The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]

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” l...

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 fe...

Guppies are more than “beginner fish"! They’re colourful, interactive, and endlessly entertaining in a home freshwater aquarium. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art shares why guppies are so fun to keep, from their bold personalities and constantly-on-the-move behaviour to the way lighting and tank design make their colours explode. He also covers the reality of guppy breeding and fry, smart stocking and tank setup tips, and simple troubleshooting for common guppy problems like fin damage and stress.

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guppy fish, guppies, guppy care, guppy tank setup, livebearer fish, freshwater aquarium fish, g...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores why minerals are essential for a healthy freshwater aquarium. From GH and KH to pH stability, fish health, shrimp moulting, snail shell development, and aquarium plant growth, you’ll learn how dissolved minerals quietly shape the success of your tank. Whether you use tap water, RO water, or a planted aquarium setup, this episode will help you understand what your water is really doing.

We also explain why clear water is not always healthy water, why chasing pH can cause problems, and how to create stable, suitable wate...

Activated carbon (often called “charcoal”) is one of the most common aquarium filter media, but what does it actually do, and do you really need it running all the time? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down how activated carbon works, what it removes, what it doesn’t remove, and the best times to use it in a freshwater aquarium. You’ll also learn why pet shops sell carbon so aggressively and how to avoid the cartridge-replacement trap that can destabilise your filter.

Want a freshwater aquarium that stays stable, looks great, and doesn’t turn into a weekly stress project? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down exactly how to build a low-stress aquarium setup. An aquarium that’s forgiving, low-maintenance, and reliable even when life gets busy. You’ll learn how to pick the right tank size for stability, simplify filtration, choose hardy fish and easy plants, set a sensible lighting schedule, and create a routine you’ll actually stick to.

Keeping a freshwater aquarium at home can be one of the most calming, rewarding hobbies; until a heater fails, algae takes over, or the guilt of fish loss hits hard. In this thoughtful episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art reflects on the real positives and negatives of home aquariums: stress relief, routine, learning, ethics, hidden costs, and how to keep the hobby enjoyable without chasing perfection. You’ll walk away with practical ways to simplify your setup, reduce anxiety, and build a tank that fits your real life.

Art breaks down aquarium lighting in a way that makes real sense for everyday freshwater fishkeepers. He covers the science behind PAR, spectrum, lumens, Kelvin, and photoperiod, and explain how these affect plant growth, fish behaviour, and algae control in a home aquarium. Whether you are setting up a low-tech planted tank or trying to understand why your aquarium light is causing problems instead of solving them, this episode gives you practical, easy-to-apply guidance.

You’ll learn how aquarium lights actually work, why more light is not always better, how to avoid common lighting mistakes, and what to...

Your aquarium filter is a living habitat where biofilm, oxygen, and water flow decide how stable (or fragile) your freshwater tank becomes. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down what actually happens inside sponge filters, canister filters, and hang-on-back filters, and why upgrading a filter can sometimes make a tank worse if the habitat shifts.

You’ll learn how filter flow rate, surface agitation, and filter media choices shape your biological filtration, water clarity, and long-term consistency.

💬 Join the conversation: Have you ever upgraded a filter and your tank got worse? Tell us...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down 10 proven ways to make your freshwater aquarium healthier. This episode will help you stabilise your tank and prevent problems before they start. Expect practical fishkeeping advice, clear science, and realistic routines you can follow even when life gets busy.

You’ll learn how to improve freshwater fish health, protect your biological filtration, manage ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, and create a healthier aquarium environment with less stress and more consistency.

Referenced in this episode: https://theaquaristsedge.beam.ly/episode/why-fasting-your-fish-improves-health-water-quality-and-tank-balance 

**LISTENER NOTE** - This...

Many aquarists don’t leave the hobby at the beginning of their aquarium journey. They leave during the stage when their aquarium suddenly becomes difficult to manage.

Algae outbreaks, plant melt, unstable water conditions, and constant adjustments can make even a promising tank feel frustrating and discouraging.

In this episode Art explores the phase where many aquarists consider giving up. He shares why this stage happens, what is actually going on inside the aquarium ecosystem, and how hobbyists can move through this difficult period toward a more stable and rewarding aquarium.

Topics covered in...

Shy fish can turn a beautiful freshwater aquarium into an “invisible fish” tank but most hiding behaviour has clear, fixable causes. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down why fish stay tucked away and how to coax them into the open without stress using smarter aquascaping, gentler lighting, confidence-building feeding routines, and a quick social “bully check.” Whether you keep tetras, rasboras, corydoras, or other community fish, this episode will leave you with a practical plan to help your fish feel safe and behave naturally.

🎵 Music: "Feels Like That (Instrumental)" - Victor Lundber...

