Aquarium care advice you can actually trust.

Evidence-based freshwater, pond, and reef guides - grounded in water chemistry and real husbandry practice, not guesswork.

Browse guides by tank type

Target ranges at a glance

pH: 7.0-7.5
Temp: 76-80°F
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: <20 ppm
Hardness: 4-8 dGH

Illustrative healthy ranges for a typical freshwater community tank - not a reading from your aquarium.

Recent guides

Fish

Discus Fish Types, Care, Facts, and Natural Habitat

Discus fish are challenging but rewarding aquarium residents that demand soft, acidic water, stable tank conditions, and careful feeding to thrive. Learn which species suits your setup and how to avoid common keeping mistakes.

October 12, 2018

Photo by Bernard Spragg on Openverse (CC0)

Aquarium Equipment

How To Clean a Fish Tank - Gravel, Decoration & Change Aquarium Water

Regular partial water changes and gravel vacuuming prevent toxic bioaccumulation and keep your fish healthy. Follow these seven steps to clean your freshwater or saltwater tank safely and effectively.

October 9, 2018

Photo by Rod Waddington on Openverse (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Plants

4 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Low-light plants thrive without CO2 or special equipment and make ideal starter choices for new aquarists seeking variety and natural beauty. Learn which four hardy species suit a beginner tank and how to grow them successfully.

October 5, 2018

Photo by jkirkhart35 on Openverse (CC BY 2.0)

Invertebrates

Ghost Shrimp Water Parameters and Care

Ghost shrimp thrive in freshwater tanks between 70-80°F with stable water conditions, a 10-gallon minimum, strong filtration, and peaceful tank mates-learn how to keep them healthy as pets or use them safely as live feeders.

October 5, 2018

Photo by Charles Haynes on Openverse (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Fish

Platy Fish Care

Platy fish are peaceful, hardy, and come in over 325,000 color and pattern varieties, making them one of the best beginner freshwater aquarium fish. Learn how to set up their tank, breeding requirements, and care essentials.

October 3, 2018

Photo by Montoya at da.wikipedia on Openverse (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Invertebrates

Keeping Shrimp in Your Aquarium and How to Take Care of Them

Freshwater shrimp thrive in planted tanks when you maintain stable water parameters, provide plenty of hiding spots, and keep only one species per tank. Here's everything you need to know to keep your shrimp healthy and-potentially-breeding.

March 2, 2019

Photo by Zigomitros Athanasios on Openverse (CC BY-SA 4.0)