Fishkeeping

Beginner fishkeeping: setting up a tank, avoiding the mistakes that kill fish, choosing heaters and substrate, and stocking a small aquarium.

21 Reasons Why Aquarium Fish Die

Why aquarium fish die: most deaths trace to ammonia, nitrite, temperature or pH problems. Learn 21 common causes and how to prevent them.

Fishkeeping 101 for beginners: pick a bigger tank, cycle it for 6 to 8 weeks, choose the right filter and supplies, and keep up with water changes.

Aquarium substrate guide: gravel vs sand, the best substrate for plants and bottom feeders, how deep to go, and how to keep it clean.

Fish will eat bread, but they shouldn't. Bread has little nutrition, swells in water and pollutes tanks and ponds. Here's what to feed fish instead.

A 5 gallon tank is too small for neon tetras. They need a school of at least five or six fish and a tank about 24 inches long, around 20 gallons.

Fish tank mistakes like overfeeding, skipping water changes and not testing water cause most beginner losses. Here are 7 to avoid and fix.

Avoid aquarium heater fails: unplug before reaching in, use a drip loop and a GFCI outlet, and check the tank temperature daily to protect your fish.

Can you clean a fish tank with vinegar? Yes, if it's empty. Use diluted white vinegar, rinse well, spare filter media, and cycle before adding fish.