Fish Blog

If you’re looking to swim with the big fish… or the small fish… or anything in between, our in-depth Fish Blog section covers everything an avid aquarist needs to know.

Covering all types of aquarium tanks, to cool and interesting ideas for your next fishy endeavor, PetGuide.com’s Fish Blog is the perfect spot for experienced and beginner fish enthusiasts alike. We cover the various aspects of fish keeping as a hobby – from simple planted tanks to complex marine environments, as well as aquarium fish and their compatibility with other species. Dive right into the fascinating world of aquariums!

If you are in need for some tips and ideas on decorating your fish tank with beautiful plants, make sure to hop on over to our Aquatic Plants section. In case you have a saltwater tank and want to create a unique environment for its inhabitants, Coral Reefing is definitely an option worth looking into. Reef tanks are not only great for the fish but a magnificent centerpiece for your home as well! Depending on the type of water in your tank, you will also find invaluable advice and how-to guides in our Freshwater and Saltwater blog chapters, or useful reviews of aquarium equipment in our Fish Products section of the blog.

Wondering about adding a new creature into your aquarium? Read up on our aquarium fish species recommendations, or head on over to our Invertebrates blog, to find out how to chose, introduce and care for various marine critters, including species such as crabs, clams, starfish, and much more.

Create a stunning miniature ecosystem in your aquarium. Petguide.com’s Fish blog has all the resources you’ll need to create, decorate and maintain a gorgeous fish tank, as well as guides on choosing and caring for aquarium fish and other aquatic creatures that will inhabit it!

Choosing the Right Substrate for Your Aquarium

Let's get to the bottom of aquarium substrate! Depending on what kind of tank you set up, you need to choose the right substrate for it.

Add Color to Your Tank With Freshwater Shrimp

Have you ever thought of adding freshwater shrimp to your aquarium? A wonderful addition to any tank, shrimp brighten and bring zest to a tank.

Expand Your Saltwater Tank With a Refugium

Want tag on a new addition to your saltwater tank? With a refugium, you can add greater water capacity to your main tank for a host of benefits.

The Benefits of Hermit Crabs in Your Aquarium

The hermit crab isn't just a pretty shell - this invertebrate likes to clean up after itself. Here's why you should let a hermit crab move into your tank.

Planted Tank Basics: What Aquarium Plants Need to Thrive

Just like the ones growing in earth, there are certain basics aquarium plants need to survive and thrive. Let's go over the basics of planted tank care.

Best Artificial Aquarium Plants

Keeping a tank with live plants can be quite a challenge. If you want the look of a planted tank without the hassle, think about adding artificial aquarium plants.

How to Properly Acclimate New Fish in the Aquarium

When it comes to aquariums, how you add new fish to your tank is important to their safety and well being. Tips for acclimatizing fish to your aquarium.

Why You’ll Want to Add Mystery Snails to Your Aquarium

Mystery snails are a welcome addition to an aquarium. Colorful and community oriented, these crustaceans will clean up after themselves and tank mates.

Readers’ Picks: Top Seachem Products for Aquariums

Seachem is the most trusted name in the aquarium hobby game, according to PetGuide readers. Here we take a look at the top Seachem products on Amazon.

How to Use Floating Plants in Your Planted Tank

Floating plants help to create a tranquil vibe in your aquarium. If you're new to this kind of plant, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

Fish RX: Hikari PraziPro Fights Parasite Infestations

What do you do when your fish get sick? Before or after parasites invade your aquarium, medicate your fish with Hikari PraziPro.

Setting a Schedule for Routine Tank Maintenance

Aquariums need to be maintained regularly - it's essential to keeping your fish healthy and your tank looking its best.

Is It Safe to Keep Fish in a Small Bowl?

While fish bowls are often marketed as a simple, low-maintenance solution (especially for beginners), they fall short in several critical ways when it comes to keeping fish healthy and happy. Let’s explore why.

Watts Going On With Your Aquarium Lighting?

Aquarium lighting is more than just watts per gallon. When you're setting up lighting for your tank, be sure to keep these important factors in mind.

