How to Breed and Raise Egg-Scattering Fish in Your AquariumBreeding aquarium fish is a huge passion of ours, but the difficulty level can really vary depending on their method of reproduction. Some species are easy to procreate because the parents fiercely defend their offspring from would-be predators or the adults give birth to live young that can immediately flee. Other species like rainbowfish and killifish are willing to lay eggs in spawning mops, which are easy to remove and save from being eaten. However, one of the hardest types to breed are ...
Care Guide for Zebra and Leopard Danios – Energetic Little SpeedstersBesides betta fish and guppies, one of the most popular beginner fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby is the zebra danio. They’re known for their eye-popping stripes, cheap cost, and adaptability to a wide range of water parameters. Plus, they are commonly used in science experiments (e.g., genetics, environmental studies, and medical research) because of their relative ease of breeding. Find out why this speedy schooling fish is so fun to keep and how to care for them in your home aquarium....
Water Dechlorinator: How It Works and How Much to Use in AquariumsMany fishkeepers are unclear about water conditioners for aquariums — how they work, potential risks from overdosing, and the differences amongst the many brands of dechlorinators. Based on the available research and our years of experience using them, let’s talk about the truth behind water conditioners and answer your frequently asked questions. Do Fish Really Need Water Conditioner? Maybe. If your drinking water comes from a municipal water supply or other public water system, then most li...
How to Balance Aquarium Lighting to Grow Healthy Plants (and Avoid Algae)A brand-new planted tank always looks so beautiful and pristine, but if the tank is unbalanced, those same plants may become sickly-looking and overrun with algae within a couple of months. Plants and algae both use the same resources— such as light, nutrients, and carbon dioxide — so the goal is to balance these resources so that the plants grow stronger and outcompete the algae. For instance, too much or too little light can cause algae growth, so we need to fine-tune it for optimal plant g...
Tetraodon MBU - The Under Water Giant PuppyThe Tetraodon MBU puffer is the largest freshwater species of puffer fish. Getting 22+ inches in a home aquarium. With the fish getting so big, most aquarists struggle to keep one healthy. While my largest one has only gotten to 22 inches, I suspect they’ll grow to as large as 30 inches depending on how they are raised throughout their extended lives. The first question is always what size of an aquarium? Some say 300 gallons, some say 1000 gallons etc. The reality is the foot print is much m...
Our Favorite Easy & Low Light Plants: Cryptocoryne Lutea and VallisneriaLots of aquarists are drawn to planted aquariums. They are, of course, natural and beautiful to look at and they also provide a rich and healthy environment for the fish and other animals that live in them. A lot of times, however, newer aquarists especially, struggle with choosing the right plants for their planted aquarium. There are many things to consider when choosing plants that will yield the most successful results. So what should be considered when choosing plants? Well, light requir...
7 Best Foreground Plants for Your Next Planted AquariumWhen beginners build their first planted aquarium, they usually buy any plant catches their eye and plunk it down wherever there’s an empty space in the tank. However, if you want to take your planted tank to the next level, consider incorporating some tried-and-true design techniques. A good rule of thumb is to plan out the aquarium in layers from front to back, such that the shortest plants are in the foreground and the tallest plants are in the background. This bleacher-style arrangement e...
Nutrient Deficiencies: Why Your Aquarium Plants Are DyingDo you have the perfect planted aquarium setup, but your plants are still dying one by one? It could be from a lack of nutrients. Even if you are regularly dosing fertilizers, your plants might still be missing key building blocks that prevent them from growing and thriving. In this article, we want to teach how to recognize the first signs of nutrient deficiencies so that you can take appropriate measures before your plants reach death’s door. Example of a normal, healthy plant leaf Types o...
Terri Estes | Human Resources ManagerWhat is your favorite thing about working at Aquarium Co-Op? Aquarium Co-Op stands out to me because of its emphasis on collaboration and respect. The team members work together, utilizing their individual strengths and perspectives to create an inclusive and supportive environment. What is your career background?I hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and human services with a focus on community-based intervention. Over the course of my career, I have gained extensive expertise i...
Care Guide for Honey Gouramis – Our Favorite Peaceful GouramiLooking for a beautiful centerpiece fish that is similar to a betta but isn’t as aggressive and plays well with other tank mates? We recommend the honey gourami. Like betta fish, honey gouramis are brightly colored, make bubble nests to house their eggs, and have a special labyrinth organ that allows them to absorb oxygen directly from the air. Learn all about this peaceful nano fish and their easy care requirements. What are Honey Gouramis? Trichogaster chuna comes from India and Bangladesh ...
How to Use Airline Accessories in Your AquariumAquarium air pumps are quite easy to use – just connect the pump to the air-driven device (like a sponge filter) using some airline tubing and plug it in. Then, why are there so many airline accessories and which ones do you actually need? Keep reading as we briefly explain five of the most common airline parts that can transform the way you use your air pump. 1. Check Valve If you only get one item from this list, a check valve is an essential must-have. It contains a flapper or stopper that...
