The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]

Your guppy has just had her babies, so what do you do now? This episode covers guppy fry care through the first 30 days: where to keep them, what to feed them, how to keep the water clean, and what's normal week by week. Whether your fry are staying in the main tank or growing on in their own tank, it'll help you raise more of them.

💬 Join the conversation: Do your guppy fry grow up in the main tank or a separate one, and how many usually make it? Share your answer in a review or find us on social media and tell us.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Aquarist's Edge on your podcast app and share it with a fish keeper who may need to hear it.

☕ If this show has helped you in your fishkeeping journey, please consider supporting by buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

🔍 Keywords: guppy fry care, what to feed guppy fry, guppy fry in main tank, how to raise guppy fry, baby guppies, guppy breeding box, guppy grow out tank, baby brine shrimp, sexing guppies, livebearer fry care

Has your guppy looked ready to give birth for weeks, with still no fry in sight? In this episode Art explains why a pregnant guppy might not be giving birth. He covers gestation, stored sperm, the late-pregnancy signs to watch for, and how to tell a gravid female from one that’s bloated or ill. It’s for any fish keeper staring at a round guppy and wondering what to do next.

💬 Join the conversation: Have you had a guppy who seemed pregnant forever? Did she eventually drop a brood, or did it turn out to be something else? Share your story in a review or find us on social media and tell us.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Aquarist’s Edge on your podcast app and share it with a fish keeper who may need to hear it.

☕ If this show has helped you in your fishkeeping journey, please consider supporting by buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

🔍 Keywords: pregnant guppy not giving birth, how long are guppies pregnant, guppy gestation period, signs guppy is about to give birth, guppy gravid spot, guppy breeder box, pregnant guppy or dropsy, guppy bloated or pregnant, guppy fry, livebearer care tips

What would your fish say if they could send you a voice note? In this episode, a goldfish in a bowl, a betta in a vase, a nipped angelfish, a lonely neon and a few others write in to an aquarium agony aunt with the problems they face most often. It's a light-hearted look at the most common beginner aquarium mistakes, with honest, practical answers for new and experienced fish keepers alike.

💬 Join the conversation: If your fish could send a voice note to an agony aunt, what would it say? Share it in a review or find us on social media and tell us.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Aquarist's Edge on your podcast app and share it with a fish keeper who may need to hear it.

☕ If this show has helped you in your fishkeeping journey, please consider supporting by buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

🔍 Keywords: beginner aquarium mistakes, goldfish bowl, betta fish in a vase, fish compatibility, fin nipping, neon tetra shoal, overfeeding fish, aquarium pH swings, holiday fish feeding, multiple tank syndrome, fishkeeping tips

Did you choose the stuff on the bottom of your tank by colour? Most of us did, but your substrate affects your water chemistry, your plants, and whether fish like corydoras and eartheaters can feed the way they're built to.

This episode compares gravel, sand, aqua soil, crushed coral, dirted tanks and bare-bottom tanks, matches each to the fish and shrimp that suit it, and works through some of the hobby's longest-running substrate debates.

💬 Join the conversation: Are you a sand, gravel or aqua soil keeper, and have you ever switched and noticed a difference in your fish? Share your story in a review or find us on social media and tell us.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Aquarist's Edge on your podcast app and share it with a fish keeper who may need to hear it.

☕ If this show has helped you in your fishkeeping journey, please consider supporting by buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

🔍 Keywords: best aquarium substrate, sand vs gravel aquarium, aqua soil planted tank, shrimp substrate, corydoras sand, crushed coral African cichlids, how to clean aquarium sand, dirted tank, bare bottom aquarium, fishkeeping tips for beginners

Why did your first fish die within days of setting up the tank? It's called new tank syndrome, and it's just one of ten hard lessons this episode covers. Whether you're setting up your very first aquarium or you've been in the hobby for years, this one's built to catch something you didn't know you needed to hear.