5 Fish Questions You Always Wanted to Ask

There's no such thing as a stupid question. But if you're too hesitant to raise your hand, here are 5 fish questions you always wanted to ask.

What You Need to Know About C02 for Planted Tanks

Carbon Dioxide is an important element in your planted tank, and your plants need more than you think. Add extra C02 for a thriving aquarium.

Aquarium Heating: Submersible Vs. Hang-on Heaters

Unless your aquarium only houses goldfish, you're going to need a tank heater. But should you go with a submersible or a hang-on heater?

Best Fish Food for Aquarium Fish

What do you plan to feed your fish? If you're just starting out with a tank, you'll want to choose the best fish food for aquarium fish.

Heating Things Up With Eheim Jager Heaters

Not too cold, not too hot... you want to keep the temperature just right. Buying the right heater sets the right climate for the health of your fish.

Join the Club: The Eastern Betta Society

Want to join like-minded fish enthusiasts near you? The Eastern Betta Society in an online community where you can log in and talk betta!

Product Review: AquaMaxx HOB Protein Skimmer

Let us clarify how important a quality protein skimmer is to your tank. We give the AquaMaxx HOB Protein Skimmer a spin in our aquarium.

4 Annoying Pests Found in Your Freshwater Aquarium

Even the smallest pests can mess up the most pristine aquarium. Here are four common (and annoying) pests that could cause problems in your freshwater tank.

Growing and Propagating Your Own Coral

Feel like fragging? If you want to propagate your own coral, you sure do! This cost-effective practice lets you grow your own coral.

Conditioning Your Fish Tank With Seachem Prime

To remove chlorine from tap water so that it's safe for your aquarium, you'll need a prime water conditioner. And Seachem Prime is what the pros recommend.

Top 3 Most Popular Types of Aquarium Filters

You know that you need a filter to keep your aquarium clean. Did you know that certain types of tanks need a filter that'll get the job done right?

What Are the Most Attractive Corals for a Reef Tank?

Broccoli, bubbles and... open brains? These are just a few coral types that will bloom in your aquarium and give your reef environment life.

Oscars and Aquarium Plants: Can You Have Both?

Some fish and aquarium plants don't go together. If you're thinking of adding Oscars to your planted tank, keep these important facts in mind.

5 Common Mistakes Made by Reef Keepers

When you're starting out, the smartest thing to do is learn from others' mistakes. Minimize your reef keeping boo-boos and take some advice from the pros.

Aquarium Biology 101: Anatomy of a Fish

We all know that a fish has gills and fins... but there's more to them than just a few basic parts. Get ready for our crash course in "Anatomy of a Fish."

Best Fish Food for Algae Eaters

Finding the perfect combination of aquarium inhabitants is an art. You want to find species that are compatible with each other in terms of size and color, but you also have to think about aggression and diet as well. Once you’ve established the ideal balance, it can be challenging to add a new inhabitant to the tank. If you’re struggling to control problem algae, however, adding a new species could be your best option. Bristlenose Plecostomus, oto cats, and other algae eaters are a natural and long-term solution for problem algae, but they require care of their own.

Best Aquarium Testing Supplies

Depending on what kind of fish you're stocking your tank with, you're going to need to test the water to make sure it's just right. Here are the best aquarium testing supplies to help you out.�

Best Substrates for Saltwater Tanks

Make your saltwater tank look its glorious best. Decorate your aquarium with the best substrates for saltwater tanks and let it shine!�

Buying Guide: Best Betta Fish Tanks

Betta fish tanks are designed to provide optimal comfort to a fish of their size and make sure your vibrantly colored pet thrives in its new environment.

What Plants Can I Pair With Plant-Eating Fish?

Your planted tank sure looks good... good enough to eat! Here's what you need to know if you don't want fish eating all of the plants in your aquarium.

Best Aquarium Filters

Go with the flow and keep your tank sparkling clean. Choose from our list of the best aquarium filters to ensure your tank is properly maintained.

Best Products to Remove Aquarium Algae

It's completely natural, but it sure does make your tank look gross! Here are the best products to remove aquarium algae.

4 Best Types of Lighting Systems for Planted Aquariums

Got light? The right lights on your aquarium can not only make your tank shine, but it's also necessary component for plants to thrive.

