The ocean floor brims with a plethora of different creatures. Housing flora and fauna in all shapes, sizes, colors, and functions, the ocean floor is one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the world. One main habitant in this varied and fascinating setting...
One of the best ways to keep your aquarium inhabitants happy and healthy is to try creating a tank environment that is as close to the natural environment as possible. One way to do this is to introduce amphipods to your tanks as an additional food source, not only...
Setting up an aquarium can seem like an overwhelming process, but aquarium-keepers know it is worth it once the tank is set up and the fish have been added. Although saltwater aquariums have a slightly higher cost than a freshwater aquarium, it provides a living...
Regular Maintenance Is Key To A Good Aquarium Aquariums are magical! It’s like having a small piece of the ocean right inside your home. And just like you need to clean your home often to create a healthy and happy living environment, aquariums should also be...
Spider Decorator Crabs also known as Camposcia Decorator Crab is a rare and unique creature that will add so much character and natural behavior to your tank. Ever wondered how certain elusive species go about their day in the wild? Well, the Spider Decorator Crab is...
Many of us are fascinated by the breath-taking diversity of life under the sea, which is why owning an aquarium can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it’s not as easy as you might expect. It takes research, patience, commitment and a strong sense of...
Sitting in a classroom all day can get pretty boring sometimes. A great way to engage students and encourage enthusiasm for learning is to bring in an interactive, hands-on approach to teaching. Classroom aquariums are a fantastic educational tool for learners of all...
Stress is something you’re used to in your day-to-day life, and you may have even come to expect it. For many people, stress is a constant due to responsibilities at work, chores at home, and everything in between. While you may be used to working under extreme...
The biggest struggle for a coral reef hobbyist is surely trying to determine which fish are the best reef-safe fish. The last thing a reef keeper wants to do is introduce an unfriendly reef fish to a peaceful saltwater aquarium, especially if that fish will cause...
Yellow coris wrasse, also known as canary wrasse or fairy wrasse, is a colorful species that adds a lot of mid-tank activity and a pop of bright color to your tank. Their bright scales become almost reflective under aquarium lights and they are beautiful to observe. ...
Cyanobacteria, also known as Red slime algae, is one of the oldest life forms on earth which dates back at least 3.5 billion years. They even had a crucial role to play in forming Earth as we know it. Scientists have identified cyanobacteria as one of the primary...
Given their origin 244 million years ago and often called a living fossil, the Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) is one of the world’s oldest surviving organisms. What might surprise you is that this species actually isn’t a true crab or even a...
Nano reef aquariums are very common, and it’s easy to see why. Who wouldn’t want a little bit of the ocean on their desk? Particularly when it’s a fraction of the price of larger reef systems. From the saunter of its cautious invertebrates to the...
Mushroom corals come in a variety of species including Rhodactus sp. and Actinodiscus sp. Mushrooms are distinct from all other corals by their oval disc shape. Mushrooms are distinguished from all other corals by their oval disk shape. They have a flat or round...
In the list of reef dwellers, crabs are frequently ignored by beginners for saltwater aquariums. However, their advantages cannot be understated. Crabs are decapod crustaceans, found across every ocean in the world. There are many reef-safe options that are suitable...
Saltwater aquariums are one of the most unique, beautiful, and engaging objects you can have in your home. The bright colors of the fish, the corals, the plants – they’re so captivating and entrancing. Aquariums have been shown to help reduce stress, improve your...
You just need to go away every once in a while, take a break from work and the pressures of everyday life and go on holiday. Yet going on vacation can be a cause of tension in and of itself if you have to think about what to do about your pets when you’re gone....
Marine fish come in the most exquisite colors, shapes and sizes. It’s not hard to see why aquarium hobbyists love them so much and exhibit them in some of the most stunning saltwater aquariums in the world. With up to 20,000 recognized species, it can...
Nano tanks are becoming more and more popular. They allow so many marine life lovers to have a bit of nature in their home, no matter how stretched for space they are! Just like bigger saltwater aquariums, it is great to have inverts in the tank to keep it clean. They...
Having a saltwater aquarium means that you can bring so many cool animals into your home. If you are starting out at the hobby, the amount of information out there can be a bit overwhelming! There are so many different fish, inverts, corals, and plants that could be...