💬 Join the conversation: What's the mistake you made early on in this hobby that you'd go back and fix if you could? Share your story in a review or find us on social media and tell us.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Aquarist's Edge on your podcast app and share it with a fish keeper who may need to hear it.

☕ If this show has helped you in your fishkeeping journey, please consider supporting by buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

🔍 Keywords: new tank syndrome, nitrogen cycle explained, beginner aquarium mistakes, overstocking a fish tank, dechlorinator tap water fish, zebra danio aggressive, dwarf gourami aggressive, best first fish tank size, freshwater aquarium mistakes, fishkeeping tips for beginners

Can you actually cross-breed aquarium fish, and would you even want to? This episode looks at where hybridisation really happens in the freshwater hobby, and what it means for the fish and the fishkeeper when it does.

Art works through the two groups where crossing is most common — livebearers like platies and swordtails, which will hybridise without any encouragement at all, and cichlids, where mbuna cross in mixed tanks and fish like flowerhorns and blood parrot cichlids exist purely because of deliberate breeding. He also covers the less-talked-about case of Corydoras catfish hybridising in mixed shoals, the genetics behind why some crosses produce healthy fry and others don't, and why hybrid cichlids are so often sterile.

If you've ever wondered whether your "tuxedo platy" is really a hybrid, or you're trying to keep a clean cichlid breeding line, this episode gives you the practical answers.

Topics include: livebearer hybrids, platy and swordtail crossing, mbuna hybridisation, flowerhorn and blood parrot cichlid origins, Corydoras hybrids, fish genetics and hybrid viability, hybrid sterility in cichlids, ethics of fish hybridisation, conservation risks, preventing accidental hybrids.

Enjoyed the episode? Please follow The Aquarist's Edge and leave a review to help more freshwater aquarists discover the show.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

What a rookie error! This is a short apology to all those who happened to listen to the very raw unedited version of Series 3 Episode 31 earlier today...

Can you actually grow plants in a tank with no heater? In this episode of The Aquarist's Edge, Art breaks down why coldwater and goldfish tanks developed such a bad reputation for plants and which ones genuinely thrive in them.

He works through the tough, unappetising options that survive both cold water and grazing fish, the "sacrificial" plants worth growing on purpose so goldfish have something to eat that isn't your centrepiece, and the lighting, substrate, and CO2 basics that actually determine whether any of it grows. Along the way there are practical, do-it-this-week tips.

If you keep goldfish, White Clouds, or any unheated community tank and have been told plants just aren't for you, this episode will change how you plan your next aquascape.

Enjoyed the episode? Please follow The Aquarist's Edge and leave a review to help more freshwater aquarists discover the show.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Can better colour really be trained into a fish, or is it mostly down to luck and genetics? In this episode of The Aquarist's Edge, Art breaks down what actually drives fish colouration, from diet and water quality to lighting, substrate, and social grouping.

He looks at where colour genuinely comes from, why carotenoid-rich foods matter for reds and oranges, how chronic stress quietly dulls even healthy fish, and why factors like substrate tone and shoal size can visibly change how a fish displays. The episode also sets realistic expectations, since genetics ultimately sets the ceiling no amount of good care can raise.

If you're chasing more vibrant fish, wondering why your tank doesn't look as colourful as you'd hoped, or just curious what's actually happening beneath the surface, this episode will help you separate what you can influence from what you can't.

Topics include: fish colour, colour-enhancing fish food, carotenoids in fish diet, fish stress and colouration, aquarium lighting for colour, substrate and fish colour, shoaling fish behaviour, fish genetics, freshwater fish care, and realistic fishkeeping expectations.

Enjoyed the episode? Please follow The Aquarist's Edge and leave a review to help more freshwater aquarists discover the show.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Is fishkeeping really an accessible hobby, or is it more demanding than it first appears? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art looks at the true cost of freshwater fishkeeping, the space and time an aquarium requires, the physical demands of maintenance, and the knowledge beginners need before getting started.

