Aquarium guides
Short, practical how-tos on everything we cover inside AquaPilot — from cycling a new tank to diagnosing a parameter problem.
CO₂ in the aquarium — when it's worth it and how to control it
When CO₂ makes sense (and when it doesn't), three methods, what to buy, how to dial it in, drop checker, safety, and the real cost of an installation.
Read guideCloudy water in the aquarium — what it means and what to do
Five types of cloudiness by colour (white, grey, green, brown, bubbles) with causes, concrete fixes, and what NOT to do in panic.
Read guideHow to clean an aquarium filter
Cleaning without killing the nitrogen cycle — when, how, and what, for internal, HOB, and canister filters. Plus a list of 7 most common mistakes.
Read guideWhich fish for your first aquarium
5 selection rules, 7 best beginner species, a "not for starters" list, sample stockings for 54/100/200 L, and compatibility rules.
Read guideFertilising a planted aquarium — beginner guide
What plants need, three dosing schools (all-in-one, EI, PPS-Pro), what to buy first, how to spot deficiencies and a practical beginner schedule.
Read guideAlgae and cyanobacteria in the aquarium — types, causes and action plan
Identification of 9 algae types (diatoms, GSA, GDA, BBA, staghorn, hair, green water, BGA, fuzz), real causes and a concrete action plan for each.
Read guideHow many hours to light an aquarium
Photoperiod for no-CO₂, CO₂-injected, shrimp, and fish-only tanks. Why 6–8 h is the default, when to deviate, and how to respond when algae appear.
Read guideThe aquarium nitrogen cycle — when can you add fish
A detailed guide to the nitrogen cycle: biochemistry, cycling methods, a step-by-step timeline, and the exact criteria for when a tank is ready for fish.
Read guideEasy aquarium plants for beginners
10 species that grow without CO₂ or special lighting, plus the trap-plant list, layout rules, fertilisation basics, and quick diagnosis of common problems.
Read guideWater parameters in a freshwater aquarium — a complete guide
Everything worth knowing about water parameters — pH, KH, GH, nitrogen compounds, phosphate, CO₂, TDS — with target ranges, tables and quick troubleshooting.
Read guideHow often to change water in an aquarium
A practical guide: why we change water, how often to do it for common setups, how to do it properly, and when it's better to skip.
Read guideHow to set up a freshwater aquarium step by step
A complete beginner's guide — from picking the tank and gear, through the nitrogen cycle, to your first fish and a weekly care routine.
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