When it comes to saltwater aquariums, there are so many amazing creatures that you can bring into your tank. There are so many wonderful fish and cool corals, and every creature brings its own individuality and flair to the aquarium. Because of the great choice of...
There are so many reasons why saltwater aquariums are great. They let you bring an awesome ecosystem into your home and allow you to witness the wonders of nature that you may not have the chance to see otherwise. However, saltwater aquariums can take up a lot of...
There are so many interesting creatures that you can have in your saltwater aquarium, and sea sponges are one of them. They are found amongst coral reefs in the wild and are sometimes confused with corals. However, these creatures are actually pretty different from...
A wonderful thing about having a saltwater aquarium is the ability to keep an amazing array of marine life. Saltwater aquariums allow us to look after creatures and witness behavior that we have never seen before! One incredible saltwater aquarium fish that is a great...
A wonderful thing about having a saltwater aquarium is the way it allows you to care for an amazing range of aquatic life. You are creating a little ecosystem in your own home, and allowing loads of different creatures to thrive and live under your care. It is really...
Tip 1. Fail To Prepare, Prepare To Fail Before you do anything else you need to consider what you want to keep in your aquarium. Perhaps it was something that really caught your eye and actually inspired you to start an aquarium, or you’ve had a long-term vision in...
When adding new marine life to your saltwater aquarium, it is really important to ensure that they are acclimatized to their new home. Abrupt changes can really harm a living animal, and a slight change in water parameters can kill marine life. Our recent...
If you are an expert saltwater aquarium hobbyist or even just a beginner, you are probably aware of some pretty dangerous aquarium pests that can wreak havoc amongst your beloved marine life. Pests are something that every enthusiast will face at some time or another,...
The vast majority of sponges are colorful, easy to keep when healthy and correctly transplanted, readily available and inexpensive. While they traditionally haven’t been a mainstay of aquarist tanks as they are stationary and are perhaps not as exciting as active...
Crabs are an amazing crustacean. There are so many wonderful and weird species of crabs out there, and lots are suitable for saltwater aquariums! Many of these are also pretty easy to look after, so suitable for beginner hobbyists. Today we are taking an in-depth look...
Some of the most exciting animals you can keep in a saltwater aquarium are shrimp! If you keep them in the right conditions, shrimp are generally very easy to look after too. You will need to provide them with suitable shelter to hide in so that they feel more...
Corals are one of the most magnificent and diverse creatures in the world. They come in so many amazing colors, textures, and sizes. They are a huge part of so many ecosystems in the ocean and can live for such a long time. If you are interested in learning more about...
One of the best things about having a saltwater aquarium is the range of beautiful marine life you can have in your home. One wonderful family of saltwater fish are the anthias. These fish are pretty small and are seen in the wild populating the coral reefs. ...
If you are new to the saltwater aquarium hobby, you might have heard about macroalgae and how you need them in your tank or your refugium. But, you will have also heard that algae is a pest and can overrun saltwater aquariums. That algae, however, is microalgae. So...
The practice of quarantining new aquarium arrivals, or sick tank-mates, is a crucial aspect of proper aquarium husbandry. Surprisingly, many aquarium hobbyists either neglect or decide not to quarantine new additions to the aquarium. Yet using quarantine tanks is...
The pencil urchin (Eucidaris tribuloides) is a species within the genus Eucidaris, and can also be known as the mine or club urchin. It has a brown body that is often mottled, with stubby, thick spines that radiate out in all directions. Each spine is surrounded by a...
Phytoplankton are some of Earth’s most critical organisms, with critical roles both in the ocean and saltwater aquariums. Phytoplankton (also called microalgae) are small photosynthetic organisms (similar to single-celled plants) that form the foundation of...
One of the reasons why so many of us love saltwater aquariums is because of all the weird and wonderful creatures that exist out there! Marine life contains such an amazing array of fish, all with their own special characteristics. Many saltwater aquarium enthusiasts...
If you have a saltwater aquarium reef, your coral and other marine life are your pride and joy. The time, effort, money, and love that you put into this wonderful ecosystem means that it becomes your number one priority. Because of this, it can be so hard when...
No saltwater aquarium enthusiast is safe from the dreaded hair algae. It doesn’t matter if you are new to keeping aquariums or are a veteran with many years under your belt, sometimes the dreaded green stuff can take over at any given moment! It is one of the most...
