Beginner Questions

Are Aquariums Safe?
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is Gravel Necessary?
Is having gravel, or any other kind of substrate, necessary in an aquarium? Usually, but there are occasions when no substrate at all is best. This FAQ explains why you need, or don't need, substrate.

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.

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.

Your Oldest Aquarium Fish
Some species of fish live little more than a year, while others live for decades. How old is your oldest aquarium fish?

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.

What Does the Word Tropical Mean?
The term 'tropical' is often used to refer to fish, but exactly what does it mean?