Author name: Nic Hsu

The betta, also known as the Betta splendens or Siamese fighting fish, is a strikingly gorgeous freshwater fish hailing from Southeast Asia. One of the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby, the betta is a carnivorous fish that will need more than just fish flakes for a balanced diet. If your betta is in […]

One of the hidden trials of aquarium keeping is mastering the mysterious nitrogen cycle. If you toss fish into an uncycled tank, they’ll be fine for a while, before the ammonia created by their own waste overwhelms them. Lucky for us, the nitrogen cycle, and the nitrifying bacteria it comprises, absorb that ammonia, making the

Java moss is a favorite of aquarium hobbyists, beloved for its ability to tolerate a number of different substrates and environments. This moss makes a perfect living carpet for planted tanks, will grow on nearly any object, and is almost impervious to harm. Sounds like the perfect plant, right? The only thing that could make

Finding a pet-friendly hotel, boarder, or pet sitter for a cat or dog is one thing, but it’s significantly harder when you need to leave for a period of time and need someone to watch your fish.  With tetras being one of the most common freshwater fish in the hobby, more and more fish enthusiasts

In a planted take, there is no plant more useful than a floating plant. These free-floating greens don’t need to be planted and take all of their nutrients from the water, sucking up nitrates that would otherwise be used by annoying algae.  There are dozens of floating plants that suit a freshwater aquarium, but one

Some of the easiest, most colorful additions to any aquarium are shrimp. With their flashy looks, curious nature, and tendency to breed prolifically, shrimp are fun and inexpensive pets that suit both new aquarium keepers and veteran tank owners alike.  When you have two shrimp, chances are within weeks, you’ll have more. Shrimp will breed

Most pet stores have age limits on buying live animals. These limits are there for a good reason; they are meant to ensure the health and well-being of all live animals sold in their stores, including fish. How old do you have to be to buy a fish from PetSmart? Or Petco? Both Petco and

Have you ever peered over at your fish tank and wondered what goes on inside of their tiny minds? What do they experience? What do they perceive?  I am sure that many of you have felt that perhaps your fish may be bored and lacking stimulation. Maybe turning on the TV would help keep them