“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 use them safely. Whether you’re curious about why your driftwood stained your tank, how tannins lower pH, or which fish species benefit most from blackwater setups, this episode is packed with clear explanations, troubleshooting advice, and practical aquascaping tips. Mentioned in this episode: The Tint podcast: https://tanninaquatics.com/pages/inspiration Music: "West Coast Dreams" - Ben Curtis (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/07feeb8f-922a-4e5c-9a99-6737dba094f1/)
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 territorial psychology to line-of-sight aquascaping, we explain why most Betta sororities fail and how yours can succeed. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot aggression, interpret tank dynamics, and know when to pull the plug on a failing group. 🎧 Perfect for beginner and intermediate freshwater hobbyists looking to keep multiple female Bettas in one tank, the right way. Music: "Evergreen Fields" - Tape Machines (Epidemic Sound -https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/dbb5e762-9514-4f84-a6c1-1ba9f274ec2b/)
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. Learn why live plants help reduce nitrates, improve oxygen levels, and control algae. Discover when fake plants might actually be the better choice. Plus, we troubleshoot common problems like plant melt, algae overgrowth, and cleaning artificial plants so you can avoid the most frustrating pitfalls. Whether you’re setting up your first aquarium or upgrading to a lush aquascape, this episode is packed with practical tips, scientific insights, and aquascaping strategies to help you succeed. Music: "We Were Dancing In The Dark" - Loving Caliber (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/swLZ5f3Aa5/)
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 easier (and often deadlier), How to build habits that support long-term fish health. Whether you're setting up your first aquarium or fixing mistakes from your last one, this episode is a must-listen for hobbyists who want to do it right. Music: "Nylon String Theory" - Candelion (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/MelONMmV4K/)
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 aquarium that works with nature instead of against it. We’ll cover planting strategies, substrate choices and manual maintenance routines. Whether you’re curious about natural aquariums, low-tech fish tanks, or creating a sustainable setup without expensive equipment, this episode will guide you step by step. 👉 Leave a review to help more aquarists discover the show! Music: Run Devil Run (Instrumental version)- Eden Maze (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/IOTFnMzKv8/)
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, and provide expert tips on managing nitrate, phosphate, and other key elements. We clarify what "dosing" actually means and how to do it safely. ✅ Learn to balance nutrients for a healthy ecosystem ✅ Diagnose common plant deficiencies ✅ Discover how to stop algae before it starts 🎧 Listen now to optimise your aquarium like a pro! Music: 'Jazz Bars' - Dusty Decks (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/bOn1vkNE0X/)
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. 🌿 Explore guppy behaviour in the wild 📘 Discover the impact of selective breeding 💡 Build tanks that support natural guppy instincts Music: Love Hour (Instrumental) - Adelyn Paik (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/SvhhJiSY4q/)
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 handles nitrogen differently than most aquariums. We also explore why “cycled” doesn’t always mean “stable,” and what really causes crashes in systems that seem fine on the surface. 🎧 In this episode: The real microbes behind your biofilter (and why Nitrospira matters) What makes the nitrogen cycle stall — and how to troubleshoot it Why deep substrate zones and plant uptake help in long-term stability Music: Back Of My Mind (Instrumental) - Melanie Bell (Epsidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ItS8aIXVHb/)
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 walk you through the history of GloFish, how they differ from dyed or painted fish, what their genetic modification really means, and how to set up a thriving tank. We also tackle common problems, legal breeding limitations, and what responsible fishkeeping looks like in the age of glowing pets. Whether you're a beginner aquarist or a long-time hobbyist, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the glowing truth behind GloFish.
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 shrimp die-offs, and practical steps to balance your aquarium ecosystem without relying on mythical solutions.
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 Farmer, Rachel O’Leary, and Takashi Amano, this episode will make you think twice before buying another product to add to your aquarium.
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-safe plants, feeding science, enrichment ideas, and solutions to common health problems to keep your goldfish thriving for decades.
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 by cloudy water, dealing with plant meltdowns, or wondering how snails invaded your tank overnight, this episode delivers deep insights with practical advice. * Mentioned in this episode: What Is Biofilm?
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 to save every last fry, this episode is packed with advice that will take your breeding skills to the next level. 💬 Have you faced fry disappearances? Share your story in the comments or leave a review—we’d love to feature your tip in a future episode! * Mentioned in this episode: Guppy Genetics Made Simple - Guppy Genetics Made Simple
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 tank or an advanced hobbyist chasing high-grade Caridina, this episode will give you the clarity you need. 🎙️ Which type of shrimp fits your aquarium goals and skill level? Let’s find out. Referenced in this episode: What is biofilm?
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 animals really are. Whether you’re keeping bettas, cichlids, tetras, puffers, or clownfish, this episode is packed with expert tips to help you observe, understand, and enrich your fish’s world. 🔬 Learn how fish think, feel, learn, play, and communicate like never before.
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 Arthur Preston explains each concept in everyday terms, with practical, real-world examples that show how better spending leads to better tanks and better outcomes for your fish. 💬 Learn how to: Compare budget and premium equipment with real ROI analysis Factor in long-term cost, time, and fish safety Use depreciation and opportunity cost like a pro aquarist This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to balance their love for fishkeeping with a real-world budget.
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 how temperature, filter placement, and even seasonal changes can drastically impact oxygenation. If you've ever wondered how oxygen even gets into your water, this episode if for you!
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 advice, common myths, troubleshooting signs, and how to build a fasting schedule that supports long-term fish health. Whether you're caring for goldfish, bettas, corydoras, or a full community tank, this episode provides expert insights and actionable tips.
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 conditions, feed for health and growth, prevent disease, and troubleshoot common problems. You can search for Care Guides episodes in your favourite podcast app or go take a look at the Aquarist Edge Care Guide episodes on YouTube: Care Guides (YouTube playlist) 👉 Don’t forget to leave a review and share your thoughts.