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:
If you are following this website and want to know when the author has learned something new (I learn something new about aquariums every day!), one can go to the following article to see all the major revisions that are done:
And note the author is constantly learning new things from others in the hobby. And he is constantly finding mistakes in his research.
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.
The article on Lake Malawi cichlids explores the vibrant and diverse species native to Lake Malawi. It provides insights into their unique behaviors, colorful appearances, and specific care requirements. The article emphasizes the importance of replicating their natural habitat in aquariums, including water conditions and tank setup, to ensure their health and well-being. By understanding these factors, aquarists can successfully maintain and enjoy these fascinating fish in a home aquarium setting.
Creating a blackwater biotope aquarium involves replicating the unique conditions found in natural blackwater environments, characterized by soft, acidic water that is rich in organic materials. This type of aquarium typically features a dark, tea-like coloration due to humic substances, which are essential for mimicking the habitats of many tropical fish species. To achieve this, aquarists should start with reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water, ensuring a total dissolved solids (TDS) level below 70 and a pH below 6.5. Incorporating materials like black peat can help introduce the necessary humic substances. Additionally, selecting appropriate fish and plants that thrive in these conditions is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Regular monitoring of water parameters is essential to prevent fluctuations that could harm the delicate inhabitants of a blackwater biotope.
Blackwater fish thrive in unique environments characterized by soft, acidic waters rich in organic materials, primarily found in regions like the Rio Negro and Orinoco rivers. These fish, including popular species like neon tetras and discus, require exceptionally clean, bacteria-free water to flourish. Contrary to common misconceptions, they do not necessarily need low pH levels but rather a stable, well-filtered habitat. Maintaining a high-quality filtration system is crucial, as it helps create the crystal-clear water these fish prefer. Additionally, blackwater fish are sensitive to bacterial infections due to their evolutionary adaptations to low-salt environments. Therefore, aquarium enthusiasts must ensure their tanks are well-maintained and over-filtered to prevent disease. Understanding the specific needs of blackwater fish is essential for creating a thriving aquarium that mimics their natural habitat, ensuring their health and longevity.
Creating a balanced aquatic ecosystem in your aquarium is essential for the health and beauty of your aquatic life. This guide emphasizes the importance of selecting compatible fish and plants, maintaining water quality, and providing proper lighting. Start by choosing hardy plants like Anubias and Java Fern, which thrive in various conditions. Regular water changes and high-quality filtration are crucial for keeping toxins at bay. Additionally, ensure your fish receive a balanced diet while avoiding overfeeding to prevent pollution. Creating natural habitats with rocks and driftwood can reduce stress for your fish. Regular monitoring and maintenance will help you observe any changes in behavior or health, allowing you to make necessary adjustments. By following these guidelines, you can cultivate a thriving aquarium that not only looks stunning but also supports the well-being of its inhabitants.
