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 cleaning artificial plants so you can avoid the most frustrating pitfalls.

Whether you’re setting up your first aquarium or upgrading to a lush aquascape, this episode is packed with practical tips, scientific insights, and aquascaping strategies to help you succeed.

Music: "We Were Dancing In The Dark" - Loving Caliber (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/swLZ5f3Aa5/)

In this episode we tackle the six most common, and preventable, mistakes that lead to fish deaths in freshwater aquariums. From skipping the nitrogen cycle to trusting clear water without testing, this episode delivers the science and strategy every beginner aquarist needs.

You’ll learn:

Why fish die suddenly in new tanks,

How ammonia poisoning works and how to stop it,

Why small tanks aren’t easier (and often deadlier),

How to build habits that support long-term fish health.

Whether you're setting up your first aquarium or fixing mistakes from your last one, this episode is a must-listen for hobbyists who want to do it right.

Music: "Nylon String Theory" - Candelion (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/MelONMmV4K/)

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores the fascinating world of heater-free and filterless aquariums. Can fish really thrive without equipment? Yes! When you understand how to balance plants, substrate, and stocking levels, your tank can become a self-sustaining ecosystem.

You’ll learn the science behind natural filtration, temperature tolerance in fish, and how to set up a low-tech aquarium that works with nature instead of against it. We’ll cover planting strategies, substrate choices and manual maintenance routines. 

Whether you’re curious about natural aquariums, low-tech fish tanks, or creating a sustainable setup without expensive equipment, this episode will guide you step by step.

👉 Leave a review to help more aquarists discover the show!

Music: Run Devil Run (Instrumental version)- Eden Maze (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/IOTFnMzKv8/)

In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the critical role of nutrients in freshwater aquariums: from how they fuel plant growth to how they trigger algae when mismanaged. Whether you're dosing fertilizers, battling green water, or simply wondering if your plants are starving, this episode has the answers.

We explore the full nutrient cycle, explain how feeding affects water chemistry, and provide expert tips on managing nitrate, phosphate, and other key elements. We clarify what "dosing" actually means and how to do it safely.

✅ Learn to balance nutrients for a healthy ecosystem

🎧 Listen now to optimise your aquarium like a pro!

Music: 'Jazz Bars' - Dusty Decks (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/bOn1vkNE0X/)

This week's Aquarium News shares stories of how science and fishkeeping collide in fascinating ways. Discover why deep-sea fish are rewriting our understanding of the carbon cycle, how new muscle research is changing what we thought we knew about the coelacanth, and meet two newly described snail-crushing cichlids from Lake Victoria.

Also in this episode:

What lanternfish fossils tell us about declining ocean oxygen

How to give your shrimp and snails the care they truly deserve

Practical tips for water chemistry, species-specific habitats, and sustainability in your fish room

Whether you're a casual keeper or a passionate aquarist, this episode brings science, conservation, and hands-on advice straight to your ears.

📬 Got questions or story suggestions? Email us at: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EwXrPyvCvY/)

Referenced Articles and Sources:

🌊 Deep-Sea Fish Reshape Carbon Cycle Understanding

🦴 Coelacanth Musculature Misunderstood for Decades

🐌 New Snail-Crushing Cichlids from Lake Victoria

⛈ Lanternfish Fossils Warn of Looming Ocean Oxygen Crisis

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the wild origins of guppies and how their native habitats in South America and the Caribbean should inform the way we care for them in aquariums. From the evolutionary pressures that shaped guppy behaviour to the environmental conditions they evolved in, this episode offers a naturalistic approach to guppy keeping rooted in science and ecology.

🌿 Explore guppy behaviour in the wild

Music: Love Hour (Instrumental) - Adelyn Paik (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/SvhhJiSY4q/)

The first of a regular news update featuring headlines and reports about the freshwater aquarium hobby from around the globe. 

In this episode:

🧬 Hear about the discovery of a ghostlike electric knifefish in Brazil and a blind cave-dwelling loach in Vietnam.

Perfect for home aquarists, hobbyist researchers, and freshwater fish lovers.

📩 Send your aquarium questions or news to: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EwXrPyvCvY/)

Referenced Articles and Sources:

Miami Herald – Discovery of Porotergus sambaibensis, a new electric knifefish species

Practical Fishkeeping – Description of Draconectes narinosus, a blind cave-dwelling loach

Hygger Online – Care, behaviour, and breeding of halfbeaks

Deutsche Welle – Fish intelligence and complex behaviours

Princeton University – Giant danios prefer ladder-like formations when schooling

Mongabay – One in four African freshwater fish species threatened

ScienceDaily – Marine heatwaves caused widespread marine life collapse

Do you think you know the Nitrogen Cycle? Perhaps there's more to it... In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the full complexity of the nitrogen cycle — going far beyond the basics to explore the real science that powers your aquarium's biological stability. 

Learn how nitrifying bacteria actually work, why oxygen levels and substrate depth affect your biofiltration, and how nature handles nitrogen differently than most aquariums. We also explore why “cycled” doesn’t always mean “stable,” and what really causes crashes in systems that seem fine on the surface.

🎧 In this episode:

The real microbes behind your biofilter (and why Nitrospira matters)

What makes the nitrogen cycle stall — and how to troubleshoot it

Why deep substrate zones and plant uptake help in long-term stability

Music: Back Of My Mind (Instrumental) - Melanie Bell (Epsidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ItS8aIXVHb/)

In this in-depth episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we uncover everything you need to know about GloFish – the genetically fluorescent fish that have captured both curiosity and controversy in the aquarium hobby. Whether you’re wondering how GloFish glow, whether they’re ethical, or how to care for them properly, this episode has the science, facts, and expert guidance you’ve been looking for.

We’ll walk you through the history of GloFish, how they differ from dyed or painted fish, what their genetic modification really means, and how to set up a thriving tank. We also tackle common problems, legal breeding limitations, and what responsible fishkeeping looks like in the age of glowing pets.

Whether you're a beginner aquarist or a long-time hobbyist, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the glowing truth behind GloFish.

Are snails, shrimp, and algae-eating fish really the ultimate aquarium janitors, or have they been given an unrealistic job description? We uncover the truth behind the clean-up crew myth. 

We explore what clean-up crews actually do, why they can’t replace maintenance, and how to use them effectively in your tank. Learn about common myths, troubleshooting exploding snail populations, preventing shrimp die-offs, and practical steps to balance your aquarium ecosystem without relying on mythical solutions.