Introduction

So, you’ve just set up your first fish tank, and now what? Maybe the pet store associate seemed helpful, or maybe you left with more questions than answers. Perhaps you’ve tried fishkeeping before and it didn’t go as planned, or you’re making the leap from freshwater to saltwater tanks. Or maybe you just want a solid refresher on the basics of aquarium care. Whatever your experience, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed at first when starting in fishkeeping.

The good news is that fishkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated. The most successful aquarists don’t try to control every detail—they work with their aquariums. Every tank is a living ecosystem, and small changes in water chemistry, filtration, or stocking can ripple through the system in surprising ways. Patience, observation, and proper aquarium maintenance are your most important tools for keeping fish healthy.

Fishkeeping is rarely about hard rules. Questions like “Can I keep fish X with fish Y?” or “How often should I change the water in my tank?” almost always get the same answer: it depends. Two freshwater or saltwater tanks that look identical on paper can behave very differently, because each develops its own personality. Learning to read your aquarium, notice its rhythms, and let the ecosystem work in your favor is the heart of successful fishkeeping.

This guide is designed to give you the fundamentals of fishkeeping, aquarium care, and managing a balanced aquatic ecosystem in a clear, approachable way. By observing, adapting, and above all, being patient, you can cultivate a miniature aquatic world where your fish not only survive—but thrive. Your role? Guide, observe, and let the ecosystem lead.

Navigation

This website is aimed to be laid out sort of like a handbook. Each chapter will have sub sections, which will be navigable from the side tab. This is a WIP, and will be regularly updated until it feels complete, and/or new information becomes available.