Practical guide9 min
Where should I place an aquarium?
Choose a level, supported location that protects the tank from heat, sunlight, vibration and difficult maintenance.
tank locationstandelectrical safety
Knowledge Library
Aquarium basics guides
Direct, practical answers to common aquarium questions.
Aquarium basics
How should I add the first fish to a new aquarium?
A careful first-stocking plan that protects fish and the new biological filter.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow many hours should aquarium lights stay on?
Set a practical light period that supports viewing and plants without driving nuisance algae.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsWhat size aquarium is best for a beginner?
Choose a first aquarium that is stable, manageable and large enough for adult livestock.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsWhat equipment do I need for a first aquarium?
A practical equipment checklist for a safe, maintainable freshwater setup.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow do I cycle an aquarium without fish?
Build biological filtration with an ammonia source before livestock is exposed.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow many fish can my aquarium hold?
Estimate stocking from adult size, behaviour, oxygen, filtration and maintenance—not a single formula.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow much and how often should aquarium fish be fed?
Match feeding quantity and frequency to species, life stage and actual consumption.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow often should aquarium water be changed?
Set water changes from measured waste, stocking, feeding and source-water stability.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsDo I need water conditioner for aquarium tap water?
Protect livestock and biological filtration from chlorine, chloramine and some metals.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow do I know when my aquarium is cycled?
Use test results and processing capacity—not a calendar—to confirm biological filtration.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow do I move an aquarium safely?
Protect livestock, glass, filter bacteria and the new location during a move.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow do I clean an aquarium without killing beneficial bacteria?
Remove waste while keeping biological surfaces alive and stable.
Read guide →Aquarium basicsHow closely should new water match aquarium temperature?
Avoid thermal shock during routine and emergency water changes.
Read guide →Practical guide9 min
Which aquarium substrate should I choose?
Match sand, gravel, soil or bare-bottom use to the livestock, plants, cleaning method and long-term water chemistry.
substratesandgravel
Practical guide8 min
How deep should aquarium substrate be?
Use enough depth for the intended plants and behaviours without creating inaccessible waste traps or unstable hardscape.
substrate depthrooted plantswaste
Practical guide10 min
How should I clean a used aquarium?
Clean and inspect a second-hand tank without leaving detergent, disinfectant or hidden structural damage behind.
used aquariumdisinfectionleak test
Practical guide9 min
Why does my aquarium smell bad?
Use the type and timing of the odour to find trapped waste, poor aeration, dead livestock or a filter problem.
bad smellorganic wastelow oxygen
Practical guide8 min
How should I top up evaporated aquarium water?
Replace only the water that evaporated, while remembering that minerals and waste remain behind.
evaporationtop offsalinity
Practical guide10 min
Can I use rainwater in an aquarium?
Rainwater can be very soft but may carry roof, tank, smoke, dust, metal or microbial contamination, so it must be tested and managed as source water.
rainwatersource waterremineralisation
Practical guide9 min
Can I use bottled water in an aquarium?
Bottled water varies widely in minerals, pH treatment and consistency; the label and test results matter more than the word bottled.
bottled watersource waterminerals