The Aquarist's Edge

Art breaks down the top five New Year resolutions that truly make a difference for freshwater aquarists - not onlyt for your fish, but for your long-term success and enjoyment of the hobby. From building stable aquarium ecosystems to simplifying maintenance routines and improving feeding habits, this episode focuses on practical changes that lead to healthier fish and less stress. Whether you’re a...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art unpacks the subtle ways your freshwater aquarium can mislead you. Crystal-clear water, active fish, lush plants, and “good” test results can all hide underlying stress, unstable chemistry, and long-term problems. Learn how to read the real signals in your tank: from fish behaviour and flow patterns to plant growth, algae types, temperature stability, and...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art unpacks the mindset behind the title “Don’t Assume You Know” and expose the hidden mistakes that quietly ruin freshwater aquariums. From so-called “beginner fish” and misunderstood nitrogen cycles to tap water assumptions, equipment myths, and misread fish behaviour,  learn more about the science and how to stop guessing and start understanding your tank...

This episode takes a deep but practical look at overfiltering in freshwater aquariums and explains why more filtration isn’t always better for fish health or long-term stability. Many hobbyists unknowingly create stressed, fragile systems by using excessive flow, oversized filters, or overly aggressive mechanical filtration. You’ll learn how filtration affects fish behaviour, beneficial bacteria,...

In this Christmas holiday special of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art shares calm, practical Christmas and holiday aquarium rituals to keep your freshwater fish tanks thriving while life gets busy. From intentional end-of-year water changes and equipment check-ups to quiet observation sessions, you’ll learn how to turn maintenance into meaningful, repeatable habits. The episode also walks through a simple...

In this episode Art unpacks how to build a low-tech planted tank that genuinely stays low-maintenance. From choosing the right tank size, filter, and lighting, to selecting easy aquarium plants that thrive without CO₂, you’ll learn how to design a balanced freshwater ecosystem instead of an algae farm. We also walk through a step-by-step setup, a realistic weekly maintenance routine, and two deep...

In this episode Art takes a close look at the Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis), one of the most misunderstood freshwater algae eaters in the hobby. Learn how to identify true SAEs vs common lookalikes, the ideal tank size, water parameters, and aquascaping for these active fish, and what they really eat once they discover pellets and flakes.  Whether you keep planted tanks or just wan...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Arthur shares 10 easy, practical tips to make your freshwater aquarium healthier and more stable. From understanding the nitrogen cycle and preventing overstocking, to using live plants, smarter feeding habits, and creating consistent maintenance routines, you’ll learn exactly how to build a tank where fish truly thrive.  Whether you’re just starting with a...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores the real difference between Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras? From their natural habitats in the Amazon to their unique water chemistry, feeding habits, and breeding challenges, this episode gives you everything you need to know to care for these iconic species successfully. Learn how to identify each fish, understand their distinct needs, and cr...

Art breaks down the 10 most common freshwater aquarium setup mistakes and how to avoid them for good. Whether you’re cycling your first tank or perfecting your aquascape, this episode gives you the scientific background, real-world experience, and practical guidance every aquarist needs. Learn how to prevent new tank syndrome, balance your filtration, master temperature control, and design a tank...

In Part 2 of The Secret Language of Fish, Art continues exploring the quiet dialogue between aquarist and aquarium. Learn how to build trust with your fish, interpret stress and curiosity, and create an environment that encourages confident, natural behaviour. From establishing consistent routines to reading subtle emotional cues, this episode teaches you how to “speak back to the water.” ⭐ What...

In this first part of The Secret Language of Fish series, Art explores one of the most fascinating mysteries for home aquarium keepers: how fish recognise and communicate with their keepers. Discover the science behind memory and perception in aquarium fish, learn to decode subtle body language, and understand how your daily rhythm shapes the way your fish respond to you. Whether you keep angelfis...