He also explores how aquarium care can be made easier and more inclusive without compromising fish welfare. From choosing manageable aquarium sizes and simplifying maintenance to avoiding information overload and understanding the nitrogen cycle, this episode offers practical advice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

If you are considering your first freshwater aquarium, working with a limited budget or space, or looking for ways to make fishkeeping easier to maintain, this episode will help you build an aquarium that fits your life while still meeting the needs of your fish.

Topics include: beginner fishkeeping, affordable aquarium setups, aquarium maintenance, fish welfare, aquarium costs, small aquariums, accessible fishkeeping, nitrogen cycle basics, freshwater aquarium care, and responsible fishkeeping.

Enjoyed the episode? Please follow The Aquarist’s Edge and leave a review to help more freshwater aquarists discover the show.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Corydoras are some of the most popular freshwater catfish in the aquarium hobby, but keeping them successfully involves far more than simply adding a few "bottom cleaners" to your tank.

Art covers the essentials of Corydoras care, including ideal group size, aquarium setup, substrate choice, feeding, water conditions, tankmates, common health concerns and some of the unusual behaviours that often confuse new keepers. You’ll also learn why Corydoras should not be expected to survive on leftovers, why species-specific temperature requirements matter, and what those sudden trips to the surface actually mean.

Whether you keep panda corys, bronze corys, peppered corys, Sterbai corys or another member of the Corydoradinae group, this practical freshwater aquarium care guide will help you create better conditions for healthy, active and confident fish.

If you enjoy freshwater aquarium care, tropical fishkeeping, Corydoras care guides and practical aquarium advice, subscribe to The Aquarist’s Edge and leave a review to help more aquarists discover the show.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Choosing a new fish is one of the most exciting parts of freshwater fishkeeping but it is also where many long-term aquarium problems begin. In this episode Art explores the single most important question to ask before buying a fish, along with six practical checks covering adult size, aquarium suitability, compatibility, feeding, quarantine and long-term care.

Whether you are stocking your first community aquarium or adding a new species to an established tank, this episode will help you make more responsible fish choices and avoid common mistakes such as overcrowding, aggression, poor diet and unsuitable water conditions.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

A healthier aquarium does not always require expensive equipment or complicated treatments. In this episode Art explores five simple adjustments that can improve water quality, reduce algae, support healthier fish and make aquarium maintenance easier.

Learn how to improve feeding, lighting, water circulation, water changes and daily observation without disrupting the stability of your freshwater aquarium. These practical fishkeeping tips are ideal for beginner and intermediate aquarists who want cleaner water, healthier fish and a more reliable aquarium routine.

🔗 Podcast episode referenced: Stop Feeding Your Fish Everyday - https://theaquaristsedge.beam.ly/episode/why-fasting-your-fish-improves-health-water-quality-and-tank-balance

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

What happens when you love aquarium keeping, but your landlord says no tanks? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore how to negotiate aquarium restrictions responsibly, gain practical fishkeeping experience without owning a tank, and use virtual aquariums to develop useful planning and aquascaping skills. You’ll also discover how learning about the nitrogen cycle, fish compatibility, local water parameters, and aquarium equipment now can give you a major advantage when you eventually set up your first freshwater aquarium.

Have you ever been prevented from keeping an aquarium by a lease, budget, move, or change in circumstances? Share your experience so that others can learn from you!

Shared in the episode: Eastern Cape Aquarium and Aquascaping Club:https://www.ecaac.co.za

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

In today's episode of The Aquarist's Edge, Art explores the five most common fish diseases every freshwater aquarist eventually faces: white spot (ich), fin rot, fungal infections, velvet, and dropsy. He explains exactly how to identify and treat each one. Whether you're struggling with a tank suddenly covered in white spots or worried about ragged fins, this episode is packed with clear treatment plans you can use straight away. Learn what's really happening to your fish, from the protective slime coat and the role of stress, to the parasite life cycles that make treatment timing so important. You'll also learn the clever torch trick that reveals velvet before it's too late, and why water quality and quarantining new fish prevent more outbreaks than any medication ever will.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review as it helps other fishkeepers find the show.