Do you want a freshwater aquarium that stands out without keeping difficult fish? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores unusual but easy-to-care-for freshwater aquarium fish that thrive in normal home setups. You’ll learn the aquarist “keeper moves” that make oddball fish feel effortless: tank setup tips, feeding strategies, compatibility advice, and the simple tweaks that stop shy fish from disappearing.

If you’re building a planted community tank, a nano setup, or a river-rock oddball aquarium, this episode will help you choose fish that are both unique and beginner-friendly, while still rewarding you with i...

Art explores a question many hobbyists quietly relate to: why do so many home aquarists seem to be neurodivergent, including people with ADHD traits, autistic traits, anxiety traits, and strong systems-thinking? Is this reality or simply perception? The episode looks at the science-meets-hobby reasons aquariums can feel uniquely regulating: predictable routines, measurable cause-and-effect, soothing sensory input, and the deep satisfaction of observation and pattern recognition.

You’ll also hear practical, beginner-friendly ways to build an aquarium routine that works with your brain, not against it; covering overwhelm, perfectionism, impulsive upgrades, and how to simplify maintenance so your ta...

Tiger barbs are hardy, colourful, and endlessly entertaining but they’re also one of the most commonly mis-stocked freshwater fish, which is why fin-nipping and “random aggression” show up so often. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down a complete tiger barb care guide: the best tank size in litres, the ideal schooling group size, the most effective ways to reduce aggression, and how to choose tank mates that won’t get harassed.

You’ll also learn practical feeding strategies for health and colour, how to set up your aquascape with sight breaks and swimming...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores why the freshwater aquarium hobby needs you. It's not just the experts, not just the big creators, but everyday aquarists who choose patience, good husbandry, and kindness with beginners. You’ll learn how your decisions around aquarium cycling, stocking, quarantine, water testing, and maintenance routines ripple outward to shape fish welfare, local fishkeeping culture, and even what aquarium shops stock. We also unpack how to help new hobbyists without gatekeeping, how to spot and avoid harmful trends, and how to “vote with your wallet” to support ethical fishkeeping.

Whether...

Algae in freshwater aquariums isn't always a nuisance. It’s a clear signal about lighting, nutrients, plant health, organics, and overall tank stability. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art flips the script on aquarium algae and shows you how to “read” what your tank is telling you, identify common algae types (green hair algae, black beard algae, diatoms, green film algae, and cyanobacteria), and reduce algae naturally without wrecking your aquarium balance. You’ll walk away with practical steps to control algae long-term, support healthy plant growth, and keep your aquarium looking great with realistic maintenance.

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Art breaks down the real differences between Endler’s livebearers and guppies, going far beyond size and colour. You’ll learn how species genetics, natural behaviour, and evolutionary history shape their health, activity levels, and breeding patterns in the aquarium.

You'll hear about the science behind Endlers’ constant foraging behaviour, why guppies and Endlers hybridise so easily, and how tank design, mineral content, temperature, and feeding strategies directly affect long-term success. Whether you’re keeping Endlers, guppies, or both, this episode provides practical, experience-based advice to help you build stable, thriving livebearer tanks.

⭐ Enjoying th...

This episode exposes one of the most dangerous myths in guppy keeping: that you need perfect water parameters to keep guppies alive. Discover why constant tweaking of pH, hardness, and temperature quietly kills guppies, and learn what these colourful livebearers actually need: stable, mineral-rich water and a calm, consistent routine. Art  breaks down practical guppy care, soft-water strategies, and more.

Whether you’re losing guppies in a new setup or your fancy strains just don’t last, this exploration of guppy water parameters, hard water livebearers, and stable aquarium maintenance will help you turn things around.

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This episode explores what your freshwater aquarium is really doing while you sleep. From plant respiration and fish “sleep” behaviour to oxygen levels and filter bacteria, learn more about the hidden night shift inside your tank. Learn how to create gentle lighting transitions, set up smart night-time aeration, and design an aquascape that keeps your fish calm after dark.

Two troubleshooting segments tackle common night-time problems: fish panicking when lights turn on or off, and oxygen dips that leave fish gasping at the surface. This episode is perfect for beginner and intermediate freshwater keepers who want to unde...

Art breaks down the top five New Year resolutions that truly make a difference for freshwater aquarists - not only for your fish, but for your long-term success and enjoyment of the hobby. From building stable aquarium ecosystems to simplifying maintenance routines and improving feeding habits, this episode focuses on practical changes that lead to healthier fish and less stress.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fishkeeper feeling overwhelmed, these aquarium resolutions will help you create more balance, consistency, and confidence in your tanks throughout the year.

