Getting startedPlan your first aquarium
A practical first-aquarium plan covering fish requirements, space, equipment, water preparation and the checks before stocking.
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life in your tank.
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15 guides to explore
Getting started
Water & careUnderstand aquarium cycling
Understand ammonia, nitrite, biological filtration and the evidence that matters before adding fish.
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Water & careBuild your care routine
Daily fish checks, testing, water changes and filter care, with a practical log that adapts to the aquarium.
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Fish helpCheck warning signs
A calm first-check sequence for distressed aquarium fish, with urgent escalation and a useful record for a fish veterinarian.
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Choosing fishChoose fish that fit
Build a realistic fish shortlist using adult size, water needs, behaviour, diet and long-term care.
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Getting startedFreshwater or saltwater?
Compare freshwater and marine keeping by livestock, water preparation, testing, equipment and ongoing care.
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Plants & habitatBeginner aquarium plants
Seven freshwater aquarium plants chosen for different planting jobs, with placement, upkeep and the conditions that would make each a poor fit.
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Water & careChoose an aquarium test kit
Compare API, NT Labs and Tetra aquarium test kits by readings, methods and missing tests. Includes an interactive coverage checklist and buying criteria.
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Plants & nutritionFlourish vs Excel
Compare Seachem Flourish and Flourish Excel by declared nutrients, carbon role, label limitations and plant cautions. Includes alternatives for different nutrient needs.
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Equipment & buyingPurigen vs carbon
Compare Purigen and activated carbon by their intended job, tannin removal, medication cautions, maintenance and situations where neither is the right first step.
Read the guideThe foundations
Measure your tank
Measure your aquarium's inside footprint, choose a flat or sloped depth, and calculate substrate liters with clear worked examples.
Read the guideSubstrate, explained
Understand the bag label
Convert a substrate volume into whole bags using the label's units. Understand density ranges, leftovers, prices and unknown shipping.
Read the guideBefore you buy
The substrate shopping checklist
Bring your measured footprint, required substrate volume and bag-label questions to a dealer. Compare real quantities and costs before buying.
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Water & careUnderstand cloudy water
Work through cloudy aquarium water using fish behaviour, timing, source-water observations and water tests. Includes cloudiness after a water change and when to seek help.
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Water & careClean your aquarium filter
A practical filter-maintenance sequence: identify media, clear restricted flow, protect established biological media and verify the restart. Follow the instructions for your filter model.
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