Freshwater aquarium advice & how-to
Practical, step-by-step help for a thriving planted tank — cycling, water changes, algae control, stocking and healthy fish.
How to cycle a new aquarium The nitrogen cycle explained: ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, and building a stable filter. Read the guide → Setting up your first tank From empty glass to planted display: substrate, hardscape, filter and heater in order. Read the guide → How to do a water change How much, how often and how to match temperature so weekly changes stay stress-free. Read the guide → How to get rid of algae Why algae blooms, and how light, nutrients and CO2 balance keep it in check. Read the guide → How to lower nitrates Practical ways to bring nitrates down with water changes, plants and feeding habits. Read the guide → Aquascaping for beginners Planting a tank that thrives: substrate, easy plant picks and layout basics. Read the guide → How many fish can I keep? Stocking sensibly by bioload, adult size and schooling needs — not old myths. Read the guide → Acclimating new fish Drip and float methods to ease new arrivals into your water without shock. Read the guide → Fishless cycling Cycle safely with a bottled ammonia source before any fish go in — no livestock stress. Read the guide → CO2 for beginners When a planted tank needs CO2, the gear involved and how to dose it safely. Read the guide → A maintenance schedule A simple daily-to-monthly routine for testing, feeding, cleaning and trimming. Read the guide → How to choose a filter Sizing a filter by the 4× turnover rule so your tank stays clear and healthy. Read the guide → How to choose a heater Wattage, safety features and sizing the right aquarium heater. Read the guide → How to clean a filter Clean your filter without crashing the biological cycle. Read the guide → How to plant aquarium plants Planting technique, root tabs, and rhizome plants like anubias. Read the guide → How to set up a shrimp tank A stable nano for Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. Read the guide → How to set up a betta tank A heated, gentle-flow home a betta will actually thrive in. Read the guide → How to set up a nano tank Small-tank setup done right, from cycling to stocking. Read the guide → How to set up a cold-water tank A heater-free tank for goldfish and hardy species. Read the guide → How to quarantine new fish Protect your tank with a simple quarantine routine. Read the guide → How to set up a community tank Pick fish that actually get along, level by level. Read the guide → How to grow a carpet Get a lush foreground carpet — high-tech or low-tech. Read the guide → How to set up a CO2 system Cylinder to diffuser, wired up and dialled in safely. Read the guide → How to move an aquarium Relocate a tank without losing fish or your cycle. Read the guide → How to clean aquarium glass Keep the viewing pane crystal clear, scratch-free. Read the guide → How to reduce aquarium maintenance Smart habits that keep a tank stable with less work. Read the guide →
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