👉 Leave a review and share your exper...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art unpacks the subtle ways your freshwater aquarium can mislead you. Crystal-clear water, active fish, lush plants, and “good” test results can all hide underlying stress, unstable chemistry, and long-term problems. Learn how to read the real signals in your tank: from fish behaviour and flow patterns to plant growth, algae types, temperature stability, and social dynamics.

You’ll learn how to think beyond appearances, understand the biology and chemistry happening behind the glass, and build simple habits that stop your tank from “lying” to you for long. Whether you’re cycli...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art unpacks the mindset behind the title “Don’t Assume You Know” and expose the hidden mistakes that quietly ruin freshwater aquariums. From so-called “beginner fish” and misunderstood nitrogen cycles to tap water assumptions, equipment myths, and misread fish behaviour,  learn more about the science and how to stop guessing and start understanding your tank. You’ll learn how to read your fish and plants, how to interpret your water test results properly, and how to build habits that keep your aquarium stable, healthy, and thriving long-term.

Whether you’re a new aquarist...

This episode takes a deep but practical look at overfiltering in freshwater aquariums and explains why more filtration isn’t always better for fish health or long-term stability. Many hobbyists unknowingly create stressed, fragile systems by using excessive flow, oversized filters, or overly aggressive mechanical filtration.

You’ll learn how filtration affects fish behaviour, beneficial bacteria, and planted tanks, along with clear signs your aquarium may be overfiltered and how to fix it without sacrificing water quality. If your tank looks clean but never feels stable, this episode will help you rethink filtration from the fish’s point...

In this Christmas holiday special of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art shares calm, practical Christmas and holiday aquarium rituals to keep your freshwater fish tanks thriving while life gets busy. From intentional end-of-year water changes and equipment check-ups to quiet observation sessions, you’ll learn how to turn maintenance into meaningful, repeatable habits. The episode also walks through a simple holiday game plan for feeding, travel, and maintenance. 

Whether you keep planted community tanks, nano species, or larger freshwater setups, this episode will help you reset, reflect, and plan realistic aquarium goals for the year ahead without overw...

In this episode Art unpacks how to build a low-tech planted tank that genuinely stays low-maintenance. From choosing the right tank size, filter, and lighting, to selecting easy aquarium plants that thrive without CO₂, you’ll learn how to design a balanced freshwater ecosystem instead of an algae farm. We also walk through a step-by-step setup, a realistic weekly maintenance routine, and two deep troubleshooting segments on algae, plant melt, cloudy water, and fish stress.

Whether you’re new to planted aquariums or you’ve struggled with so-called “easy” setups before, this episode is packed with practical, science-base...

In this episode Art takes a close look at the Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis), one of the most misunderstood freshwater algae eaters in the hobby. Learn how to identify true SAEs vs common lookalikes, the ideal tank size, water parameters, and aquascaping for these active fish, and what they really eat once they discover pellets and flakes. 

Whether you keep planted tanks or just want reliable algae control, this episode is packed with practical Siamese Algae Eater care tips, behaviour insights, and stocking advice to help you make smart choices.

🎵 Music: "Secret Garden" - J.F...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Arthur shares 10 easy, practical tips to make your freshwater aquarium healthier and more stable. From understanding the nitrogen cycle and preventing overstocking, to using live plants, smarter feeding habits, and creating consistent maintenance routines, you’ll learn exactly how to build a tank where fish truly thrive. 

Whether you’re just starting with a small community tank or refining a larger setup, this episode is packed with actionable freshwater aquarium tips to improve water quality, reduce stress, and prevent disease.

Mentioned in this episode: Why Fasting Your Fish Im...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores the real difference between Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras?

From their natural habitats in the Amazon to their unique water chemistry, feeding habits, and breeding challenges, this episode gives you everything you need to know to care for these iconic species successfully. Learn how to identify each fish, understand their distinct needs, and create an environment where both can thrive.

Whether you’re struggling to keep Cardinals healthy or curious about mixing the two in one tank, this episode delivers science-backed insights and real-world aquarium advi...

Art breaks down the 10 most common freshwater aquarium setup mistakes and how to avoid them for good. Whether you’re cycling your first tank or perfecting your aquascape, this episode gives you the scientific background, real-world experience, and practical guidance every aquarist needs.

Learn how to prevent new tank syndrome, balance your filtration, master temperature control, and design a tank that thrives long-term - all while keeping your fish healthy, calm, and colourful.

This episode is your complete guide to setting up a thriving freshwater aquarium ecosystem that’s beautiful, stable, and stress-free.

👉 Leave a...

In Part 2 of The Secret Language of Fish, Art continues exploring the quiet dialogue between aquarist and aquarium.
Learn how to build trust with your fish, interpret stress and curiosity, and create an environment that encourages confident, natural behaviour.
From establishing consistent routines to reading subtle emotional cues, this episode teaches you how to “speak back to the water.”

