of a sudden, this simple tool will prove to be a matter of concern. And, aquarists could find it very confusing to…
Reef tanks are getting more and more popular day by day. Though some of the system and ideas revolving around such tanks keep changing, what remains constant is the live rock. Be it artificial or natural, live rock happens to be the most important part of a saltwater aquarium or a reef tank. You may…
The growth of microorganisms such as copepods, amphipods or macroalgae in your saltwater aquarium can be hard especially if you have a large or growing fish population. The microorganisms have no chance of thriving in an environment with a huge population of predators. Yet they are crucial if you want to create a natural habitat…
![10 Best Saltwater Fish For Beginners: [That Are Easy To Keep]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/best-saltwater-fish-for-beginners-768x510.jpg "best saltwater fish for beginners")
There are quite many saltwater fishes that you can possibly keep in your Aquarium. It, however, doesn’t mean that all saltwater fishes are compatible. If you are a beginner then, you should be extra careful about the fishes you keep. This is due to the fact that saltwater fishes can be more difficult to take…
Whether you’re just getting started with a new reef tank, or you already have a tank and are looking for ways to optimize the way it works, live sand can be of help in creating the perfect environment for the inhabitants of your marine aquarium. In this article, I’ll explain a few things about live…
When most people plan to start their first ever saltwater and reef aquarium they have a notion that water parameters in a saltwater environment is a difficult topic. However, I believe this is just a notion and the truth is quite different. If you go into the in-depth complexity and analysis, things may seem to…
The first thing you need to know when it comes to buying fish for a saltwater aquarium is about their compatibility. Some fish are peaceful towards others and there are some fish that attack everything they see. Without knowing whether a particular fish can reside with other tank mates peacefully or not can lead to…
In the tropics, people go snorkeling every day just to catch a glimpse of the beautiful fish and coral that live there. So, being able to have a mini version of those reefs in your home is an amazing and rewarding experiences. It does take work and dedication. But if done properly, you can have…
Always dreamed of a nice marine aquarium? Don’t know how to get started? Don’t worry. Follow my six-step instruction, and you’ll have a saltwater mix for your reef tank in no time. But before we jump into the salt-mixing part let us know some important facts and chemistry about sea water. To replicate a piece…
According to the 2017-2018 survey on pet ownership by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 2.5 million Americans own saltwater fish. Even though this number is very low compared to the 12.5 million freshwater fish owners, it is still a big number. If you own a saltwater aquarium or a reef tank, then you must…
![What Type Of Aquarium Is Right For You: [Fish Tank Selection Guide]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Choosing-A-Fish-Tank-768x432.jpeg "Choosing A Fish Tank")
The success in the aquarium hobby requires research, learning, and patience. Most people do not spend time researching and discovering the current aquarium choices at home. Due to lack of research, many people have failed to maintain an aquarium successfully. Every year, thousands of new fish keepers will discover the natural wonders of the aquarium….
![Best Floating Aquarium Plants: [A Beginner’s Guide]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/best-floating-aquarium-plants-768x577.jpg "best floating aquarium plants")
Before revealing the secret of floating plants, Let me ask you, are you an aquarium enthusiast? Let’s assume you’ve got a nice tank, filled with diversified tropical fish. Or maybe, you’re searching for ways to adorn your aquarium with some aesthetic natural substance that will ultimately transform the overall beauty of your aquarium. If you…
Some uses aquarium as home decor and some nourishes it as a hobby. But there are many micro-organisms which may destroy your fish tank or may cause bad health of your aquarium in spite of having a filtration system. A UV sterilizer is that defensive equipment for one’s aquarium which can hinder the growth of…
It doesn’t need the study of chemistry to understand the importance of pH. You must know that a minor alteration in the level of pH may result in a great change. I don’t know how often you check the pH of your aquarium but it must be done at least once a month and yes…
Having a fish tank in your home/office can be quite awesome and immense way to create such a relaxing mood in your home or office. You watch the swimming scene of fishes in such tanks and according to some reports, it can help you to reduce stress and control the blood pressure level. If you…
Can you imagine an underwater garden inside your home? It may sound impossible few years back. But that is what technology, imagination and creativity can do. And yes, we are talking about Aquascaping. Aquascaping is not rocket science. If you follow this simple step by step guide then you can create an underwater garden all…
![Carpeting Plants Without CO2: [Step by Step Guide]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Carpeting-Plants-Without-CO2-768x270.jpg "Carpeting Plants Without CO2")
Days are long gone when aquarium meant a glass tank with some weird toys and ugly looking plastic decorations. These days they are more vibrant with live aquatic plants. And even a lush green carpet inside your aquarium has also become a reality. A small piece of nature inside your living room, how cool is…
First of all, I would like to say kudos to you for choosing such an interesting, but also challenging activity like fish keeping. Challenging? What can be so difficult about keeping a few fishes in a glass tank, you might ask? Well, there are a number of factors that can influence the downfall or the…
The Marimo Moss Ball is the filamentous fresh water green algae with a soft exterior surface and a spongy body. They don’t have roots like the other plants. They mostly remain sunken at the tank substrate. The algal filaments of the species originate from the center and spread out to the surface of the ball structure….
Owning a healthy planted tank depends a great deal on how well you have created a base inside the tank. To create the perfect base you need the best substrate for planted aquarium. A substrate is basically one of the key factors which can give you the perfect planted tank. It is used at the…
![Best Light for Aquarium Plants: [Reviews, Comparison & Buyer’s Guide]](https://expertaquarist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Best-Light-for-Aquarium-Plants-768x370.jpg "Best Light for Aquarium Plants")
We aquarium fanatics do a lot to ornate our underwater ecosystems. We put hundreds of dollars in line to purchase the best devices and chemicals to keep the bio-network running smoothly. And the most crucial part of every ecology is the light source. But, some factors make finding the best LED light for aquarium plants…
Unpleasant power outages happen in the most unexpected times. If you as an owner of an aquarium have a short power outage, you shouldn’t have any major problems given that you frequently and properly take care of the fish tank. But what if the power outage is prolonged? How to Keep Fish Alive during hours-long…
Regular aquarium maintenance should be done to both avoid expensive and time-consuming issues and maintain the health of the fish. If you ensure constant care of the aquarium, aquarium water, as well as the interior conditions, there won’t be any need for major changes. By following some simple steps you can keep fish tank clean…
The isolated nature of aquariums means that the buildup of a variety of harmful elements is unavoidable. Besides, the processing capacity of the ecosystem of a fish tank certainly can’t compare with that of a sea or a lake. That’s when aquarium water treatment and relevant products come in handy. If you are running a…
Fish tank temperature is crucial for maintaining the health of your fish and plants. Firstly, it is important because each species has its own requirements for water temperature. Apart from that, monitoring aquarium temperature can help with properly treating disease, breeding fish, and many more. There is no scientific data on whether or not slight…
Quarantining plants, before adding to your main aquarium, is the best practice to prevent any foreign material or unwanted pests being accidentally introduced to your tank. This is a very easy and inexpensive practice, and can save you from a lot of trouble in the future. Today we will discuss everything about plant quarantine. Why…
Just bought your first fish tank and really excited to flood it & add new fish? Wait a minute! You are doing something very wrong! Without aquarium cycle, adding fish on the very first day of tank setup will become deadly. It will definitely introduce “New Tank Syndrome” and all of your precious little fishes…