Art breaks down everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a Betta sorority tank; with a focus on real-world success and scientific accuracy. Whether you're planning your first Betta community or you've tried before and struggled, this episode provides a guide into female Betta behavior, tank setup requirements, and the critical do’s and don’ts that make or break a sorority. From territorial psychology to line-of-sight aquascaping, we explain why most Betta sororities fail and how yours can succeed. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot aggression, interpret tank dynamics, and know when to pull the plug on a failing group. 🎧 Perfect for beginner and intermediate freshwater hobbyists looking to keep multiple female Bettas in one tank, the right way.   Music: "Evergreen Fields" - Tape Machines (Epidemic Sound -https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/dbb5e762-9514-4f84-a6c1-1ba9f274ec2b/)

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Aquarist’s Edge, your trusted source for freshwater aquarium news and insights. Join Arthur Preston as we explore ten fascinating stories that connect science, conservation, and the home aquarium hobby. 🔍 In This Episode: 🐟 Bumblebee catfish caught on camera climbing waterfalls in Brazil👁️ Blind cavefish that have survived without light for over 11 million years🐠 The giants of the Mekong River are shrinking fast🌱 The IAPLC 2025 Finals — the world’s biggest aquascaping event🎣 A fresh look at Cupid Cichlids and their family tree🌿 Nutmeg oil as a safe way to calm fish during treatment❄️ Breeding secrets of the cold-water burbot🌊 Why lampreys need free-flowing rivers to spawn🌍 The Yangtze River shows us that stability is more important than perfection🧠 What zebrafish are teaching us about social behavior 📌 Sources & Further Reading: Thousands of bumblebee catfish captured climbing a waterfall (LiveScience)👉 https://www.livescience.com/animals/fish/thousands-of-bumblebee-catfish-captured-climbing-waterfall-in-never-before-seen-footage In the dark for 11 million years: How blind cavefish rewrote the timeline (ScienceDaily / Yale)👉 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002412.htm Shrinking Mekong megafish underlines risks to the river, study finds (Mongabay)👉 https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/shrinking-mekong-megafish-underlines-risks-to-the-river-study-finds/ International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest (IAPLC 2025) — Official English Site👉 https://iaplc.com/e/ The first complete mitochondrial genome of Biotodoma cupido (Frontiers in Genetics)👉 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1623517/full Using machine learning to predict anesthetic dose in fish with nutmeg oil (Frontiers in Veterinary Science)👉 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1652115/full Reproductive ecology of burbot (Lota lota) in the Great Lakes (Northern Michigan University Thesis)👉 https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/764/ Identifying novel sea lamprey spawning locations in unimpounded rivers (Frontiers in Freshwater Science)👉 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/freshwater-science/articles/10.3389/ffwsc.2025.1584751/full Drivers of fish community structure in the Yangtze Basin (Environmental Research – ScienceDirect)👉 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935125019139 Zebrafish neurodevelopment and social behavior study (Communications Biology – Nature)👉 https://www.nature.com/commsbio/articles?year=2025 📺 About the Show The Aquarist’s Edge brings you weekly freshwater aquarium news, science discoveries, and practical tips for aquarists of all levels. Whether you’re a planted tank enthusiast, a breeder, or a beginner, you’ll find inspiration and insights to keep your fish thriving. Music: Pool Sticker – Dylan Sitts (Epidemic Sound – https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EwXrPyvCvY/)

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✅ Diagnose common plant deficiencies✅ Discover how to stop algae before it starts 🎧 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: admin@artsfishroom.co.za 📍 Recorded in Cape Town, South Africa  Music: "Pool Sticker" - Dylan Sitts (https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EwXrPyvCvY/) Referenced Articles and Sources: 🌊 Deep-Sea Fish Reshape Carbon Cycle UnderstandingSource: ScienceDaily – Deep-sea fish just changed what we know about Earth’s carbon cycle 🦴 Coelacanth Musculature Misunderstood for DecadesSource: ScienceDaily – 400-million-year-old fish exposes a big mistake in how we understood evolution 🐌 New Snail-Crushing Cichlids from Lake VictoriaSource: AMAZONAS – Two new cichlid species described from Lake Victoria ⛈ Lanternfish Fossils Warn of Looming Ocean Oxygen CrisisSource: Earth.com – Lanternfish fossils warn of looming ocean oxygen crisis 🦐 Invertebrates Deserve Proper CareSource: Hygger – Some of the Care Necessary for Aquarium Invertebrates

