Set Up

RO water demystified: a practical guide to reverse osmosis in aquariums. Learn what RO water is, when to use it, how to remineralize, how to blend with tap water, and how to set stable targets to reduce algae and keep fish healthy.

Learn which goby species suit reef tanks, how to pick the right one for your size and goals, and how to keep them thriving—from sand-sifting specialists to nano favorites and shrimp goby pairs.

Facing sudden coral decline? This practical guide walks you through rapid triage, key root causes (temperature, salinity, alkalinity, nutrients, light, flow, contaminants), and proven fixes to restore stability and reef growth.

A practical guide to starting a saltwater nano reef, showing why 20 gallons is the practical minimum for beginners, when 10–15 gallons can work with strict routines, and how to set up, stock, and maintain a stable, thriving small reef with affordable gear and a simple routine.

Corals are animals, not plants. Learn how feeding complements light, what to feed SPS, LPS, and soft corals, when to feed, and how to boost growth and resilience in reef tanks.

Explore why aquarium anemones move and how to keep them settled and healthy. This guide covers light, flow, footing, and water stability, plus practical steps for acclimation, prevention, and safe handling.

Discover how a protein skimmer keeps saltwater aquariums stable and crystal-clear by removing dissolved organics. This guide explains what a skimmer is, how it works, and how to size, install, tune, and maintain it for healthier corals and fish.

Explore why marine aquariums cost more than freshwater and how to budget smartly for long-term stability. This guide breaks down key cost drivers—from RO/DI water and gear to lighting, flow, and quarantine—and offers a practical roadmap from fish-only setups to reef systems, with automation tips and common money-saving mistakes to avoid.

Learn the difference between UV clarifiers and sterilizers for aquariums and ponds, and how dose, flow, and placement affect water clarity and disease control.

Save a sick fish fast with a practical, step-by-step emergency guide. Learn why water quality and oxygen matter, follow a life-saving checklist, spot key signs, and fix root causes to prevent recurrences.