These highly unusual plants are as beautiful as they are interesting. They are also highly functional, especially for marine or brackish aquariums. Thanks to their astounding evolutionary developments needed for survival in the wild, they have many elegant benefits...
We know that calcium is one of the major building blocks of aquatic life. As well as the fact that it is essential to maintain calcium levels as it is the primary element of exoskeletons for invertebrates and endoskeletons for vertebrates. Corals also require large...
Sea anemones are a firm favorite for many saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. Anemones are closely related to corals. These beautiful and interesting animals are found all over the world on tropical and subtropical reefs. They are iconic in form, known for their long and...
When it comes to saltwater aquariums, there is a lot of information out there about what you might need to keep your tank healthy and stable. For beginners, it can be hard to work out what is actually important for your saltwater aquarium! One aspect of aquarium...
Most saltwater aquarium enthusiasts provide their fish, crustaceans, and corals with live feed. It is a great way to give them a natural diet and helps your ecosystem develop and mature. A popular live feed for saltwater aquariums is brine shrimp. Perhaps you...
When it comes to corals, beginner saltwater aquarium hobbyists might shy away from hard corals. A lot of information online discusses the difficulty of caring for hard corals and suggest that only soft corals are suitable for those of us who have just started our...
Most living organisms are vulnerable to abrupt changes in their environment, so any changes must be made gradually. It’s the equivalent of stepping out of a lovely air-conditioned building straight out into a hot summer’s day at 120° F. The sudden change can be...
Some of the most exciting animals you can keep in a saltwater aquarium are shrimp! If they are put in the correct aquarium, most of the shrimps available to aquarists are reasonably easy to keep too. However, they do need some time to acclimate to a new environment....
Calcium is one of the major building blocks of aquatic life. It is the primary element of exoskeletons for invertebrates and endoskeletons for vertebrates. It is vital for corals too! Corals uptake calcium in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Hard coral species...
Are your saltwater community fish shy or spending too much of their time hiding? Well, if you’ve noticed this behavior, don’t worry. This is not unusual, even in a peaceful saltwater aquarium that contains a large amount of live rock. Social fish species are actively...
Refugiums are a great addition to any saltwater aquarium. They have so many benefits, helping out both you and your marine life. But if you are a beginner, you might be a bit confused about how exactly you might set one up. Don’t worry, we are here to provide a simple...
Having a clean aquarium is essential for the health of your animals. Corals will thrive in a clean environment that has a more constant pH. Utilizing a natural cleaning crew is beneficial as it reduces your workload, but more importantly, as food and waste particles...
If you are a beginner to the saltwater aquarium hobby, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the advice! There is so much information out there, and you might get confused over what is actually necessary for your aquarium and what is not. Thankfully, we are...
It’s no secret that owning a pet has measurable benefits for your health, but these benefits are typically associated with traditional pets like dogs and cats. There’s a reason, however, that doctor’s offices and health clinics all over the world have fish tanks in...
In the United States, an estimated 13.1 million households have either freshwater or saltwater aquariums, according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey. Whether you’re a new aquarist or an expert, it’s more important now...
Many saltwater aquarium enthusiasts fall in love with the hobby because of the wonders of marine life. From the incredible symbiotic pairs of the oceans to weird-looking slugs, the sea is full of fantastic creatures. Corals are a part of this and are not just...
A refugium refers to a smaller aquarium that is connected to your saltwater aquarium and cycles the water in and out of the main tank. They are often placed underneath the main tank and in a sump. Different Types of Refugiums Sumps house all your equipment and...
Being able to have a mini version of tropical coral reefs in your home is an amazing and rewarding experience. It takes work and dedication. But if done properly, you can have a beautiful, healthy little reef right in your own home. And what is the most important part...
When it comes to planning and decorating a new saltwater aquarium setup, the bottom of the tank is a problem that solves itself. There are plenty of reefs and reef-loving fish to choose from, making this an easy task. But what most beginner ( and some experienced )...
For many enthusiasts, having live plants in their saltwater aquarium is a key way to maintain the health and ecological stability of the tank. But, some hobbyists might be a bit worried about having to look after plants as well as marine life! But, have no fear! Many...
Sea anemones are a firm favorite for many saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. Called the flower of the sea, these creatures are closely related to corals. They are beautiful and interesting and are found all over the world. Known for their long tentacles that...