☕ Support the show by buying Art a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Has the aquarium that once helped you relax started to feel like another source of stress? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores aquarium burnout, fishkeeping guilt and the cycle that can turn an enjoyable hobby into an overwhelming maintenance burden.

You’ll learn why aquarium motivation fades, how perfectionism and decision fatigue affect fish keepers, and how to create a realistic recovery plan without immediately dismantling your tank. Healso discusses simplifying multiple aquariums, establishing a minimum care routine, reconnecting with the creative side of fishkeeping and recognising when responsible rehoming may be the right decision.

Whether you are struggling to complete water changes, feeling guilty about aquarium maintenance or considering leaving the hobby, this episode offers practical and compassionate advice to help you move forward.

Referenced in this episode: https://theaquaristsedge.beam.ly/episode/aquarium-perfectionism-how-to-stop-comparing-your-fish-tank-and-enjoy-the-hobby-again

If this episode has been helpful to you, please consider buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

A healthy aquarium does not need to look like a flawless social media post. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art examines how aquarium perfectionism develops, why online aquascapes can create unrealistic expectations, and how constant adjustments may affect both your enjoyment and your fish.

You’ll learn how to separate responsible aquarium care from anxiety-driven maintenance, evaluate your tank using fish welfare and stability rather than appearance alone, and set realistic standards for planted aquariums and freshwater fishkeeping. Discover why algae, uneven plant growth, visible equipment and changing layouts are not always signs of failure, and why a sustainable aquarium is often better than a visually perfect one.

If this episode has been helpful to you, please consider buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Can you move indoor aquarium fish outdoors for the warmer months? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores how to keep freshwater aquarium fish outside safely.

We cover seasonal timing, outdoor tub and pond setup, temperature swings, predators, oxygen levels, algae, feeding, breeding, and the importance of preventing aquarium fish from escaping into local waterways. Whether you’re considering guppies, ricefish, white cloud mountain minnows, goldfish, or other hardy freshwater species, this episode will help you make better decisions for fish health and environmental safety.

You’ll learn why outdoor fishkeeping can bring out natural behaviours and breeding activity, but also why careful planning, legal responsibility, and daily observation are essential.

If this episode has been helpful to you, please consider buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

Ever bought “schooling fish” and watched them split up into little cliques? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down the real difference between shoaling vs schooling, why many popular “schooling fish” don’t actually school in home tanks, and how to set up your aquarium to bring out natural group behaviour.

You’ll learn which freshwater species are the best schooling and shoaling fish for community aquariums, plus the practical rules that make a school look tight, confident, and stress-free.

If you want a calmer tank, better fish confidence, and that “moving as one” look, this episode is your blueprint.

💬 Join the conversation: What’s the best schooling fish you’ve kept, and how many were in the group?

If this episode has been helpful to you, please consider buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom

In this episode Art explores unusual everyday foods that can be safely used as occasional treats in a freshwater aquarium. From courgette, cucumber, peas, spinach, pumpkin, butternut, sweet potato, carrot, and green beans, you’ll learn which foods suit different freshwater fish and how to prepare them properly.

We also explain why these foods should supplement, not replace, a balanced fish food diet, and how to avoid common feeding mistakes that can affect water quality. Whether you keep goldfish, guppies, mollies, bristlenose plecos, corydoras, bettas, shrimp, or snails, this episode will help you make safer, more informed feeding choices.

You’ll also learn which everyday foods should never go into your aquarium.

Keywords: freshwater aquarium foods, safe foods for aquarium fish, feeding freshwater fish vegetables, courgette for plecos, peas for goldfish, aquarium fish diet, fishkeeping tips, freshwater fish nutrition, unusual fish foods, aquarium feeding guide.

If this episode has been helpful to you, please consider buying me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/artsfishroom