From lowering blood pressure and improving sleep to easing anxiety and nurturing emotional balance, this episode investigates the research and shared experiences that show how aquariums affect the body, mind, and spirit. Drawing on studies from the University of Plymouth, Purdue University, and experts like Diana Walstad and Takashi Amano, Art reveals why the simple act of keeping fish can bring p...

Art explores the fascinating world of freshwater aquarium snails. Are they helpful allies or invasive pests? The truth lies somewhere in between. From Malaysian trumpet snails and ramshorns to nerites and mystery snails, this episode explores the most common species aquarists encounter, their benefits to aquarium ecosystems, and the potential problems they can cause. You’ll learn practical snail c...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we examine the world of planaria in shrimp tanks - what they are, why they appear, and how to keep them under control. If you’ve ever spotted these flatworms gliding across your aquarium glass and worried about the safety of your shrimp colony, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need. From identifying planaria versus harmless detritus worms...

We take a look at how to set up the perfect guppy tank. From the ideal tank size to the right temperature, pH, and water hardness, you’ll learn everything you need to create a stable environment where guppies thrive. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with constant guppy losses or an experienced aquarist looking to refine your setup, this episode is packed with scientific explanations, practical...

“Tannins Explained” takes you into the science and beauty of blackwater aquariums. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores what tannins are, where they come from, how they influence water chemistry, and why so many softwater fish thrive in tannin-rich environments. From driftwood and Indian almond leaves to peat and alder cones, learn exactly how tannins transform your tank and how to...

Art breaks down everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a Betta sorority tank; with a focus on real-world success and scientific accuracy. Whether you're planning your first Betta community or you've tried before and struggled, this episode provides a guide into female Betta behavior, tank setup requirements, and the critical do’s and don’ts that make or break a sorority. From...

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Aquarist’s Edge, your trusted source for freshwater aquarium news and insights. Join Arthur Preston as we explore ten fascinating stories that connect science, conservation, and the home aquarium hobby. 🔍 In This Episode: 🐟 Bumblebee catfish caught on camera climbing waterfalls in Brazil 👁️ Blind cavefish that have survived without light for over 11 million...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores one of the most debated questions in freshwater fishkeeping: live plants vs. fake plants. Should you choose natural greenery that supports your aquarium’s ecosystem, or go with artificial plants for convenience and simplicity? We break down the pros and cons of each option, from aesthetics and maintenance to water chemistry and fish health. Lear...

In this episode we tackle the six most common, and preventable, mistakes that lead to fish deaths in freshwater aquariums. From skipping the nitrogen cycle to trusting clear water without testing, this episode delivers the science and strategy every beginner aquarist needs. You’ll learn: Why fish die suddenly in new tanks, How ammonia poisoning works and how to stop it, Why small tanks aren’t easi...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores the fascinating world of heater-free and filterless aquariums. Can fish really thrive without equipment? Yes! When you understand how to balance plants, substrate, and stocking levels, your tank can become a self-sustaining ecosystem. You’ll learn the science behind natural filtration, temperature tolerance in fish, and how to set up a low-tech...

In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the critical role of nutrients in freshwater aquariums: from how they fuel plant growth to how they trigger algae when mismanaged. Whether you're dosing fertilizers, battling green water, or simply wondering if your plants are starving, this episode has the answers. We explore the full nutrient cycle, explain how feeding affects water chemistry,...

This week's Aquarium News shares stories of how science and fishkeeping collide in fascinating ways. Discover why deep-sea fish are rewriting our understanding of the carbon cycle, how new muscle research is changing what we thought we knew about the coelacanth, and meet two newly described snail-crushing cichlids from Lake Victoria. Also in this episode: What lanternfish fossils tell us about dec...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the wild origins of guppies and how their native habitats in South America and the Caribbean should inform the way we care for them in aquariums. From the evolutionary pressures that shaped guppy behaviour to the environmental conditions they evolved in, this episode offers a naturalistic approach to guppy keeping rooted in science and ecology. 🌿...