Fish tanks without any plants exist outside of fish shops too. There are gorgeous minimalistic setups, full of healthy, happy fish. It is definitely a style of aquascaping I’d like to explore, only that I keep on postponing it. The thing is that I like gardening and I like plants. They add so much to…
Buying fish is a joyous experience on many levels. Getting new pretties in the tank, learning the adorable quirks of new species, adding the centerpiece fish to tie it all together… Glorious! But knowing how to buy new fish — from where, what to ask, which fish to pick — is essential for building a…
Most snails in the fishkeeping hobby come from the warm, tropical waters of South Asia, Africa, or Amazonia. However, you can keep a few species with your koi, goldfish, or other cold-loving fish species. Japanese trapdoor snails, apple snails, ramshorn snails, and pond snails all feel comfortable in temperatures below 20°C / 68°F. The pond…
Breeder tank is a common term in the fishkeeping world that refers to the dimensions of the aquarium. Breeder tanks have a larger footprint and are shallower than standard or high aquariums. The extra surface helps breed various species and provides room for stunning aquascapes. Many breeding tanks can be compartmentalized to keep the fry…
Old tank syndrome can happen to any tank. Just like new tank syndrome doesn’t occur only in newly set tanks, old tank syndrome isn’t reserved for aged aquariums. Old tank syndrome refers to poor water quality rather than actual aquarium age. It can and likely will appear in any unattended tank. The main signs of…
Snails are excellent additions to most aquariums. They are great cleaners, have interesting personalities, and most species are beautiful. Regardless of species-specific variables, the optimum tank conditions for aquarium snails share many similarities. Here they are in a nutshell: These are the basic aspects of aquarium snail care. Master them and you will have success…
Are danios nano fish? Small tanks aren’t great for zebra danios who are hyperactive swimmers that need space to dart around. But celestial pearl danios, also known as galaxy rasbora, are excellent nano fish. Colorful, peaceful, small, and not the most avid swimmers, a shoal of these beautiful little fish will brighten up any tank….
Algae are among the commonest challenges in the fishkeeping hobby. Luckily, nerite snails are among the popular gastropods in the hobby, too. Nerite snails are the best algae-eating aquarium snails. While others nibble occasionally, nerites actively seek algae to graze off the glass, driftwood, hardscape, and substrate. Pair this with their amazing looks and you…
Rabbit snails are some of the most fascinating mollusks in the fishkeeping hobby. Their unique appearance and captivating behavior make these versatile scavengers a welcome addition to any peaceful tank. What’s more, rabbit snails are relatively easy to care for in a tropical tank. They like warm water, slow flow at the bottom, decent hardness,…
Mystery snails are awesome! While not the most voracious algae eaters, they clean detritus and decaying plant matter, add a lot of color and character to the tank, and snail-dive like crazy. Taking care of mystery snails isn’t the easiest thing in the fishkeeping world — they aren’t guppy, after all — but it isn’t…
Starting a new tank can be tough, especially when you hear: “You’ve gotta wait for the tank to cycle before putting any fish in. At least for a week.” What? No pretty bettas or cardinal tetras for a week or more? But the aquarium is already set up! The thing is that certain natural processes…
