Due to their aggressive nature, it’s commonly believed that betta fish can’t be kept in a community tank. Betta fish are very territorial—this behavior has become more so through captive breeding, where they are bred for aggressiveness. Despite this, it’s possible to keep betta fish with certain kinds of fish, shrimp, and snails. If you want…
Introduction Do you know how many inches of fish a 10-gallon tank can hold? How about the recommended percentage of water to replace when doing a water change? Do you know how important it is to get the pH just right? I have kept aquariums for years, and I thought I knew the answers to all…
When keeping an aquarium, there can be many things to consider. You need to think of water quality, filtration, lighting, and feeding. Because of this, you can spend a lot of money purchasing aquarium supplies. However, some experienced aquarium keepers have found DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approaches and hacks for aquarium maintenance. The DIY approach to aquarium can…
Are you excited about getting your first aquarium for your home? I understand the feeling, as I have kept tropical fish for years! An aquarium stocked with beautifully colored fish makes for a pleasurable viewing experience and a fulfilling hobby. But with so many species of tropical fish, how do you know which ones are…
Neon tetra disease was first discovered in neon tetras, hence the name. And while it’s most common in neon tetras, in actuality, other fish can be susceptible to this disease as well. The bad news is neon tetra disease is a nasty ailment with high fatalities. The good news is it’s preventable. So, what is…
Despite their simple care requirements, many bettas are not properly cared for by novice fishkeepers, resulting in frequent health issues. A healthy betta fish has vivid coloration, and elegant finnage, gliding happily through an aquarium. On the other hand, an unhealthy betta might have symptoms like dull colors, loss of appetite, or fin damage. If…
Introduction Are you looking to make your aquarium pop with color? Do you want to see dynamic activity taking place in the waters of your tank? If so, there are two species from the tetra family that will check those boxes, plus more. The fish I’m referring to are the neon and the cardinal tetra….
Mystery snails are popular additions to home aquariums. They’re beautifully colored, low maintenance, and help control algae growth. Unfortunately, mystery snail nutrition is often overlooked. Do you know what to feed mystery snails? How much and how often should they be fed? Will mystery snails eat your live plants? How do you feed mystery snails…
Unfortunately, many betta owners purchase their new fish, but don’t research their nutritional requirements. This means many pet betta aren’t receiving what would be considered optimal nutrition. Bettas are carnivores; their natural prey is insects. Any diet that falls short of what your fish would eat in the wild isn’t considered nutritious. The challenge is…
Are you an aquarist looking for a change from keeping fish? The fiddler crab may be what you are looking for. Hardy and engaging, these two-inch creatures are low-maintenance and can live for three years in captivity. Fiddler crabs get their name from the males’ distinctive claws. The males have one claw that’s much larger than the other…
If you’re looking to learn more about your pregnant neon tetra, the first thing you should know is that technically, neon tetras can’t get pregnant as they’re egg layers. The term “pregnant” is usually reserved for when the young develop within the mother’s uterus, as in humans, dogs, and cats. For the sake of this article…
Is your betta getting the diet that it needs to thrive? With all of the different kinds of tropical fish foods on the market, how do you know which is the best betta fish food? To answer these questions, it’s helpful first to understand what a natural betta fish diet looks like. Bettas are carnivores…