Adding untreated tap water causes chlorine poisoning. Full tank water changes trigger pH shock. Cleaning all filter media destroys beneficial bacteria. Learn the correct techniques before your next water change.
Learn when to clean mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media without killing beneficial bacteria. Includes schedules for sponge, HOB, and canister filters.
There is no universal weekly water change rule. Your schedule depends on fish load, plants, and filtration. Planted tanks may need changes every 15-20 days; bare tanks with large fish need weekly changes.
Learn exactly how to perform a safe aquarium water change, including how much water to remove, temperature matching, and the equipment you need.
Change 10-30% of your aquarium water weekly based on tank size, stocking level, and plant density. Lightly stocked planted tanks need 15-20% every 1-2 weeks, while heavily stocked tanks need 30-50% weekly.
Learn the behavioral signs and water appearance changes that indicate water quality problems. Know when to test and when to seek veterinary help instead.
Learn the exact steps to treat fin rot in aquarium fish, including quarantine setup, water testing, tank cleaning, and proper antibiotic use.
Step-by-step ich treatment using Ich-X medication. Learn the dosing schedule, water change routine, and why full-strength dosing matters for curing white spot disease.
Nano tanks under 5 gallons need 25-50% water changes twice weekly. Shrimp tanks require 10-20% changes every 2-3 days with drip acclimation and careful parameter matching to prevent molting deaths.
Stress weakens fish immune systems and allows pathogens to cause disease outbreaks. Learn the major stress factors in aquariums and practical prevention strategies to keep your fish healthy.
Learn how to identify and treat white spot disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) in aquarium fish with malachite green treatments, temperature adjustment, and proper timing based on the parasite life cycle.
Live plants are optional, not required. Proper filtration, aeration, and regular water changes can maintain a healthy tank without any plants. Many successful aquarists keep bare tanks.
Live aquarium plants do not significantly purify water. Nitrifying bacteria in your filter handle ammonia, and nitrates still require regular water changes regardless of plants.
Aquarium plants provide oxygen during daylight and hiding spots that reduce stress. They do not purify water, remove nitrates, or absorb significant waste. The main appeal is aesthetic aquascaping.
Basement aquariums naturally run cooler at 65-70°F. Choose cold-water species like White Cloud Minnows, Goldfish, and Cherry Shrimp for energy-efficient setups, or learn heating strategies for tropical fish.
Discover the optimal feeding times for aquarium fish. Learn why morning is the primary feeding window, how evening portions differ, and exceptions for nocturnal species.
Learn to feed surface, mid-water, and bottom feeders together in a mixed species tank. Use floating and sinking foods, feeding rings, and timed releases for proper nutrition.
Learn the correct feeding frequency for aquarium fish to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding. Includes species-specific schedules, temperature adjustments, and fasting day guidelines.
Learn to identify and treat ich, the most common protozoal parasite in aquariums. Copper sulfate and formalin applied at the right intervals can save your fish.
Stop believing misinformation about nitrifying bacteria. They do not clear cloudy water, do not decompose fish waste, and are not killed by normal aquarium lights. Learn what's actually true.