Topic

Freshwater

24 articles

Colorful tropical fish in a planted community aquarium
fish

10 Amazing Exotic Fish for Beginners

Discover the best exotic fish species for beginner aquarists. From colorful guppies to peaceful corydoras, learn which fish are easy to care for and compatible with community tanks.

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Sand substrate in a freshwater aquarium
equipment

Best Sand for Freshwater Aquariums: Compare by Size, Color & Price

Compare the best aquarium sands by grain size, color, and price per pound. Organized buying guide to find the right sand substrate for your freshwater tank.

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Aquarium monitoring equipment including digital thermometer and water test kit beside a freshwater tank
equipment

Best Aquarium Monitoring System for Freshwater Tanks in 2026

The best freshwater aquarium monitoring systems compared — from smart WiFi multi-parameter monitors to temperature controllers, digital thermometers, and manual test kits. Reviews of Kactoily, Inkbird, Seneye, API, and VIVOSUN.

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Colorful tropical fish swimming in a well-stocked aquarium display at a pet store
fish

7 Factors to Consider When Buying Aquarium Fish

Essential guide to purchasing healthy aquarium fish. Learn how to evaluate fish health, species compatibility, tank size requirements, and food needs before buying your first fish.

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Fish resting motionless near the bottom of an aquarium
fish

Do Fish Sleep? How Aquarium Fish Rest and Why It Matters

Fish sleep differently from any other pet you've kept. Learn how fish rest with open eyes, which species sleep at night vs. day, how to tell if a fish is sleeping or sick, and what your aquarium lighting has to do with it.

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Aquarium salt for freshwater fish tanks
aquariums

What Does Aquarium Salt Do for Freshwater Tanks?

Should you add salt to a freshwater aquarium? Explore the science, benefits, risks, and proper dosing for aquarium salt — including which fish species can and can't tolerate it.

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Pleco resting on the bottom of a freshwater aquarium
aquariums

15 Best Algae Eaters for Your Aquarium: Fish and Invertebrates

Discover the best algae-eating fish and invertebrates for freshwater aquariums. Learn about plecos, otocinclus, Amano shrimp, nerite snails, and more species that keep tanks clean naturally.

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Freshwater aquarium being cycled with beneficial bacteria establishing in the filter
aquariums

How to Cycle a Freshwater Aquarium: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to properly cycle a freshwater aquarium before adding fish. Step-by-step fishless cycling guide covering the nitrogen cycle, ammonia dosing, water testing, and when your tank is ready for fish.

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Best aquarium air pumps lined up for comparison
equipment

Best Aquarium Air Pump for Your Tank (2026 Reviews)

Compare the best aquarium air pumps for quiet operation and reliable aeration. Side-by-side reviews of top-rated pumps for tanks from 2 to 200 gallons.

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Canister filter connected to a freshwater aquarium with clear water
equipment

Best Canister Filters for Aquariums: 5 Filters Compared

We compared the Fluval FX4, OASE BioMaster Thermo, Fluval 407, SunSun HW-302, and PondForse to find the best canister filter for every tank size and budget. Detailed specs, pros and cons, and a complete buying guide.

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55-gallon fish tank on a sturdy aquarium stand in a living room
equipment

Best 55-Gallon Fish Tank Stands: 5 Stands Compared

We compared the Verano, 4ever2buy, VOWNER, and two farmhouse cabinet stands to find the best 55-gallon aquarium stand for every budget and style. Weight capacity, moisture resistance, storage, and built-in power compared.

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Planted aquarium with low light plants including java fern and anubias
plants

14 Easy Low Light Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Discover 14 hardy aquarium plants that thrive in low light without CO2 or fertilizers. Perfect for beginners wanting a planted tank without the complexity.

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Lush green low tech planted aquarium with driftwood and carpet plants
plants

How to Set Up a Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Complete guide to setting up a low-maintenance planted tank without CO2 injection. Learn equipment selection, plant species, setup steps, and ongoing care for a thriving low-tech aquarium.

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Black Moor goldfish with distinctive telescope eyes
fish

The Ultimate Guide to Black Moor Goldfish Care

Complete care guide for Black Moor goldfish covering tank setup, feeding, water conditions, and compatible tank mates. Learn how to keep these unique telescope-eyed fancy goldfish healthy.

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Healthy goldfish swimming in properly sized aquarium
fish

Goldfish Care: Why They're Harder Than You Think

Think goldfish are easy beginner fish? Learn the truth about goldfish care requirements including tank size, filtration, temperature, diet, and why they often die in bowls.

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Colorful koi fish swimming in pond
fish

Koi Fish vs Goldfish: 10 Key Differences

Learn the differences between koi and goldfish including size, appearance, diet, care requirements, and housing needs. Understand which species suits your setup.

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Oranda goldfish swimming in a planted community tank
fish

12 Safe Tank Mates for Oranda Goldfish

Find compatible tank mates for your Oranda goldfish. Learn which fancy goldfish varieties, schooling fish, bottom dwellers, and invertebrates can safely share a tank with your Oranda.

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Goldfish aquarium setup guide
fish

How to Set Up a Goldfish Aquarium the Right Way

The ultimate guide on how to set up a new goldfish aquarium the right way. How to choose the best aquarium, filter, lighting, plants, and tank mates for your goldfish.

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A beautifully stocked 20 gallon freshwater aquarium with fish, live plants, and natural decorations
aquariums

Setup Ideas For Your 20 Gallon Fish Tank

Complete guide to setting up a 20 gallon fish tank with equipment checklists, proven fish stocking combinations, compatible species, live plant suggestions, and decoration ideas for freshwater and saltwater setups.

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Small freshwater aquarium setup with plants and fish
aquariums

How to Set Up a Small Freshwater Fish Tank

Easy six-step guide to setting up a small freshwater aquarium. Learn proper placement, equipment selection, cycling, fish stocking, and maintenance for a thriving nano tank.

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Bright red cherry shrimp in a freshwater aquarium
invertebrates

Cherry Shrimp Care: Complete Guide for Beginners

Everything you need to know about keeping cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi). Learn about tank setup, water parameters, feeding, breeding, and compatible tankmates for these colorful freshwater shrimp.

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LED aquarium lighting illuminating a planted freshwater tank with vibrant green plants and colorful fish
equipment

The Best LED Lights for Freshwater Aquariums (2026 Guide)

We compared the best LED aquarium lights for freshwater tanks — from planted setups to fish-only displays. Fluval Plant 3.0, Finnex Planted+ HLC, Hygger 957, and NICREW ClassicLED Plus reviewed with specs, pros, cons, and which tanks each light fits best.

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Floating aquarium plants on water surface
plants

Best Floating Aquarium Plants: Benefits and Top 6 Reviewed

Discover the benefits of floating aquarium plants and find the best species for your tank. Reviews of Water Lettuce, Duckweed, Amazon Frogbit, and more with care tips.

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Colorful betta fish swimming against a black background
fish

Betta Tank Mates: The 10 Best Companions for Your Betta Fish

The 10 best betta tank mates that actually work — from peaceful bottom-dwellers to snails and shrimp. Includes tank size requirements, species to avoid, and how to introduce new tank mates safely.

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