Matt

My name is Matt and I have been fishkeeping since I was a child. I am a professional in animal husbandry, which gives me a great understanding of chemistry, biology, and genetics. My fascination with fishkeeping led me to this point – I decided to create a website about my passion. My goal is to educate anyone who wants to start or already keeps aquarium fish.

5 best filters for 30 gallon fish tank review 2024

A good aquarium filter will keep your aquarium healthy. However, finding the right filter might require a bit of time and work. With so many options on the market, selecting the right filter for your specific aquarium size and type of fish can be a daunting task. In this article I will explain why a…

Rotala Rotundifolia Care Guide – Planting, Growing, and Propagation

Rotala Rotundifolia is one of the most popular aquatic plants among aquascapers. It is especially prized for its vibrant colors and ease of maintenance. Native to Southeast Asia, Rotala is known for its unique ability to change color depending on light intensity. Under the right lighting conditions and with sufficient nutrients, the plant can transform…

Ghost catfish: Complete Care Guide

It's easy to see why these fish are so popular in aquariums. Their transparent bodies immediately catch the eye, which is why they're called glass catfish. They're also known by a few other names – ghost fish, glass cat and phantom catfish. This guide will help you learn how to care for glass catfish. You'll…

Mechanical filtration: Types of mechanical filter media

Mechanical and biological filtrations are both important for maintaining a healthy aquarium. While you might manage without chemical filtration, you really can't overlook the importance of mechanical and biological filtration—they work hand in hand. Even though biological filtration plays a key role, skipping mechanical filtration could lead to poor water quality. Below, I'll explain what…

Biological filtration – the living aquarium filter – how it works?

Did you know that your filter is alive? Yep, it's true! Those good bacteria in the filter keep your aquarium clean and healthy. Without them, it would be a mess! Biological filtration has a huge impact on water quality. The bacteria in the filter are responsible for removing nasty substances in the water. In this…

Three Spot Gourami: Complete Care Guide

These are one of the most popular freshwater fish. They belong to the Osphronemidae family and come from southeast Asia. The three spot gourami is named from the characteristic points on the sides of the fish. Generally, 2 points are visible and the third one is barely visible or does not exist at all. Depending…

Clown Loach: Complete Care Guide

Clown loach, with its bright colors and fun behavior, is one of the most popular fish. It adds life to any aquarium and can even make smile people who aren't usually interested in fishkeeping at all. It's very easily available in aquarium stores, but if you want keep them in your aquarium you'll need a…

7 common reasons why your aquarium smells bad and how to fix it

Do you notice a bad smell coming from your fish tank? It could mean there's a problem with your aquarium. A well-maintained aquarium should not have any bad odor. There are many reasons that can cause a bad odor from your aquarium. Here, I'll talk about why your aquarium might smell bad and how you…

5 Best Algae Scrapers Review 2024

Choosing the best algae scraper turned out to be a very interesting experience. My aquariums accumulated large amounts of algae so I could check which algae scraper would work best. I chose the 5 most popular algae scrapers. Below I will present you the results of my tests. I think you will quickly find the…

Gold Barb: Complete care guide

Gold barb will certainly brighten up your aquarium. It impresses with its colors and shoaling behavior. However, what makes them most popular is their ease of care. Perfect for beginner aquarists. If you are just starting your adventure, this will be the perfect fish for you. In this article I will discuss everything you need…

What happens if you put too much dechlorinator in your fish tank?

The water condition is crucial to fish health when you introduce fish to you aquarium for the first time. The water conditions may determine whether your fish acclimatize or simply die. To improve the water condition in the tank, aquarists choose dechlorination. Many beginners ask me what will happen if we put too much of…

How to remove calcium buildup on fish tank?

Calcium accumulation in the aquarium makes it look ugly. It may also affect the health of your fish. The ability to remove calcium buildup from an aquarium is a must for every aquarist. Below I present you the simplest ways to remove calcium buildup in the aquarium. You may have heard of one with it,…

Why isn’t my filter pumping water?

