Introduction

So, you've just set up your first fish tank and you’re not sure where to begin. Even if the pet store employee seemed helpful, you probably still have a lot of questions. Maybe you've tried fishkeeping unsuccessfully in the past. Perhaps you're looking to make the switch from freshwater to saltwater aquariums. Or maybe you just need a refresher on the basics of fish care. No matter what, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed without the right information and experience.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be. While this guide isn’t a replacement for thorough research, it can serve as a helpful starting point. Proper research on the fish and aquatic creatures you plan to keep is crucial, as understanding what they need to not only survive, but thrive, is essential. My goal here is to lay out the fundamentals of fishkeeping in a way that’s simple to follow and easy to understand.

Fishkeeping: It’s All About Experience and Adaptation

One key thing to remember about fishkeeping is that much of it comes down to personal experience and your specific situation. As you explore this site, you’ll notice a pattern: there are rarely hard and fast rules. The majority of questions I receive, like "Can I keep fish X with fish Y?" or "How often should I perform water changes?" all tend to get the same answer: It depends.

While fishkeeping can be straightforward once you understand a few key principles, it is still a complex hobby. You are creating a living ecosystem, and small changes in your aquarium can have lasting impacts on the entire system. Even if you’re maintaining two tanks that seem identical in terms of water type, stocking, or size, they will each function differently. This is because every tank has its own “personality.”

Why Every Fish Tank is Unique

This uniqueness is what makes fishkeeping both exciting and challenging. Even if a setup worked for one tank, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for another. There are simply too many variables to account for, whether it's the water quality, the type of fish, or the equipment being used.

When you keep a fish tank, you're building a delicate aquatic ecosystem where every factor plays a role in your fish's health and happiness. Being aware of the nuances of your own tank and continuously adapting to its needs is a crucial part of successful fishkeeping.

Navigation

This website is aimed to be laid out sort of like a handbook. Each chapter will have sub sections, which will be navigable from the side tab. This is a WIP, and will be regularly updated until it feels complete, and/or new information becomes available.