Guides
Aquarium care guides
Practical, step-by-step answers to the questions every fishkeeper runs into, written to be read in five minutes.
Getting startedHow to set up a new aquarium, step by stepA practical checklist for setting up a new aquarium: choosing the tank, equipment, substrate, cycling and adding your first fish safely.Water chemistryThe aquarium nitrogen cycle, explainedWhat the nitrogen cycle is, why new aquariums need to cycle, how long it takes and how to know when your tank is safe for fish.Water chemistryAmmonia in the aquarium: causes, symptoms and what to doWhy ammonia appears in aquariums, how to recognize ammonia poisoning in fish, and the exact steps to bring it back to zero safely.Water chemistryHow to lower nitrate in an aquariumWhat causes high nitrate, safe nitrate levels for freshwater and reef tanks, and practical ways to bring it down and keep it low.MaintenanceAquarium water changes: how much, how often and howHow often to change aquarium water, what percentage to change, and how to do it safely for freshwater, planted, shrimp and reef tanks.Fish healthWhite spot disease (ich): how to recognize and treat itHow to recognize white spot (Ichthyophthirius) in freshwater fish, why it spreads, and proven heat, salt and medication treatments.Fish healthHow to set up and use a quarantine tankWhy every aquarist should quarantine new fish, how to set up a simple quarantine tank and how long to observe new arrivals.MaintenanceAquarium algae: identify the type and fix the causeHow to identify the most common aquarium algae (green, brown diatoms, black beard, hair, green water, cyanobacteria) and fix the imbalance behind them.PlantsAquarium plant nutrient deficiencies: how to read the leavesHow to spot nitrogen, potassium, iron, phosphate and CO₂ deficiencies in aquarium plants from their leaves, and how to fix each one.ReefReef tank alkalinity, calcium and magnesium: a practical guideTarget ranges for alkalinity, calcium and magnesium in a reef aquarium, why stability matters more than numbers, and how to dose safely.
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