The filter is an essential tool for every aquarium. It provides benefits not only to you but above all to the inhabitants of the tank. Its main task is to clean the water and break down substances harmful to fish. The filter must operate 24 hours a day and should not be turned off. You…

How to stop fish jumping out of tank?

Have you ever witnessed fish jumping out of a tank? In their natural habitat, fish often do this to escape danger and relocate or to move to another location. If the fish falls to the ground, it will die immediately if not moved back into water. How can you prevent this in your fish tank?…

Celestial pearl danio: Complete care guide

Celestial pearl danio is very popular among aquarists due to its unique pattern and interesting temperament. These fish are perfect for small aquariums. They quickly became popular, which resulted in a huge supply and excessive harvest. Just a few months after its discovery, Celestial Pearl Danio was close to extinction in the wild and therefore…

How long can you leave a fish tank filter off?

First, I would like to answer the question: Can I turn off my aquarium filter at all? The answer is no. My answer may seem a bit disappointing now. I'll explain why in a moment. How long can you turn off your filter? I don't think you should turn it off at all. Online you…

How to stop water evaporating from fish tank?

Evaporation is nothing more than the water evaporating. Answering the question of how to stop water evaporation from the aquarium, there is only one answer: you can't do it. It's a process that generally cannot be stopped. It's important to realize that the only thing you can do is take actions to reduce water evaporation.…

OASE Biomaster 250 Canister Filter Review

I have been using the Oase Biomaster 250 filter for over a year. That's when I first encountered the Oase brand. I didn't know what to expect from this filter, but it made a huge impression on me. I still use this filter in my 20 gallon aquarium. In this tank I have Cardinal Tetras,…

Pygmy Corydoras: Complete care guide

This tiny catfish can be the perfect fish for you if you want to set up a small aquarium. It's an ideal catfish for beginners, friendly to other fish, and will feel comfortable even in small tank. They are one of the smallest fish in the world, which is why many people are very fascinated…

Eheim Classic Canister Filter Review

One of the most respected producers of aquarium products is Eheim. I've been thinking about buying the filter that is talked about so much online for a long time. Finally, I decided to get it. I've been using it in my aquarium for about a year. This long period allowed me to create an honest…

Types of Aquarium Snails: Taking the good with the bad

I think you often overlook snails, but they are fascinating creatures that can benefit your tank in many ways. You may say: I don't want to deal with a snail invasion in their aquarium. You're right. This is the biggest nightmare of every fishkeeper. It seems inevitable, in some way or another, to introduce snails…

Archerfish: Complete Care Guide

The fish I'm going to talk about today might be known to you. Perhaps you've seen those in TV shows shooting down insects with water. Those fish are called the Archerfish. You can have it in your own aquarium. However, this fish has specific needs, and not everyone can handle the challenge of meeting those…

How to Tell How Many Gallons a Fish Tank Is?

Got a Measuring Tape? Good, You'll Need It! Alright, fellow aquarists and fish whisperers, gather 'round! Today, I am exploring the fascinating world of measuring fish tanks! I know, I know, hold your applause. You might think it’s as simple as asking your fish, but trust me, they're notoriously tight-lipped aboutthese things. The Math-y Bit…
Black Tetra

Black Skirt Tetra: Complete Care Guide

Black skirt tetras are eye-catching fish that bring contrast to a planted aquarium. They're known for their dark coloration and active behavior, making them popular choices among fishkeepers. They generally adapt well to community tanks and are relatively easy to care for. I'll discuss where Black Skirt Tetras come from, how they behave, what they…

What Does Blue Light in Freshwater Fish Tanks Do?

