Lively and brightly colored, with a sassy personality to match, the Tiger Barb is a universally popular aquarium fish. Warnings are in order, though. They like to nip other fish, and do best with a half dozen of their own kind. If you arm yourself with the proper care facts, they can be a fun addition to your aquarium

Photo © Ash Nicholas

Ever have this problem with a Barb? If so, perhaps you can help this forum member solve his fish woes.

"I have a 45 gal. tank with twelve fish. All the fish but one Tiger Barb are fine. I have two Tiger barbs but one sits in a corner with its head down. Dosn't move much. My ph is 6.6 and the Ammonia and Nitrates are safe. What is going on?"

Only one male Betta can be kept in a tank, yet virtually anyone who owns a Betta would like to keep more of them. A small tank is the ultimate gift for a Betta fan. Can’t afford a tank? Never fear -- Betta fans will appreciate anything from this wish list.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Overly hot water can be dangerous, or even lethal, to fish if it remains high for a period of time. During summer months, high water temps can happen at any time. Here are the steps to take if you have a heat problem.

Several years have passed since the controversy over glow in the dark fish surfaced. In spite of the fact that some states considered banning them before they even hit the market, the majority of those taking my poll said they would buy a glo-fish.

Now it's time to check in and see just how many of you really did go out and get a glo-fish or two. Take the latest poll and let everyone know if you've kept a glow in the dark fish.

Learning scientific names can be daunting, but it can be invaluable when trying to research information on a fish. Here are the basics about scientific fish names, and how to find the scientific name for your fish.

If you want attractive, peaceful and easy to care fish, Tetras are hard to beat. This Tetra photo gallery shows why. Want more information about a particular fish in the gallery? Just click on the fish name for a complete profile.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Cycling a new tank can be frustrating. Sometimes it seems as if it will never end. This forum member got answers from the forum community about elevated nitrite and nitrate levels.

"I have too high of nitrate and nitrite levels. I have done extensive water changes and my levels are still too high. They are reading at max levels even after a 30% then another 50% change both done within 4hours of each other.

I have been cycling for about 9 weeks and thought that things would be ready for new fish now. I started with danios and corys. I have a 55 gal and had originally added 6 danios and 3 corys. After 3 weeks I added 2 von rios and a 8 inch pleco. After another 2 weeks I added an additional 7 von rios and 2 corys. They were fine for a week and then they all died within the next week, one at a time. I waited 2 more weeks and then went to get some more fish. I had asked at the pet store I was in, what could be going on and they said that it was because I got my new von rios and corys at Pets Mart. I thought this might be the case so I went to my favorite fish shop and picked out 3 phantom tetra, 3 pencil tetra, and 3 emporor tetra. I also got a bottle of test strips, just in case, to check my water.

I then did a partial water change of 30% before adding the new fish. After adding the new fish I checked my levels. They are out of this world high on nitrate and nitrite. I talked to a friend who suggested I do another 50% water change. I did and the levels were still as high as they go. I tested my water from the tap and my R.O. unit. both are nutral in the nitrate and nitrite levels.

I do not know why my levels are so high after such a huge water change. I read that I could check my rocks, that some rocks are problems. I have taken them out and they are soaking in a bucket to test the water on, in a week. Is there anyone who can help me? What else can I do? What could be going on?"

One day you gaze at your aquarium and notice a small snail on the glass. It looks harmless enough. A week later the snail has half a dozen companions. Before you know it, the tank is crawling with them.

Where did they come from? How do they multiply so rapidly? What can you do to get rid of them? Anyone who has fought snails knows it is a tough battle, but there are things you can do to keep them at bay

Phosphates (PO4) are present in every aquarium, even though many aquarium owners aren't aware of it. If the aquarium is not properly maintained, the phosphate levels will rise and contribute to algae growth. Here is how to avoid phosphates, and reduce them if they get to high.