Aquariumscience.org is a website dedicated to freshwater aquariums. It is based on SCIENCE AND LOGIC, not on parroted internet “advice”, anecdotal “It worked great for me“, or the marketing hype of some profit-driven marketer.
Auteur: David Bogert
What needs to be emphasized is that this research has pointed out that there are a huge number of ways to be successful with freshwater aquariums. The aquarium is a natural system and Mother Nature is very flexible. One does not need to invest huge amounts of money and time in fish-keeping to have beautiful tanks. Nor does one need to do a ton of research before getting into the hobby. And above all, there is simply no “right way” to do things in this hobby.
So if one is a newcomer to the hobby just relax and enjoy it. If you obsess over every detail and believe all the negativity on social media along the lines of “don’t do this or you will kill your fish” you will not enjoy the hobby and you will leave in relatively short order.
There are 18 chapters leading to over 400 articles on almost all aspects of keeping a freshwater aquarium. These articles have NO links to profit-making sites and thus have no “questionable motivations” in their recommendations, unlike all the for-profit sites you will find with Google. Note I do admit a bias against several companies that blatantly use huge amounts of egregious “pseudoscientific bedazzlement” to sell worthless aquarium products. I can’t help it.
Bookmark and browse! Note that a search bar at the bottom of each page allows one to search the entire site for any particular subject. Note that the entire website is “open” in that any written material can be freely quoted and used without regard to copyrights.
This website is designed in descending levels of difficulty, the first level on any given subject which is very simple, a second more complicated level, in some cases going all the way down to sixth and seventh levels which can be very wordy, convoluted and difficult. Note that because each article has to stand on it own in this hierarchy, we often repeat ourselves as we go from simple to complex explanations.
We start out with a very simple fifteen-point list of what to do with a new aquarium, This simple list can be found in the article:
Then we add a second level of complexity when we discuss three very important topics: chlorine, cycling, and the amount of food in this link:
Then we add a third level of complexity when we give condensed versions of various topics in articles 1.1.1. to 1.1.14.
Then there are the rather verbose general interest articles in the “Basics of Fishkeeping” section 1.2. though 1.7., the fourth level of difficulty.
Then there is the fifth level of difficulty in the 18 chapters seen at the top of this article in maroon (also seen either below this section [mobile use] or on the right side [computer screen]). These 18 “chapters” then lead to the sixth level of over 400 “articles” on various aquarium subjects.
Some of these articles have a seventh and even an eighth level of difficulty which delve into the basic science underlying the hobby with many scientific journal articles, book excerpts, and other references. These are long and tedious dissertations only for real aquarium nerds like the author.
The articles are arranged in a hierarchy. Take the three articles on nitrate for instance. The main article “5. Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and Chlorine” is a general overview. This article links at the bottom of its 5. article to the hyperlink “5.4. Safe Nitrate Levels”. The article, “5.4. Safe Nitrate Levels”, talks only about nitrate. At the bottom of the 5.4. article, there is a link to the article “5.4.1. Nitrate in Depth”. This final 5.4.1. article is a very boring, verbose, and lengthy look at the scientific papers on nitrate. This is a very typical “hierarchy”.
The author’s credentials are in the following article:
Discover the fascinating world of 17/10 aquarium shrimp! Learn about their unique behavior, ideal tank conditions, feeding habits, and compatibility with other species. This comprehensive care guide offers expert tips for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking to successfully keep and breed these rare and colorful freshwater shrimp species.
Oscars are impressive, colorful cichlids known for their intelligence and interaction with their environment. They require a spacious aquarium with excellent filtration and stable water conditions. Due to their size and behavior, they are less suitable for beginners, but experienced aquarists can enjoy these fascinating fish.
Discover the truth about keeping bettas in aquariums. This article challenges common myths about tank size and care, offering evidence-based insights for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Learn how to provide optimal conditions for your betta fish and debunk widespread misconceptions.
Guppies and other livebearers are popular aquarium fish known for their vibrant colors and ease of breeding. However, extensive inbreeding has impacted their hardiness, size, fertility, and resistance to diseases. Despite these challenges, with proper care and attention to their specific needs, guppies and livebearers can thrive in home aquariums.
Goldfish care involves maintaining water quality through regular partial water changes and efficient filtration. A balanced diet of high-quality goldfish pellets is essential. Observe your fish for signs of illness, and provide appropriate treatment if needed. Regular tank cleaning and maintenance are crucial for a healthy environment. Appropriate tank mates should be considered.
While larger tanks are always beneficial for goldfish, the claim that they *require* enormous aquariums is a misconception. Appropriate stocking density is key. Regular water changes and powerful filtration are crucial to compensate for smaller tank sizes. Overstocking leads to poor water quality and fish health problems.
Goldfish size depends on tank size and feeding. In small tanks, they remain smaller due to growth-inhibiting hormones, but this doesn’t harm them. Larger tanks allow for larger fish, reaching up to 7 inches in body length for common goldfish. Fancy goldfish remain smaller but fuller. Misinformation online exaggerates goldfish size and potential harm from stunting.
This page discusses two main goldfish types: common goldfish (“narrow-bodied”), hardy and adaptable, and fancy goldfish (“wide-bodied” or “genetic dwarf”), more delicate and requiring specific conditions. Common goldfish are highly tolerant of poor water quality, while fancy goldfish are more susceptible to disease. Many variations exist between these two extremes, with varying care requirements.
Goldfish are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts, but their care requires careful consideration. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of keeping goldfish in aquariums, emphasizing their specific needs and proper maintenance. It provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced aquarists to ensure a healthy environment for these vibrant fish.
These are examples of Lake Malawi aquariums pulled off social media. Note that they are all heavily stocked. Heavy stocking is the key to keeping a good Lake Malawi aquarium.
