Blog

Fish in a newly set up aquarium often get little white spots all over their bodies. This is a disease called “ich” or “white spots”. Treating ich is very easy.

The author does not want to discourage newcomers to the hobby. But when it comes to plants there simply is a problem. Plants are not as easy as everyone says they are. Newcomers to the hobby should skip the plants

Brown Algae: If you are a newcomer to the hobby just accept the fact that brown algae will form in the aquarium and just leave it be in the aquarium. Do NOT try and fight the brown algae. It is a war the algae will win.

One of the five keys to any healthy aquarium is aeration. In an aquarium with even moderate amounts of fish, aeration is essential for healthy fish.

Aquarium filters: Any discussion of ANY filter requires a disclaimer. ALL commercial filters almost without exception tell the owner to replace the filter media (cartridges, sponge, ceramic rings, carbon, Matrix, etc.) regularly, once a month, once every three months, or once every six months. Replacing the Filter Media is a Big SCAM!!!

Cloudy Water in the Aquarium: Many people have their water turn cloudy, often looking like someone poured milk into the aquarium. Another term for this is a “bacterial bloom”.

The “brown gunk” found in aquarium filters is all a type of aggregate called a “biofilm”; a matrix or gel of polysaccharides and proteins with bacteria, protozoans, fungi and water molds. 

In the eyes of most hobbyists “detritus” is any “brown gunk” in an aquarium. Other words used to describe this material is mulm, organic matter, sludge and debris.

The most important part of an aquarium’s filtration is what goes on at the microscopic level. This is so called biofiltration. It is the world of bacteria and micro-organisms that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This biofiltration is the key to good water chemistry, good fish health and crystal-clear water.