Can You Hang Christmas Lights on or Around an Aquarium?
Yes, holiday lights can go outside an aquarium. Learn the electrical safety rules, heat limits, and timer setup that keep fish safe.
Tank Care
44 articles
Bringing Pond Fish Indoors in November: When It's Worth It and How to Do It
Find out whether your pond fish can stay outside or need to come indoors in November, and how to set up a cold tank and move them safely.
Party Noise and Your Aquarium: What Actually Puts Fish at Risk
Will party music stress your fish? Here's what the research shows, what actually causes party-day losses, and a five-minute checklist to prevent them.
How to Dechlorinate Tap Water for an Aquarium (and Why Chloramine Changes the Rules)
Learn how to dechlorinate tap water for your aquarium, check whether your city uses chloramine, and dose conditioner correctly for water changes.
How to Get Rid of Brown Algae (Diatoms) in a New Tank
Brown diatom film on a new tank's glass and stones is normal. Learn what causes it, how to wipe it off, and the fixes if it won't fade.
How Many Times an Hour Should Aquarium Water Turn Over?
How many times an hour your filter should turn over your tank's water, with GPH math, river-tank targets, and why box ratings overstate flow.
Fish Tank Next to a Heating Vent or Radiator? Here's Why to Move It
Heating vents and radiators can push your tank's temperature past what the heater controls. Learn why to avoid them and how to test a spot.
Why Is My Tank Cold in Winter? Check the Heater Before You Blame the Window
Tank too cold in winter? Learn how to tell a too-small or misplaced heater from a drafty window, and fix it before the holidays.
Do Aquarium Heaters Raise Your Electric Bill in Winter?
Yes, a tank heater adds to your power bill, usually a few dollars to about $15 a month. Learn how to calculate your own heater's winter cost.
Are vacation feeder blocks safe for a long weekend?
Vacation feeder blocks often hurt more than they help on a long weekend. Learn when fish can skip food and what to check at home.
Should you use an auto feeder for four days, or just skip feeding?
Skipping feeding for a four-day trip is usually safe for healthy adult fish. Learn when a feeder helps, what goes wrong, and how to prepare.
Pothos over the rim: the easiest river-tank plant
Pothos can soak up some nitrate and add a green bank to a river tank. Learn how to root it, place it safely, and keep it trimmed.