Copepods and amphipods are an essential part of the food chain for marine life. They are tiny crustaceans that are consumed by a great number of aquatic creatures. From gobies to clownfish, most of the fish in your saltwater aquarium will love to munch on these tiny...
For beginner hobbyists, saltwater aquariums may seem a bit daunting. There are so many things to think about, and it is a big commitment! When having a tank, you must make sure that everything is healthy, clean, and happy. But does this mean we have to constantly be...
We will show you some of the best schooling fish for saltwater reef aquariums in this article. Schooling fish are highly sought after as the way they group and swim together is a wonderfully unique behavior. Watching a large community of schooling fish is certainly...
As aquarists, we love our beautiful coral aquariums. The color, structure, and diversity corals can bring to a tank is unparalleled. As proud aquarists, our aquariums also provide great tools for education for family and friends as well as ourselves of course. Have...
Hermit crabs are unique in that they have adapted to occupy empty shawls that they have scavenged to protect their soft abdomen. Hermit crabs will carry around this “borrowed” shell with them, produced by mollusk species, or risk being defenseless. The...
If you are new to the saltwater aquarium hobby, it can be a bit overwhelming as to what you need in your tank to ensure the happiness and harmony of your ecosystem. But do not worry, we are here to guide you! Having a saltwater aquarium is such a rewarding hobby. To...
Everybody loves their fish. Wonderful to watch and easy to look after, saltwater fish bring so much happiness into hobbyists’ lives. Because they make us so happy, we want to make them so happy! So, a great way to do this is to provide them with the best and tastiest...
Substrates are important as they make sure your aquarium is as close to nature as possible. Assisting in the oxygen balance and bacteria levels, having a substrate is a must to ensure the health of your tank. Furthermore, some fish love substrate to sift through...
An important part of reef tank ownership is unfortunately preventing and eradicating pests and parasites. This includes flatworms, which are a nasty pest as they can become so numerous that they block out light that corals’ tissues need or begin to consume the coral...
One of the most famous and charismatic relationships found in natural ecosystems as well as in saltwater aquariums is the symbiotic relationship between the clownfish and their host anemone. Firstly, what is a symbiotic relationship? A symbiotic relationship is a...
If you are familiar with saltwater aquariums, you will know that there are a lot of different options for tank cleaning. A lot of these are snails or crabs, which are amazing creatures and love to munch on algae and debris! But, did you know that some fish also love...
Keeping an aquarium can be a rewarding experience, as you get to create and develop an amazing, tiny ecosystem. Starting an aquarium may seem a daunting task for beginners as there is so much information available, it’s hard to know where to start! Just remember, you...
Did you know that crabs are not just good at looking cool in your saltwater aquarium, but are also very handy when it comes to cleaning? Discover what cleaning crab is the best choice for you and your aquarium needs! Best Crabs For Tank Cleaning Most aquarium...
Having symbiotic pairs in your saltwater aquarium provides so many benefits to both you and your habitat. It is a great way to keep your aquarium as close to nature as possible and allow the development of a balanced ecosystem. So what is a symbiotic...
For a majority of first-time aquarists, simply realizing that the dream of caring for and successfully growing corals is not as impossible as perhaps they first thought. Your first coral garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be difficult to care for. In this guide...
Us aquarium hobbyists are always on the lookout for the next big addition to our saltwater tanks. But we rarely give a chance to the actual ‘big’ additions that will elevate our tank’s beauty and set it apart from the other tank setups we so often browse online....
Zoanthids, more commonly referred to as zoas, are officially categorized as cnidarians and are typically referred to as colonial anemones by the scientific community. You may also be surprised to know that the zoanthid coral is not actually coral at all, even if...
Why Your Saltwater Aquarium Needs Nassarius Vibex Snails Nobody likes an aquarium full of algae and debris, and this means that a clean up crew of inverts and fish is a must for any hobbyist. From crabs and shrimps, to fish and weird looking slugs, the range of...
Get Rid of Your Bubble Algae with Emerald Crabs We all know how annoying algae can be. Our aquariums are our pride and joy, so when algae crops up, we can get frustrated. However, there are so many different ways that we can treat algae, and most mean fun tank...
