Getting Started & How-Tos

Here you’ll find dedicated guides about all things related to Getting Started and How-Tos for your aquarium. On this page, a beginner can get some creative ideas about different aquatic plants, saltwater and freshwater fish, as well as general care guidelines. The experienced hobbyist is not overlooked either as they will gain in-depth insights while examining the comprehensive guides in this section.

When I started in this hobby years ago, and even to today, the detail these articles provide would have saved me so much headache. Even to this day I refer to these articles when I set up or change a tank. Having all of this information in one place is truly invaluable, enjoy!

7 Best Freshwater Aquarium Fish for Complete Beginners

Four different breeds of guppies - clockwise from top right, ribbon mosaic RREA, mosaic chilli, and double sword.


Are you delving into the world of aquarium keeping and wondering which freshwater fish would be the perfect fit for your new tank? Selecting the ideal fish, especially for beginners, involves finding a balance between hardiness, captivating appearance, and fascinating behavior. In this comprehensive guide, I’ve curated a list of the top seven freshwater aquarium pet fish tailored specifically for novice enthusiasts. So, let’s dive in and explore the diverse array of options that await you in the realm of freshwater fishkeeping.

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Top Saltwater Fish IDEAS for Stocking a 5-Gallon Tank

Discover the best saltwater fish for a 5-gallon nano aquarium! From vibrant Trimma and Eviota gobies to the striking Flaming Prawn Goby, this guide offers 8 perfect stocking ideas. Learn how to maintain water quality, prevent evaporation issues, and create the ideal habitat for these small, beginner-friendly species!

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9 Live Aquarium Plants to Grow in a Sand Substrate


Growing live aquarium plants in a sand substrate is absolutely doable as long as you pick the right species. Sand is typically more compact than other substrates. This is sometimes cited as an obstacle for freshwater plants with weak roots. You can bypass that simply by choosing stem plants that feed from the water column or fertilizing with root tabs.

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7 Common types of freshwater aquarium algae (illustrated)

Green Hair Algae.

Algae growth in freshwater aquariums can be a frustrating ordeal for aquarists, leading to murky waters and unsightly tank conditions. Despite their nuisance, most algae species don’t directly harm fish, but they often indicate an imbalance in the tank environment. By understanding the causes of algae blooms and implementing proper maintenance practices, such as managing water and light parameters, aquarists can effectively combat algae overgrowth, come find out more.

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