Candi Overhuls | Customer Service ManagerQ: Your favorite thing about working at Aquarium Co-Op? A: First and foremost, Cory. It is an amazing feeling knowing that as an employee, your livelihood matters to him. This has been shown to me time and time again. That gives me a sense of security, and pushes me to give all that I have to give. 100% always. As the customer service representative, being able to provide resolutions to our customers, is rewarding knowing I have helped in some way. It’s truly a team effort, to ensure we are t...
Freshwater Fish Tank Cycling - How to Prepare for New FishHave you ever seen a fish in the wild living in pure, crystal clear water with no other contaminants? Probably not. That’s because life isn’t sterile; it doesn’t flourish in “pristine” conditions, but rather when there’s a whole ecosystem of microorganisms, plants, and animals that are in balance with one another. So, if you’re looking to set up a brand-new fish tank, let’s talk about aquarium cycling and how to prepare a healthy, thriving environment for your fish to live in. What is the Aqu...
How to Care for Aquarium Fish While on VacationWhen going out of town, it can be stressful trying to arrange care for your pets. Thankfully, aquarium fish are generally on the easier side of care requirements because you don’t need to walk them, let them out to use the restroom, or even feed them every day. Here are four methods we recommend for ensuring your fish stay happy and healthy while you’re away. Before You Leave… Give your fish tank a good cleaning a couple of days before your departure. Do a partial water change, vacuum the sub...
5 Aquarium Plants You Should Try in Your Next Terrarium or PaludariumDid you know that many of the aquarium plants we know and love to grow in our fish tanks can also be grown emersed or above the water’s surface entirely? In fact, many of the plants we carry at Aquarium Co-Op are grown out of water at the farms from which they come. We take the time to begin the process of converting them to their submersed or underwater form for you to enjoy in your fish tanks. But many hobbyists are looking for emersed-grown aquarium plants to use in their enclosed glass co...
How to Make Gel Fish Food in 7 MinutesMost fish foods fit into one of four categories: dry (e.g., flakes and wafers), freeze-dried, frozen, and live foods. However, gel food for aquarium fish is a unique addition to the hobby that is sold by companies like Repashy Ventures. It comes in a jar of powder that you mix with hot water and let solidify into a jello-like consistency. When dropped into a fish tank, the gel food quickly sinks to the bottom and is easy for both small and large fish to nibble on. Unlike many other fish foods...
How to Breed and Raise Egg-Scattering Fish in Your Aquarium
Breeding aquarium fish is a huge passion of ours, but the difficulty level can really vary depending on their method of reproduction. Some species are easy to procreate because the parents fiercely defend their offspring from would-be predators or the adults give birth to live young that can immediately flee. Other species like rainbowfish and killifish are willing to lay eggs in spawning mops, which are easy to remove and save from being eaten. However, one of the hardest types to breed are ...
Care Guide for Zebra and Leopard Danios – Energetic Little Speedsters
Besides betta fish and guppies, one of the most popular beginner fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby is the zebra danio. They’re known for their eye-popping stripes, cheap cost, and adaptability to a wide range of water parameters. Plus, they are commonly used in science experiments (e.g., genetics, environmental studies, and medical research) because of their relative ease of breeding. Find out why this speedy schooling fish is so fun to keep and how to care for them in your home aquarium....
Water Dechlorinator: How It Works and How Much to Use in Aquariums
Many fishkeepers are unclear about water conditioners for aquariums — how they work, potential risks from overdosing, and the differences amongst the many brands of dechlorinators. Based on the available research and our years of experience using them, let’s talk about the truth behind water conditioners and answer your frequently asked questions. Do Fish Really Need Water Conditioner? Maybe. If your drinking water comes from a municipal water supply or other public water system, then most li...
How to Balance Aquarium Lighting to Grow Healthy Plants (and Avoid Algae)
A brand-new planted tank always looks so beautiful and pristine, but if the tank is unbalanced, those same plants may become sickly-looking and overrun with algae within a couple of months. Plants and algae both use the same resources— such as light, nutrients, and carbon dioxide — so the goal is to balance these resources so that the plants grow stronger and outcompete the algae. For instance, too much or too little light can cause algae growth, so we need to fine-tune it for optimal plant g...
Tetraodon MBU - The Under Water Giant Puppy
The Tetraodon MBU puffer is the largest freshwater species of puffer fish. Getting 22+ inches in a home aquarium. With the fish getting so big, most aquarists struggle to keep one healthy. While my largest one has only gotten to 22 inches, I suspect they’ll grow to as large as 30 inches depending on how they are raised throughout their extended lives. The first question is always what size of an aquarium? Some say 300 gallons, some say 1000 gallons etc. The reality is the foot print is much m...
