Cold-Water River Tanks: Do You Need a Heater?
Many river fish come from cool streams and don't need a heater in a heated house. When a heater helps, when it hurts, how to size one, and the fish that do…
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Nerite Snails: Care Guide
Nerite snails are algae-eating machines that won't overrun your tank. Care, water needs, tankmates, the white eggs they leave behind, and why they climb out.
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate: Reading Your Test Kit
The three numbers that tell you whether your tank is safe. What each one means, the readings you want, how to test without fooling yourself, and what to do when a number…
White Cloud Mountain Minnows: The Unheated River Tank Fish
White Clouds are tough, colorful, cheap and happy in cool water without a heater. Tank size, temperature, tankmates, food and breeding for this classic beginner fish.
Best Fish for Strong-Current Tanks
Some fish hate current. These love it. The best fish and invertebrates for river tanks and high-flow setups, what each needs, and how to mix them.
How to Set Up a River Manifold (One-Way Flow) Tank
A river manifold pushes water in one direction down the length of the tank, like a real stream. How it works, what you need, a simple DIY layout, and which fish love…
How to Quarantine New Fish
One sick new fish can wipe out a whole tank. How to set up a simple quarantine tank, how long to keep new fish there, what to watch for, and when to…
Riparium Plants That Grow With Their Roots in the Water
A riparium grows plants above the waterline with their roots dangling into the tank, like a riverbank. The easiest plants for it, how to mount them, and how they help water quality.
How to Cycle a New Aquarium (Fishless Cycle, Step by Step)
New tank syndrome kills more fish than anything else. How the nitrogen cycle works, how to do a fishless cycle with an ammonia source, how long it takes, and how to know…
Can Crayfish Live With Fish?
Crayfish are fascinating and full of personality, but they're opportunistic predators and escape artists. When they can share a tank with fish, when they can't, and how to set them up.
Best Substrate for a River Tank: Sand, Pebbles, or River Rock
Real rivers have layers: sand in the slow spots, gravel and smooth stones in the current. How to choose and layer substrate for a natural-looking river tank that's safe for bottom dwellers.
Amano Shrimp vs. Cherry Shrimp: Which Belongs in Your Tank?
Two of the most popular freshwater shrimp, with very different strengths. Size, algae eating, breeding, water needs and tank mates compared.