⭐ What You’ll Discover:
• How consistency and calm movement build fish trust
• The role of environment and lighting in fish communication
• Recognising stress, fear, and curiosity in freshwater species
• Turning feeding and maintenance into...

In this first part of The Secret Language of Fish series, Art explores one of the most fascinating mysteries for home aquarium keepers: how fish recognise and communicate with their keepers.
Discover the science behind memory and perception in aquarium fish, learn to decode subtle body language, and understand how your daily rhythm shapes the way your fish respond to you.

Whether you keep angelfish, bettas, or goldfish, this episode will help you see your aquarium in a whole new light; as a world of quiet signals and intelligent responses.

⭐ Topics include:
• The myth...

From lowering blood pressure and improving sleep to easing anxiety and nurturing emotional balance, this episode investigates the research and shared experiences that show how aquariums affect the body, mind, and spirit. Drawing on studies from the University of Plymouth, Purdue University, and experts like Diana Walstad and Takashi Amano, Art reveals why the simple act of keeping fish can bring profound peace and wellness to your life.

Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting your first tank, this episode offers practical insight, reflective storytelling, and real scientific evidence that will deepen your appreciation of th...

Art explores the fascinating world of freshwater aquarium snails. Are they helpful allies or invasive pests? The truth lies somewhere in between.

From Malaysian trumpet snails and ramshorns to nerites and mystery snails, this episode explores the most common species aquarists encounter, their benefits to aquarium ecosystems, and the potential problems they can cause. You’ll learn practical snail control methods, prevention strategies, and even how to care for snails as intentional pets.

Whether you’re battling an unexpected snail invasion or considering nerite snails for algae control, this episode provides practical, science-backed advice to help...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we examine the world of planaria in shrimp tanks - what they are, why they appear, and how to keep them under control. If you’ve ever spotted these flatworms gliding across your aquarium glass and worried about the safety of your shrimp colony, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need.

From identifying planaria versus harmless detritus worms, to understanding how they impact baby shrimp, to proven natural and chemical control methods, this episode is packed with expert guidance and practical tips. You’ll also learn...

We take a look at how to set up the perfect guppy tank. From the ideal tank size to the right temperature, pH, and water hardness, you’ll learn everything you need to create a stable environment where guppies thrive.

Whether you’re a beginner struggling with constant guppy losses or an experienced aquarist looking to refine your setup, this episode is packed with scientific explanations, practical home aquarist tips and advice to help you succeed.

Click here for more guppy care episode: Guppy Care Playlist on YouTube (Aquarist's Edge episodes)

Music: "Just One M...

“Tannins Explained” takes you into the science and beauty of blackwater aquariums. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores what tannins are, where they come from, how they influence water chemistry, and why so many softwater fish thrive in tannin-rich environments. From driftwood and Indian almond leaves to peat and alder cones, learn exactly how tannins transform your tank and how to use them safely.

Whether you’re curious about why your driftwood stained your tank, how tannins lower pH, or which fish species benefit most from blackwater setups, this episode is packed with clear ex...

Art breaks down everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a Betta sorority tank; with a focus on real-world success and scientific accuracy. Whether you're planning your first Betta community or you've tried before and struggled, this episode provides a guide into female Betta behavior, tank setup requirements, and the critical do’s and don’ts that make or break a sorority.

From territorial psychology to line-of-sight aquascaping, we explain why most Betta sororities fail and how yours can succeed. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot aggression, interpret tank dynamics, and know when to pul...

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Aquarist’s Edge, your trusted source for freshwater aquarium news and insights. Join Arthur Preston as we explore ten fascinating stories that connect science, conservation, and the home aquarium hobby.

🐟 Bumblebee catfish caught on camera climbing waterfalls in Brazil
👁️ Blind cavefish that have survived without light for over 11 million years
🐠 The giants of the Mekong River are shrinking fast
🌱 The IAPLC 2025 Finals — the world’s biggest aquascaping event
🎣 A fresh look at Cupid Cichlids and their family tree
🌿 Nutmeg oil as a safe way to calm fish during...

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores one of the most debated questions in freshwater fishkeeping: live plants vs. fake plants. Should you choose natural greenery that supports your aquarium’s ecosystem, or go with artificial plants for convenience and simplicity?

We break down the pros and cons of each option, from aesthetics and maintenance to water chemistry and fish health. Learn why live plants help reduce nitrates, improve oxygen levels, and control algae. Discover when fake plants might actually be the better choice. Plus, we troubleshoot common problems like plant melt, algae overgrowth, and...