Beginner Questions
Answers to frequently asked beginner questions.
Are Aquariums Safe?
Aquariums are a relatively safe hobby, however there are hazards you should be aware of.
Aquariums are a relatively safe hobby, however there are hazards you should be aware of.
Can I Use Outdoor Gravel in My Aquarium?
The question is an old one, and is still debated. Can outdoor rocks gravel, or sand be used in an aquarium? Here's my take on the question.
The question is an old one, and is still debated. Can outdoor rocks gravel, or sand be used in an aquarium? Here's my take on the question.
Do I Need a Special Stand for My Aquarium?
Unsure if you really need a stand for the aquarium you are going to buy? Or perhaps aquarium stands are not on your budget. Here are the reasons why you may, or may not, need to purchase a special aquarium stand.
Unsure if you really need a stand for the aquarium you are going to buy? Or perhaps aquarium stands are not on your budget. Here are the reasons why you may, or may not, need to purchase a special aquarium stand.
How do I Clean a Dirty Fish Tank?
Sometimes an aquarium gets out of control. Here are step by step instructions for thoroughly cleaning an aquarium, complete with a list of supplies you will need.
Sometimes an aquarium gets out of control. Here are step by step instructions for thoroughly cleaning an aquarium, complete with a list of supplies you will need.
How do I Fix Cloudy Water in a New Tank?
New aquariums often experience a period during which the water becomes very cloudy. Understanding why the water is cloudy is a key factor in clearing it up.
New aquariums often experience a period during which the water becomes very cloudy. Understanding why the water is cloudy is a key factor in clearing it up.
How Long Should Aquarium Lights be Left On?
Aquarium lights usually don't come with a tag saying when to turn them on and off. So, how long should aquarium lights be left on?
Aquarium lights usually don't come with a tag saying when to turn them on and off. So, how long should aquarium lights be left on?
How Many Fish can My Tank Hold?
How to calculate the number of fish that can be safely kept in a 10 gallon, or any other sized aquarium.
How to calculate the number of fish that can be safely kept in a 10 gallon, or any other sized aquarium.
How Much and How Often Should I Feed My Fish?
How much and how often a fish should be fed is one of the first questions a new owner has. Here are the answers to those age old questions.
How much and how often a fish should be fed is one of the first questions a new owner has. Here are the answers to those age old questions.
Is Gravel Necessary?
Is having gravel, or any other kind of substrate, necessary in an aquarium? Generally the answer is yes, but there are occasions when no substrate at all is best. This FAQ explains why you need, or don't need, substrate.
Is having gravel, or any other kind of substrate, necessary in an aquarium? Generally the answer is yes, but there are occasions when no substrate at all is best. This FAQ explains why you need, or don't need, substrate.
Questions From "Ask Heloise" Show
If you listened to the Ask Heloise radio show and are looking for information we discussed on her show, look no further, everything is listed right here.
If you listened to the Ask Heloise radio show and are looking for information we discussed on her show, look no further, everything is listed right here.
Sexing Fish
When trying to breed fish, obtaining a pair is important. Unfortunately, determine the sex of fish isn't always an easy task. Here are some tips for sexing various species of fish.
When trying to breed fish, obtaining a pair is important. Unfortunately, determine the sex of fish isn't always an easy task. Here are some tips for sexing various species of fish.
What Causes Cloudy water?
Cloudy water is one of the most baffling aquarium problems. Because there is no single cause there is no single solution. However, based on the color and circumstances under which cloudy water appears, it usually can be pinpointed to one of these basic causes.
Cloudy water is one of the most baffling aquarium problems. Because there is no single cause there is no single solution. However, based on the color and circumstances under which cloudy water appears, it usually can be pinpointed to one of these basic causes.
What do Bulb Letters Mean?
Aquarium light fixtures come in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you had to replace your light bulb would you know what kind you have? There is some basic information printed on most bulbs, if you know what it means.
Aquarium light fixtures come in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you had to replace your light bulb would you know what kind you have? There is some basic information printed on most bulbs, if you know what it means.
Why do My Fish Hide all the Time?
Fish that hide all the time are a baffling and frustrating problem for the owner. Here are suggestions for how to coax your fish out into the open where you can enjoy him.
Fish that hide all the time are a baffling and frustrating problem for the owner. Here are suggestions for how to coax your fish out into the open where you can enjoy him.
What Does the Word Tropical Mean?
The term 'tropical' is often used to refer to fish, but exactly what does it mean?
The term 'tropical' is often used to refer to fish, but exactly what does it mean?
Where Should I put My Aquairum Heater?
Proper placement of the aquarium heater will assure that the tank is heated evenly. Here are simple tips for heater placement.
Proper placement of the aquarium heater will assure that the tank is heated evenly. Here are simple tips for heater placement.