Ever wondered why your freshwater fish tank has that cool blue light option? No, it's not just to set the mood for your guppies' Friday night disco. Some people say it's bad for fish, while others say it's good. Some believe its effects vary between species. I've heard different opinions about this but there's actually…
Guide to Setting Up Your Blackwater Aquarium: Easy Tips and Tricks

Guide to Setting Up Your Blackwater Aquarium: Easy Tips and Tricks

Biotope aquariums rank highly among my preferred freshwater setups. They imitate the real-life habitats found in nature. In these tanks, you won't see plastic plants or pink gravel. Many fish keepers enjoy creating a blackwater environment in their tanks. Blackwater, natural to ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest, offers a unique set of conditions that…

Discus Fish: Complete Care Guide

Imagine having a colorful piece of the Amazon River right in your fish tank. That's what Discus fish offer to fish lovers. They're famous for their bright colors and fancy patterns, and people all around the world love them. In this article, I'll introduce you to Discus fish. I'll talk about where they come from,…

The best aquarium heater controllers (2024 review)

Imagine a scenario where the water temperature in your aquarium starts rising uncontrollably, leaving your fish in distress. This is a nightmare for any aquarium enthusiast, but it's a situation that can be averted with the help of an effective aquarium heater controller. In this guide, 'll explore what an Aquarium Heater Controller is, how…
Ich White Spot Disease

Identify and Treat Freshwater Ich (White Spot Disease)

Keeping freshwater fish can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it comes with its share of challenges, including the occasional outbreak of diseases. One of the most common and notorious afflictions that freshwater fish can suffer from is Ich, also known as White Spot Disease. This pesky parasite can quickly spread throughout your aquarium,…
What fish can live in a 3-gallon tank?

What fish can live in a 3-gallon tank?

Let me break it down simply: if you're wondering whether any fish can live in a 3-gallon tank, the answer is a no. After many years of my experience, I've come to realize that a 3-gallon tank really isn't suitable for fish. Even tiny fish like micro-rasboras would struggle in such a small space. The…
What fish can live in a 1-gallon tank?

What fish can live in a 1-gallon tank?

Let me tell you straight up: when it comes to fish and 1-gallon tanks, the short answer is none. I've come across countless websites claiming that small nano fish or shrimps can make do in such confined spaces, but this simply isn't true. In this article, I’ll explore the truth about 1-gallon tanks. The reality…
Size tank for betta fish

What size tank do betta fish need?

Picking the right tank for our pets is important. For the colorful betta fish, getting a tank that's the right size is key to keeping them healthy and bright. Some say a betta can live in a 1-gallon tank. This is technically true, but it's not the whole story. A betta fish can only survive…
How to test fish tank water

How to test fish tank water?

Maintaining a healthy fish tank is crucial for the wellbeing of fish. One essential aspect of fish tank maintenance is regularly testing the water. This guide will take you through the process of using an aquarium test kit, especially for beginners, to ensure that your fish thrive in a safe environment. What is an aquarium…
Complete Care Guide: Congo Tetra

Congo Tetra: Complete Care Guide

Congo Tetras are a remarkable species, known for their peaceful demeanor and striking appearance. However, it's crucial to not let their simplicity deceive you. Proper understanding of their needs is essential. Often, aquarists overlook the care of such "effortless" fish, only to find themselves puzzled later when issues arise. That's the reason I've compiled this…
Complete care guide: Serpae tetra

Serpae tetra: Complete Care Guide

The Serpae Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon eques, is a small, freshwater fish that belongs to the Characidae family. It is often found in the aquarium trade and is popular among fish enthusiasts due to its vibrant color and dynamic schooling behavior. Common name(s)Red minor tetra, Jewel tetra, Callistus tetraBinomial nameHyphessobrycon equesCare LevelEasyTemperamentPeacefulSize range –…

Unveiling the Superiority of In-line Aquarium Heaters (2024 Review)

Today, I want to talk about something that's been a game-changer in my fish-keeping journey – in-line aquarium heaters. If you're tired of those ugly submersible heaters cluttering your tank and want to know why in-line heaters are a fantastic choice, stick with me. I'm going to break it down for you step by step.…