Articles

Every article we've published — newest first.

Beginner Guides

How to Cycle Your First Aquarium

Ninety percent of new-tank fish deaths happen because the tank was never cycled. Here is what the nitrogen cycle is, how to start it, and how to know when it is finished.

· 4 min read

Freshwater Fish

10 Best Beginner Freshwater Fish

A beginner-friendly fish is hardy, small at full size, peaceful, and forgives early mistakes. Ten species that meet all four — and the ones to skip.

· 3 min read

Saltwater & Reef

Setting Up Your First Reef Tank

A nano reef costs roughly four times what a comparable freshwater tank costs and takes three times the maintenance. Here is what you actually need to start.

· 4 min read

Aquascaping

Aquatic Plants for Low-Light Tanks

A planted tank without CO2 or high-end lights still works — if you pick the right species. Ten plants that thrive on what most tanks already provide.

· 4 min read

Aquascaping

Aquascaping: Layout Principles That Work

The award-winning tanks you see online rest on a handful of design principles borrowed from landscape painting. Master four, ignore the rest.

· 4 min read

Equipment & Maintenance

Aquarium Filtration Explained: HOB, Canister, Sump

Filtration does three things — mechanical, chemical, biological. Picking the right filter type matters less than people think. Here is what actually makes the difference.

· 5 min read