Issue 14 · April 2026
Set up an aquarium that actually thrives.
Honest reviews, beginner walkthroughs, and the gear I’d put in my own tank — written by a hobbyist who’s still learning, for hobbyists who are too.
14 yrs in the hobby
120+ guides
40+ products tested
22k readers / mo
tank_no_07 · 40g planted · 2 yrs running
Most-read this monthView all guides →
Beginner
The actually-honest guide to cycling your first tank
No, you don’t need to wait six weeks. You also can’t skip it. Here’s what cycling actually does, why every “shortcut” eventually bites you, and the only three numbers that matter.
14 min read · Updated Mar 2026
Buying guide
Best canister filters for tanks under 75 gallons (2026)
22 min read
Setup
10 mistakes I made setting up my first planted tank
9 min read
Where to start
What kind of tank are you setting up?
01 · Beginner
My first tank
Pick the right size, gear, and fish for a tank that won’t drive you crazy in month two.
24 guidesBrowse →
02 · Upgrading
Bigger & better
Moving to a bigger tank, switching to a planted setup, or adding a sump? Start here.
18 guidesBrowse →
03 · Specialty
Shrimp, bettas & nano
Dialed-in setups for shrimp colonies, betta sororities, and species-only nanos.
12 guidesBrowse →
The shortlistGear I keep recommendingSee full kit →
Free tools
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Tank size calculator · coming soon
How big a tank do you actually need?
Number of fish6 neon tetras
Adult length (avg)1.5″
Activity levelActive schooler