Some of the most exciting animals you can keep in a saltwater aquarium are shrimp! If they are put in the correct aquarium, most of the shrimps available to aquarists are reasonably easy to keep too. When given the suitable shelter and food, they thrive and help add...
Starting a hobby is a tough endeavor, especially when it involves other living beings. We all have different passions and like different activities. But something that ties us all together is the desire to care for animals. Something about sharing a bond with another...
Feather Dusters worms are some of the most interesting creatures you can have in your aquarium. Beautiful and hypnotic, their day-to-day behavior, and way of life is just incredible to observe. Not only that, even though they are mostly stationary creatures, their...
Lettuce Nudibranch or Lettuce Sea Slugs are incredibly underrated tank additions. There are no other species that are more unique, beautiful, and capable of some astonishing things than the Lettuce Nudibranch. They not only add a unique look to the tank but also help...
When visualizing the perfect saltwater tank, all aquarium hobbyists like to imagine a tank full of different, fascinating marine fauna that exhibit a range of behaviors and are a delight to observe and marvel at. The sexy anemone shrimp is one such creature that...
These colorful decapods are a delight to have in any aquarium. They add a lot of color and character and are extremely fun to observe. These shrimp-like creatures are extremely versatile, durable, and easy to care for and have become one of the most popular marine...
Have a nagging algae problem in your tank? Thinking about adding a dash of color to your set-up? The Blue Leg Hermit Crab might be the solution to both your needs. Also known as Clibanarius tricolor, these beautiful crustaceans are quickly becoming synonymous with...
Any saltwater aquarium thrives on diversity in species. The closer a tank is to natural reef environments, the better the health of the fish that live in it. They do not just add variety for you to observe but also provide ecological benefits to the tank by adding...
Sun Coral Tubastrea are one of the most versatile and beautiful marine aquarium additions on this planet! These stunning ocean creatures get their name from their vivid yellow tentacles that rise out of the polyp like the sun at dawn when it is time for them to feed....
Ordering live creatures online can be stressful. As aquarium enthusiasts and lovers of marine life, we understand the importance of quality shipping. But success or failure in rehoming them into their new aquarium environment lies in keeping a few rules in mind. It is...
The blue velvet nudibranch is a type of sea slug that is popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. They are black in color with a few bright, electric blue lines that run along the length of its body. They have a head wider than the body and have a blue stripe...
Algae problems are a common aquarium concern. No one likes a green, murky, and swamp-like tank with poor visibility. Algae gets everywhere. It is slimy and sticks to the glass, corals, and clogs up filters in a tank. It is a hindrance that aquarium hobbyists have been...
Copepods meaning “oar-feet” are a group of small crustaceans found in the sea The body of an amphipod is divided into 13 segments Amphipods are typically less than 10 millimeters Mature females bear a marsupium, or brood pouch, which holds her eggs while...
Copepods: the largest biomass on earth, the fastest organism and having one of the highest nutrient dense biological makeups, The mighty Copepod is the Super food of the Ocean. This subclass of Crustecean, Copepoda, make up the largest biomass on earth.; this fact...
Today I was watching our Banggai Cardinalfish which are a fabulous reef safe fish. I suddenly realized – everyone with a reef aquarium should have 3-5 of these fish. If you want an elegant reef safe schooling fish that looks super cool, this is the fish for...
Coral Food: Easy recipe & guide – how the pros do it every day. Coral Food – What they need, what they like & how to make it! Coral Food: We know that corals eat in the wild and yet some forget that corals eating in captivity is the job of the...
Sun Corals are NON photosynthetic – meaning that they do not need sunshine for life – but they must have meaty foods & flow. Sun Corals are some of the coolest corals available within the coral market because they will eat and eat, and once they are in...
Just got your new saltwater aquarium? Here are 6 tips to getting your new saltwater aquarium off to the right start: 1. Choose your poison very carefully. What I mean is – with your saltwater aquarium do you want a friendly nice communal tank or do...
Saltwater Aquarium Snails can be classified a few different ways but for the use of snails in aquariums, it is most helpful to think about what they eat. First consider this, unlike crabs, saltwater aquarium snails consist of a large meaty body… so if they die...
I noticed several saltwater hermit crabs piled up at the front fighting for food, as I watched my saltwater aquarium after feeding time. Their antennae raised and lowered in a warning communication call. It was fascinating to watch them duck and dive...
