Menu

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Beginner Guides

Step-by-step aquarium setup guides for beginners — tank sizes, cycling, equipment checklists and everything you need to start your first aquarium.

43+ Reviews
Updated daily
Aquarium Quarantine Tank Setup Review

Aquarium Quarantine Tank Setup Review

Every experienced fishkeeper has a quarantine tank story — usually one that begins with "I skipped it just this once" and ends with a full display tank wiped out by ich, velvet, or bacterial infection. A dedicated quarantine tank isn't opti

Jordan Hayes May 6, 2026
Quick Picks: Aquarium Sump Filter DIY Guide

Quick Picks: Aquarium Sump Filter DIY Guide

A sump filter is the single most effective filtration upgrade you can make to a serious aquarium. By relocating filtration equipment to a separate compartment below the display tank, a sump dramatically increases total water volume, hides u

Jordan Hayes May 6, 2026
Quick Picks: Best Nano Aquarium Starter Kits

Quick Picks: Best Nano Aquarium Starter Kits

The best thing to happen to fishkeeping in the past decade is the rise of quality nano aquarium starter kits. Gone are the days when setting up a small tank meant hunting down a separate filter, light, heater, and lid from four different ma

Jordan Hayes May 5, 2026
Why Trust Our Picks

Why Trust Our Picks

The gold-standard aquarium water conditioner that dechlorinates, detoxifies ammonia and nitrite, and supports slime coat — all in a highly concentrated formula.

Jordan Hayes May 5, 2026
Why Trust Our Picks

Why Trust Our Picks

A whisper-quiet sine wave powerhead delivering variable flow up to 5,300 GPH with a compact magnetic mount — ideal for reef and larger planted tanks.

Jordan Hayes May 5, 2026
Quick Picks: Best Aquarium Canister Filters — 2026

Quick Picks: Best Aquarium Canister Filters — 2026

Our team has run canister filters on a variety of tank setups — from 20-gallon planted tanks to 125-gallon community systems — over extended testing periods of three to six months. We evaluate flow rate consistency, noise levels, media capa

Jordan Hayes May 5, 2026
Aquarium UV Sterilizer Guide

Aquarium UV Sterilizer Guide

TL;DR: An aquarium UV sterilizer eliminates free-floating algae cells, pathogens, and suspended bacteria by exposing tank water to germicidal UV-C light (254 nm). It won't fix nutrient problems, but it's the fastest tool for clearing green

Jordan Hayes May 4, 2026
Nano Aquarium Setup Guide

Nano Aquarium Setup Guide

TL;DR: Nano aquariums (2.5–20 gallons) succeed or fail on filtration quality and stocking discipline. Overstock by even one fish and ammonia spikes before you can react. Get the cycle right, choose nano-appropriate species, and a 10-gallon

Jordan Hayes May 4, 2026
Ich Fish Disease Treatment Guide

Ich Fish Disease Treatment Guide

TL;DR: Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) is treatable in freshwater with heat + salt or copper-based medication. Raise temperature to 86°F for 10+ days and add 1–2 tbsp aquarium salt per 5 gallons to disrupt the parasite lifecycle. Only fr

Jordan Hayes May 4, 2026