RSS Feeds Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:49:33 +0000 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:49:33 +0000 Tropical Aquariums SA https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/forums/rss-feeds.162/ Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:10:58 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/step-by-step-guide-how-to-create-a-forest-style-planted-aquarium.38981/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/step-by-step-guide-how-to-create-a-forest-style-planted-aquarium.38981/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed ​
The forest style aquascape has become very popular in the last few years. several iterations exist, but I feel as if little information or tutorials are available for the beginner. If you have not seen my complete YouTube video tutorial regarding the setup of this aquarium, here is a detailed guide on how I made it.

Step...

Step By Step Guide: How To Create A Forest Style Planted Aquarium]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2021 21:52:26 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/freshwater-stingray-care-guide.36547/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/freshwater-stingray-care-guide.36547/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
These friendly, fascinating creatures are becoming an increasingly common sight in specialty fish stores and online. But are freshwater stingrays easy to keep, and can...

Freshwater Stingray Care Guide]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2021 21:52:26 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/peacock-gudgeon-care-guide.36545/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/peacock-gudgeon-care-guide.36545/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
That’s okay! Many hobbyists have never heard of this small, colorful fish before, even though they’re one of the most beautiful fish species available.

It turns out, these gorgeous fish are perfect for smaller planted tanks and generally easy to care for in the long run.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about proper care for peacock gudgeon and if one of these fish would be a good addition to your freshwater aquarium!...

Peacock Gudgeon Care Guide]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2021 21:42:14 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/top-5-best-refugium-lights.36539/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/top-5-best-refugium-lights.36539/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Refugiums can be one of the most important parts of reef filtration, and you’ll want to set it up correctly. That means getting the best light possible to help with nutrient export.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about refugiums, refugium lighting, and some of the best options available for your saltwater aquarium!


Quick Summary: Best Refugium...

Top 5 Best Refugium Lights]]> Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:34:01 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/discus-fish-care-guide.36511/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/discus-fish-care-guide.36511/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
With a little bit of research and the proper setup, anyone can have a stunning tank filled with discus. These fish need pristine water conditions and can be very expensive, so you will want to give them the best care possible!

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this popular aquarium fish and how to keep these challenging fish in...

Discus Fish Care Guide]]> Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:55:28 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/how-to-raise-ph-in-your-aquarium.36498/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/how-to-raise-ph-in-your-aquarium.36498/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Well, if the pH levels in your fish tank are unstable or not suitable for the fish species you keep, your fish could get seriously sick or even die.

In this guide, we answer many of the questions that hobbyists ask about water pH in their aquariums. Also, we explain how you can raise the pH when you need to....

How To Raise pH In Your Aquarium]]> Tue, 06 Jul 2021 17:32:43 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/15-low-maintenance-fish-for-your-tank.36438/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/15-low-maintenance-fish-for-your-tank.36438/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
In this guide, we introduce you to 15 of the best low-maintenance fish species to get you started on your fishkeeping journey!

But first, here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about keeping...

15 Low Maintenance Fish For Your Tank]]> Fri, 02 Jul 2021 16:43:18 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/blue-hippo-tang-paracanthurus-hepatus-caresheet.36407/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/blue-hippo-tang-paracanthurus-hepatus-caresheet.36407/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Several species of surgeonfish or tang are called Blue Hippo tangs, such as the Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) from the Indo-Pacific region and the Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) that’s found in the Atlantic Ocean. However, all those species are related, and they have similar care requirements.

In this Blue Hippo Tang care guide, we explain how to look after these beautiful fish....

Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus Hepatus) Caresheet]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2021 11:30:35 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/21-most-expensive-fish-in-the-world-pricier-options-for-your-fish-hobby.36335/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/21-most-expensive-fish-in-the-world-pricier-options-for-your-fish-hobby.36335/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Most hobbyists start by keeping freshwater fish because they’re generally less expensive than their pricier marine counterparts. But what’s the most you’d pay for a fish? Twenty or thirty dollars, perhaps? How about thousands of dollars?!

What makes some fish so costly to buy is their coloring, fascinating behavior, and rarity, which is often the case with some...

21 Most Expensive Fish In The World: Pricier Options For Your Fish Hobby]]> 2 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:57:22 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/goldfish-tankmates-well-matched-companions-for-this-humble-fish.36334/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/goldfish-tankmates-well-matched-companions-for-this-humble-fish.36334/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
But does your goldfish really need a tank mate? The simple answer to that question is yes!

In this guide, we take a closer look at the humble goldfish and explain why these fish need company to thrive.