Betta Leaf Hammock is the Perfect Fit for Any Tank

Researchers suggest keeping bettas happy by housing them in large, landscaped tanks. This hammock is a great addition to any enclosure.

4 Most Common Mistakes New Aquarium Hobbyists Make

Hey, we all make mistakes. And when it comes to aquariums, there are a few common ones that new hobbyists are bound to make.

Our Guide to the Best Aquarium Sea Salt

Are you interested in setting up a salt water tank? Then you'll need our guide to the best aquarium sea salt.�

Best Cannister Filters for Large Aquariums

To ensure your fish are happy and healthy, water quality needs to be optimal. The best way to do that is with a high-quality canister filter.

Paludariums Have Room For More Than Just Fish

Who says an aquarium is just for fish? A paludarium can house a host of animals and plants that takes on the feel of your very own exotic wetland!

Why You Need To Dip Your Coral in Coral RX

You've spent a lot of time and money on your aquarium. Don't let nasty parasites take over - use Coral RX to drip your coral before adding it to your reef.

Best Aquarium Lights

Lights� cameras� action! Put a spotlight on your tank with the right lighting. Here are our picks for the best aquarium lights.

Fishy Secrets Revealed: The Pros’ Most Embarrassing Stories

We all have those forehead-slapping moments when we make a stupid mistake. Hey, not to worry - even the most seasoned of fish pros have made a few missteps.

Tank Stocking: The Truth About The 1 Inch Per Gallon Rule

You've heard about the "one inch of fish per gallon" rule, but there are other factors to keep in mind when you're first stocking your aquarium.

Top 5 LED Aquarium Lighting Systems

Light up your tank with LED lighting. But which system do you choose? Here are our top five picks for LED aquarium lighting systems.

Best Affordable Supplies for a 20-Gallon Tank

Thinking about getting a home aquarium? You need more than a tank! Here's our list of best affordable supplies for a 20-gallon tank.

The Best Aquarium Gravel Cleaners

You may not think much about it, but the gravel at the bottom of your tank needs certain care. Here are our picks for the best aquarium gravel cleaners.

Keeping Carnivorous Plants in Your Home Aquarium

Don’t let the name scare you off. Adding carnivorous plants to your tank can take your aquarium to a new level of uniqueness. When you are ready to s…

Aquarium Basics: Let’s Talk About Amazon Sword Plants

When it comes to freshwater tanks, the Amazon Sword Plant is a fan favorite - for many reasons. Here are the basics you need to know about this tank staple.

What Are the Most Difficult Aquatic Plants to Grow?

Some plants take a lot more work than others. If you're looking for a challenge, these are the most difficult aquatic plants to grow.

Top 5 Fast-Growing Aquarium Plants for Planted Tanks

If you're impatient for growth, you'll want aquarium plants that shoot up quickly. Take a look at these fast-growing aquarium plants for your planted tank.

The Lowdown on Fish Laws

Are you guilty of breaking a fish law? Perhaps you don't even realize that what you've done is illegal. What you don't know may land you in hot water.

Tips for Keeping Fiddler Crabs in Your Brackish Tank

Fiddler Crabs make a wonderful addition to a brackish tank. Easy to care for and fun to watch, here's what you need to know about the fiddler crab.

Product Review: Hydor Professional External Canister Filter

Essential for a healthy aquarium, the right filter keeps water quality in your tank high. Is the Hydor Professional External Canister Filter up for the job?

Confessions of a Tank Addict: YouTube Fish Fanatic Rachel O’Leary

The first step is admitting you have a problem. The second step is to set up a YouTube channel and record your tank obsession - just like Rachel O'Leary!

What You Need to Know About the Nitrogen Cycle

The Nitrogen Cycle is important if you're interested in cultivating a thriving aquarium. Let's talk about the basics and why you need to know about it.

Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Fish Live Food

What are you feeding your fish for dinner? If you're planning on feeding your fish live food, here's what you need to know about this type of diet.

The Pros and Cons of CO2 in an Aquarium

CO2 in your aquarium can take your plants from average to extraordinary. But before adding extra to your tank, make sure you know its pros and cons.