The Aquarist's Edge

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. 🌿...

The first of a regular news update featuring headlines and reports about the freshwater aquarium hobby from around the globe.  In this episode: 🧬 Hear about the discovery of a ghostlike electric knifefish in Brazil and a blind cave-dwelling loach in Vietnam. 🐟 Dive into the spotlight species of the week – the elegant and often-overlooked halfbeak. 👁️ Discover new research into schooling behaviou...

Do you think you know the Nitrogen Cycle? Perhaps there's more to it... In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the full complexity of the nitrogen cycle — going far beyond the basics to explore the real science that powers your aquarium's biological stability.  Learn how nitrifying bacteria actually work, why oxygen levels and substrate depth affect your biofiltration, and how nature...

In this in-depth episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we uncover everything you need to know about GloFish – the genetically fluorescent fish that have captured both curiosity and controversy in the aquarium hobby. Whether you’re wondering how GloFish glow, whether they’re ethical, or how to care for them properly, this episode has the science, facts, and expert guidance you’ve been looking for. We’ll...

Are snails, shrimp, and algae-eating fish really the ultimate aquarium janitors, or have they been given an unrealistic job description? We uncover the truth behind the clean-up crew myth.  We explore what clean-up crews actually do, why they can’t replace maintenance, and how to use them effectively in your tank. Learn about common myths, troubleshooting exploding snail populations, preventing sh...

Are you spending hundreds on bottled bacteria, clarifiers, or pH adjusters without real results? In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the science behind these products, explore why biology, consistency, and husbandry matter more than marketing promises, and learn practical ways to keep your aquarium thriving. With insightful quotes from renowned aquarists like Diana Walstad, George...

Goldfish are often seen as simple starter pets, but they’re so much more. In today’s masterclass episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, discover the true world of goldfish care. Learn their thousand-year history, the biology behind their unique needs, and detailed insights into goldfish varieties – from Commons to delicate Ranchus. Explore practical tank setups, powerful filtration strategies, goldfish-s...

Ever feel like your aquarium has a mind of its own? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we dive into the strange and puzzling phenomena that leave even seasoned aquarists scratching their heads. From vanishing fish to ghost algae that appear and disappear mysteriously, we're uncovering the science and offering real solutions to ten of the most bizarre aquarium mysteries. Whether you’re haunted...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unravel the mystery of disappearing guppy fry - why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to raise healthy, thriving generations of guppies. From the evolutionary biology behind fry cannibalism to practical, science-backed strategies that home aquarists can implement right away. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected population boom or trying t...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the key differences between Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp - two stunning genera that dominate the freshwater shrimp hobby. From water chemistry and care needs to breeding difficulty, compatibility, and strain variety, this guide is all about helping you figure out which shrimp are right for YOU. Whether you're a beginner setting up your first ta...

What if your fish could tell you how they feel? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the fascinating world of fish behaviour; from ancient instincts to modern cognitive science. Discover what drives your fish’s actions, how to decode their body language, and what research (including the famous goldfish-driving-a-tank experiment) tells us about how intelligent and emotional these anim...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we break down the true economics of aquarium keeping using simple but powerful financial tools like ROI, break-even analysis, NPV, and amortization. Whether you're deciding between a budget heater and a premium one, or wondering if a canister filter is worth it, this episode gives you a toolkit to make smarter, safer, and more cost-effective choices. Host Ar...