Does Your Goldfish Need A Tank Mate?


Goldfish (Carassius...

Goldfish Tankmates: Well-Matched Companions For This Humble Fish]]> Tue, 11 May 2021 17:02:50 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-canister-filter.36149/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-canister-filter.36149/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
However, there are lots of canister filters on the market, and it can be difficult to know which is the best. That’s why we put this comprehensive buyer’s guide...

Best Canister Filter]]> Tue, 11 May 2021 17:02:50 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/japanese-trapdoor-snail-profile-and-care-guide.36148/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/japanese-trapdoor-snail-profile-and-care-guide.36148/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed Aquarium snails can make useful, surprisingly attractive, and interesting additions to a freshwater fish tank. The peaceful creature quickly gets busy as an algae eater and clears up general detritus, plant debris, and uneaten food from the substrate.

While there’s plenty to say about aquarium snails as a whole, we’re focusing specifically on the Japanese trapdoor snail in this guide.

These snails are...

Japanese Trapdoor Snail Profile And Care Guide]]> Mon, 03 May 2021 17:08:04 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/red-arowana-care-guide.36104/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/red-arowana-care-guide.36104/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Read on to find out more about the mysterious red arowana and why it’s against the law to own one!

Why is it illegal to own a red arowana in the U.S.?


Although red arowanas...

Red Arowana Care Guide]]> 4 Mon, 03 May 2021 15:33:12 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/activated-carbon-in-the-aquarium.36105/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/activated-carbon-in-the-aquarium.36105/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Activated carbon is the most popular type of filter media for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. This simple and inexpensive method of chemical filtration helps keep tanks clear and odorless, and can even remove toxins and medications from the water column.

However, activated carbon is not necessary for all setups and is only effective when correctly dosed and...

Activated Carbon In The Aquarium]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 23:42:39 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/badis-badis-profile-and-care-guide.36035/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/badis-badis-profile-and-care-guide.36035/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to care for these unusual and fascinating tropical fish. Let’s not keep you waiting any longer; it’s time to dive in!

Where do badis badis...

Badis Badis Profile And Care Guide]]> Tue, 06 Apr 2021 21:43:27 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-aquarium-wavemaker-to-keep-your-aquarium-flowing.35993/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-aquarium-wavemaker-to-keep-your-aquarium-flowing.35993/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
There are a few things to consider when buying a wavemaker, like power, pattern, and of course, price. Too strong of a wavemaker can make swimming difficult for fish and even tear at the flesh of corals and plants while not enough flow can cause algae and dead zones.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about...

Best Aquarium Wavemaker To Keep Your Aquarium Flowing]]> Mon, 05 Apr 2021 21:35:25 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-nano-aquarium-our-top-6-picks.35989/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-nano-aquarium-our-top-6-picks.35989/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
First off…what is a nano aquarium? Are these tanks harder to look after than full-sized ones? What creatures can even live in one?

This guide tells you everything you need to know about choosing, stocking, and maintaining a nano aquarium. We’ve also included reviews of our five favorite nano tanks on the market today to help you choose the perfect small...

Best Nano Aquarium: Our Top 6 Picks]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:52:46 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/redcap-oranda-fancy-goldfish-profile-and-care-guide.35925/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/redcap-oranda-fancy-goldfish-profile-and-care-guide.35925/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
But, those goldfish were most likely a comet, or common, goldfish rather than one of the more exotic fancy varieties. These types of goldfish are relatively easy to keep, which makes them good beginner fish, and can be relocated to a garden pond if they outgrow their tanks.

However, if you’re looking for something more unusual, you might want...

Redcap Oranda Fancy Goldfish Profile And Care Guide]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:52:46 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-aquarium-bacteria-supplement.35924/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/best-aquarium-bacteria-supplement.35924/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
In short, aquarium bacteria supplements will introduce the necessary microorganisms into your fish tank for making the ecosystem sustainable for fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic life. A good population of bacteria is essential for a healthy tank system, and will only come as a result...

Best Aquarium Bacteria Supplement]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2021 20:43:19 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/albino-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-care-sheet.35909/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/albino-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-care-sheet.35909/ invalid@example.com (RSS Feed) RSS Feed
Albino oscars have all of the personality that their darker-colored relatives have, but have a platinum white body with beautiful bright pink markings that can’t be missed. These fish can have some demanding needs, so it’s best to be prepared for their diet and size.

Keep reading to find out...

Albino Oscar (Astronotus Ocellatus) Care Sheet]]> 4