All our current articles are listed by category below. You can also search for articles by keyword here. A quick list of all our articles without descriptions is also displayed on the left of each article.

• Knowledge
  Fish or Fishless Cycling? Cycling an aquarium is an essential part of maturing an aquarium, but should it be done with or without fish? - and which methods are best?
  Stocking Levels Ever wondered how many fish you can actually have in your tank, if the advice you get is right, or why this sites Community Creator gives higher levels? All is explained in this in-depth article.
  Finding a good retailer A very good, or very bad shop, can make or break your hobby experience - this article gives you a few ideas of what to look out for
  Supporting your local shop A few reasons why you should support your local shop, and why paying more can save you a lot of money in the long run
  Moving Your Aquarium How to move your aquarium or transfer fish to a new tank correctly
  Water Quality & Testing An overview of the basic water conditions which can be easily tested, and why regular testing is important.
  Feeding Choosing the right variety, quantity, and type of food has a direct effect on water quality and the health of your fish
  Controlling Snails Snails can be a real pest if they become established - this article tells you where they come from and how to control them safely
  Dealing with power cuts Power cuts can spell disaster for your aquarium - this article gives you a few tips on what, and what not to do
  Holiday Care How to care for your fish when you are away, and make sure your tank remains healthy
  pH and Hardness Hardness and pH are two important elements of water chemistry, this article outlines how to ensure your levels are correct
  Keeping your fish healthy An article suggesting a few ways to make sure you get the best out of your fish
  Isolation Tanks Setting up a separate aquarium can be useful for isolating fish, treating disease, or raising young
  
  
• Planning & Equipment
  Substrates & Decor A brief overview of the common types of aquarium decor and substrate, and which ones to avoid
  Planning An Aquarium Before you even start fishkeeping, it is important to plan ahead, a process which may get you thinking and avoid pitfalls later on.
  Choosing The Right Equipment There is a mass of equipment available for aquariums but which items do you actually need, and what exactly do they do?
  Getting Things Started Setting up your aquarium is the first thing you will do in fishkeeping, and getting it right from the start will save you from trouble later on.
  Choosing Plants How to choose the right plants from the wide selection available
  
  
• Choosing & introducing fish
  Acclimitising and introducing fish Why acclimitising your fish is important, and the correct methods to use
  First Fish Choosing your first fish should be done with care, some fish are better able to cope with new aquariums than others. This article offers some useful suggestions for choosing your first fish
  Creating a Community What exactly is a community? This article outlines the different types of community aquarium, and how to choose the correct mix
  Choosing the right fish With hundreds of fish on sale it can be easy to just pick the ones which catch your eye - this article tells you how to avoid problems in the future
  
  
• Maintenance
  Water Changes Why, how, and when to do the essential task of water changes - and how to work out how much you should be changing
  Maintaining small aquaria This article outlines some simple tips and tricks for looking after a small aquarium.
  Aquarium Maintenance Regular maintenance is the key to good fishkeeping, but it is often done incorrectly. This article outlines the proper methods of basic maintenance
  Filter Maintenance Your filter is the life support system for your fish and will only perform correctly with the right maintenance
  
  
• Plant Care
  The easy way to keep plants Many fish keepers have trouble with plants, but it is possible to grow thriving plants with just a few steps...
  Substrates For Plants The type and composition of the substrate has a direct effect on the health of aquarium plants
  An introduction to keeping plants Live plants help to maintain good water conditions, remove toxins, and provide a source of food for your fish
  Plant Maintenance Maintaining plants correctly will increase their appearance, lifespan, and the overall health of the aquarium.
  Lighting For Plants Duration, spectrum, intensity, loss; these are all areas of lighting which affect its usefulness to plants in the aquarium.
  Introducing Plants A quick overview of the best methods to transport, prepare, and position plants in the aquarium
  Fertilising Plants An outline of the nutrients plants require, and the methods of providing them.
  
  
• Algae
  Algae prevention and control A basic guide to prevent and control algae in freshwater aquariums
  Algae Eating Fish There are many fish which can be used to control algae but choosing the right ones can be tricky. This article outlines some common algae eaters and the problems they may present
  
  
• Fish Behaviour
  Community conflicts This article takes a look at the reasons why many fish, including 'community' species, simply do not get along in the same space
  Why fish shoal Many aquarium fish shoal, and the reasons they do so can give the fishkeeper lots of useful insights into providing correct care
  Fish Types A basic understanding of the different types of fish available will help you to choose a good mixture of tankmates, and avoid the trouble causers.
  
  
• Fish Groups
  Danios Danios are excellent fish for lively communities, and there are now several varieties available
  Central American Cichlids The Central American Cichlids are great fish to keep, but may not be ideal for new fishkeepers...
  Corydoras Find out some more about one of the most popular aquarium fish
  Large Barbs Keeping large barbs in the aquarium
  Small Barbs Keeping small barbs in an aquarium
  Freshwater Sharks The freshwater 'sharks' have very little in common with their larger marine namesake...
  Characins & Tetras An outline of the Characin family (including Tetras) and their needs in the aquarium
  Tank Busters This article highlights the problems involved and suggests the best ways to care for larger fish
  Brackish Fish How to keep brackish fish, plus a few species suggestions
  Rainbowfish Rainbowfish are one of the most underrated aquarium fish - this article explains why
  Synodontis Catfish A look at the popular Synodontis group of catfish and their needs in the aquarium
  Rasboras Rasboras include well known fish like the Harlequin and White Cloud Mountain Minnow
  
  
• Fish Species
  Which Puffer is right for my aquarium?Tim Stoodly outlines some considerations for keeping pufferfish in aquariums
  HatchetfishThe hatchetfish, an oddly shaped fish, can make a great addition to the aquarium
  Angelfish Angelfish are one of the most popular species in the hobby. Being a cichlid however, these fish can be far from angelic...
  Platies & Swordtails This article takes a look at the closely related livebearers: Platies & Swordtails
  Guppies & Mollies Guppies and Mollies, two of the most popular fish are often misunderstood - this article explains why
  Siamese Fighting Fish Siamese fighters are one of the most popular, and worst kept, aquarium fish. Essential info for anyone wishing to keep these fish
  Kribensis Find out more about the colourful kribensis and its behaviour in the aquarium
  
  
• Marines
  Understanding Marines Peter Newman, from Just Marines, outlines some essential information for fish keepers thinking about keeping marine fish
  
  
• Coldwater Fish
  Fish suitable as alternatives to goldfish in coldwater aquariums Goldfish, suprisingly, are not really suited to aquariums, unless you have a large tank. This article outlines some alternative coldwater fish more suited to small aquarium life
  
  
• Inverts and other creatures
  Mixing Fish & Inverts There are other aquatic creatures often sold for the aquarium such as shrimps, crabs, and snails amongst others. Many of these animals require specific conditions, and some are not suited to living with all fish.