The Aquarist's Edge

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...

In this episode we take a critical look at one of the most persistent myths in the hobby: that air bubbles from your filter automatically mean your fish are well-oxygenated. Spoiler alert: they don’t. We uncover the science behind gas exchange, explain why surface agitation matters more than you think, and offer proven solutions to improve oxygen levels where your fish need it most. You’ll learn h...

Have you ever felt guilty for not feeding your fish? You may actually have helped make them healthier! In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the surprising science and practical benefits of fasting your community aquarium fish. Learn how strategic fasting improves digestion, reduces waste buildup, supports water quality, and mimics natural feeding rhythms. We cover species-specific ad...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we learn about the basics of care for the often-misunderstood Clown Loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus), covering everything from their natural habitat in Indonesian floodplains to their unique behaviours in the home aquarium. Whether you're housing juveniles or managing a mature shoal, you'll learn how to design the perfect tank, maintain ideal water conditi...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we answer one of the most critical and misunderstood questions in fishkeeping: Where should you place your aquarium? With expert-level insights, we cover everything from structural safety and natural light to temperature stability, noise, and real-life home scenarios. Whether you're setting up a nano tank or a 600-liter community display, this episode offers...

The recently released documentary film entitled "Aquariums: The Dark Hobby" shines a light on the marine aquarium hobby's impact on Hawaii's reefs and the broader marine ecosystem. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we journey from marinw coral reefs to freshwater riverbeds, uncovering what ethical, sustainable fishkeeping really means for freshwater aquarists. While marine hobbyists often fa...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the art and science of building a vibrant planted aquarium without CO₂ injection. Learn how to choose the right plants, lighting, substrate, and layout strategies to create lush growth with minimal tech and maintenance. Whether you're a beginner or an aquascaper on a budget, this episode will help you build a tank that thrives naturally and looks...

In this week’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we’re taking the mystery out of guppy genetics and turning it into a clear, beginner-friendly guide for hobbyists who want to breed stunning guppies right at home. From dominant and recessive genes to punnett squares and strain development, this episode is packed with practical insights, scientific explanations, and real-world advice you can apply to...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the use of aquarium salt - one of the most powerful, misunderstood tools in freshwater fishkeeping. From the science of osmoregulation to practical treatment techniques, we break down what salt does, when to use it, and when it can do more harm than good. Whether you’re dealing with parasites, stress, nitrite spikes, or simply wondering if salt be...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the slimy, often misunderstood layer of microbial life known as biofilm. We learn that is absolutely essential to the health and balance of your aquarium. From its critical role in biological filtration and nutrient cycling, to how it feeds shrimp, fry, and snails - we go deep into the science and practical applications of biofilm in both planted...

In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore 10 incredibly useful tips for keeping your Cherry Shrimp healthy, colourful, and thriving. Whether you're starting a new colony or troubleshooting mysterious disappearances, this episode explores everything you need to know - from tank setup to feeding, water quality, breeding, and more. You’ll also learn how to avoid common mistakes, spot hidd...

Interview with Tristan Fourie (@SimplyAquaticCT). In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, host Arthur Preston sits down with Tristan Fourie to discuss his journey in the aquatic hobby and his expertise in freshwater shrimp breeding. From starting out in fishkeeping to building a top-class shrimp room, Tristan shares his knowledge, experiences, and the importance of community in the hobby. 📌 Topic...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore how to revitalize your aquarium fish through proper diet and supplementation. From DIY fish food recipes to nutrient-packed commercial supplements, this episode is your complete guide to enhancing your fish’s health. We break down the essential nutrients fish need for growth, immunity, and vibrant colouration while tackling common feeding mistakes...

Are angelfish the graceful beauties of the aquarium world, or are they secretly little troublemakers? In this extended episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the behaviour of angelfish, their natural instincts, and what causes them to turn aggressive. From ideal tank setups to managing aggression and choosing the right tankmates, we cover everything you need to know to keep your angelfish happ...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore everything you need to know about pregnant guppy care! From identifying pregnancy signs to advanced breeding techniques, we cover the best ways to ensure healthy fry and strong genetics. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this episode has invaluable insights for you! 👉 Leave a review: https://theaquaristsedge.podcastpage.io/rev...