Our Favorite Easy & Low Light Plants: Cryptocoryne Lutea and Vallisneria
Lots of aquarists are drawn to planted aquariums. They are, of course, natural and beautiful to look at and they also provide a rich and healthy environment for the fish and other animals that live in them. A lot of times, however, newer aquarists especially, struggle with choosing the right plants for their planted aquarium. There are many things to consider when choosing plants that will yield the most successful results. So what should be considered when choosing plants? Well, light requir...
7 Best Foreground Plants for Your Next Planted Aquarium
When beginners build their first planted aquarium, they usually buy any plant catches their eye and plunk it down wherever there’s an empty space in the tank. However, if you want to take your planted tank to the next level, consider incorporating some tried-and-true design techniques. A good rule of thumb is to plan out the aquarium in layers from front to back, such that the shortest plants are in the foreground and the tallest plants are in the background. This bleacher-style arrangement e...
Nutrient Deficiencies: Why Your Aquarium Plants Are Dying
Do you have the perfect planted aquarium setup, but your plants are still dying one by one? It could be from a lack of nutrients. Even if you are regularly dosing fertilizers, your plants might still be missing key building blocks that prevent them from growing and thriving. In this article, we want to teach how to recognize the first signs of nutrient deficiencies so that you can take appropriate measures before your plants reach death’s door. Example of a normal, healthy plant leaf Types o...
Terri Estes | Human Resources Manager
What is your favorite thing about working at Aquarium Co-Op? Aquarium Co-Op stands out to me because of its emphasis on collaboration and respect. The team members work together, utilizing their individual strengths and perspectives to create an inclusive and supportive environment. What is your career background?I hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and human services with a focus on community-based intervention. Over the course of my career, I have gained extensive expertise i...
Care Guide for Honey Gouramis – Our Favorite Peaceful Gourami
Looking for a beautiful centerpiece fish that is similar to a betta but isn’t as aggressive and plays well with other tank mates? We recommend the honey gourami. Like betta fish, honey gouramis are brightly colored, make bubble nests to house their eggs, and have a special labyrinth organ that allows them to absorb oxygen directly from the air. Learn all about this peaceful nano fish and their easy care requirements. What are Honey Gouramis? Trichogaster chuna comes from India and Bangladesh ...
How to Use Airline Accessories in Your Aquarium
Aquarium air pumps are quite easy to use – just connect the pump to the air-driven device (like a sponge filter) using some airline tubing and plug it in. Then, why are there so many airline accessories and which ones do you actually need? Keep reading as we briefly explain five of the most common airline parts that can transform the way you use your air pump. 1. Check Valve If you only get one item from this list, a check valve is an essential must-have. It contains a flapper or stopper that...
Candi Overhuls | Customer Service Manager
Q: Your favorite thing about working at Aquarium Co-Op? A: First and foremost, Cory. It is an amazing feeling knowing that as an employee, your livelihood matters to him. This has been shown to me time and time again. That gives me a sense of security, and pushes me to give all that I have to give. 100% always. As the customer service representative, being able to provide resolutions to our customers, is rewarding knowing I have helped in some way. It’s truly a team effort, to ensure we are t...
Freshwater Fish Tank Cycling - How to Prepare for New Fish
Have you ever seen a fish in the wild living in pure, crystal clear water with no other contaminants? Probably not. That’s because life isn’t sterile; it doesn’t flourish in “pristine” conditions, but rather when there’s a whole ecosystem of microorganisms, plants, and animals that are in balance with one another. So, if you’re looking to set up a brand-new fish tank, let’s talk about aquarium cycling and how to prepare a healthy, thriving environment for your fish to live in. What is the Aqu...
How to Care for Aquarium Fish While on Vacation
When going out of town, it can be stressful trying to arrange care for your pets. Thankfully, aquarium fish are generally on the easier side of care requirements because you don’t need to walk them, let them out to use the restroom, or even feed them every day. Here are four methods we recommend for ensuring your fish stay happy and healthy while you’re away. Before You Leave… Give your fish tank a good cleaning a couple of days before your departure. Do a partial water change, vacuum the sub...
5 Aquarium Plants You Should Try in Your Next Terrarium or Paludarium
Did you know that many of the aquarium plants we know and love to grow in our fish tanks can also be grown emersed or above the water’s surface entirely? In fact, many of the plants we carry at Aquarium Co-Op are grown out of water at the farms from which they come. We take the time to begin the process of converting them to their submersed or underwater form for you to enjoy in your fish tanks. But many hobbyists are looking for emersed-grown aquarium plants to use in their enclosed glass co...
How to Make Gel Fish Food in 7 Minutes
Most fish foods fit into one of four categories: dry (e.g., flakes and wafers), freeze-dried, frozen, and live foods. However, gel food for aquarium fish is a unique addition to the hobby that is sold by companies like Repashy Ventures. It comes in a jar of powder that you mix with hot water and let solidify into a jello-like consistency. When dropped into a fish tank, the gel food quickly sinks to the bottom and is easy for both small and large fish to nibble on. Unlike many other fish foods...