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📘 Discover the impact of selective breeding💡 Build tanks that support natural guppy instincts   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.🐟 Dive into the spotlight species of the week – the elegant and often-overlooked halfbeak.👁️ Discover new research into schooling behaviour and how fish avoid bumping into each other.🧠 Learn how goldfish remember, cichlids parent, and archerfish recognise human faces.🌍 Understand the growing threat to Africa’s freshwater fish species and how climate change is reshaping aquatic ecosystems. Perfect for home aquarists, hobbyist researchers, and freshwater fish lovers. 📩 Send your aquarium questions or news to: admin@artsfishroom.co.za 📍 Recorded in Cape Town, South Africa  Music: "Pool Sticker" - Dylan Sitts (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.

Are you spending hundreds on bottled bacteria, clarifiers, or pH adjusters without real results? In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the science behind these products, explore why biology, consistency, and husbandry matter more than marketing promises, and learn practical ways to keep your aquarium thriving. With insightful quotes from renowned aquarists like Diana Walstad, George Farmer, Rachel O’Leary, and Takashi Amano, this episode will make you think twice before buying another product to add to your aquarium. 

Goldfish are often seen as simple starter pets, but they’re so much more. In today’s masterclass episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, discover the true world of goldfish care. Learn their thousand-year history, the biology behind their unique needs, and detailed insights into goldfish varieties – from Commons to delicate Ranchus. Explore practical tank setups, powerful filtration strategies, goldfish-safe plants, feeding science, enrichment ideas, and solutions to common health problems to keep your goldfish thriving for decades.  

Ever feel like your aquarium has a mind of its own? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we dive into the strange and puzzling phenomena that leave even seasoned aquarists scratching their heads. From vanishing fish to ghost algae that appear and disappear mysteriously, we're uncovering the science and offering real solutions to ten of the most bizarre aquarium mysteries. Whether you’re haunted by cloudy water, dealing with plant meltdowns, or wondering how snails invaded your tank overnight, this episode delivers deep insights with practical advice. * Mentioned in this episode: What Is Biofilm?

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unravel the mystery of disappearing guppy fry - why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to raise healthy, thriving generations of guppies. From the evolutionary biology behind fry cannibalism to practical, science-backed strategies that home aquarists can implement right away. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected population boom or trying to save every last fry, this episode is packed with advice that will take your breeding skills to the next level. 💬 Have you faced fry disappearances? Share your story in the comments or leave a review—we’d love to feature your tip in a future episode! * Mentioned in this episode: Guppy Genetics Made Simple - Guppy Genetics Made Simple

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the key differences between Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp - two stunning genera that dominate the freshwater shrimp hobby. From water chemistry and care needs to breeding difficulty, compatibility, and strain variety, this guide is all about helping you figure out which shrimp are right for YOU. Whether you're a beginner setting up your first tank or an advanced hobbyist chasing high-grade Caridina, this episode will give you the clarity you need. 🎙️ Which type of shrimp fits your aquarium goals and skill level? Let’s find out. Referenced in this episode: What is biofilm?

What if your fish could tell you how they feel? In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the fascinating world of fish behaviour; from ancient instincts to modern cognitive science. Discover what drives your fish’s actions, how to decode their body language, and what research (including the famous goldfish-driving-a-tank experiment) tells us about how intelligent and emotional these animals really are. Whether you’re keeping bettas, cichlids, tetras, puffers, or clownfish, this episode is packed with expert tips to help you observe, understand, and enrich your fish’s world. 🔬 Learn how fish think, feel, learn, play, and communicate like never before.

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we break down the true economics of aquarium keeping using simple but powerful financial tools like ROI, break-even analysis, NPV, and amortization. Whether you're deciding between a budget heater and a premium one, or wondering if a canister filter is worth it, this episode gives you a toolkit to make smarter, safer, and more cost-effective choices. Host Arthur Preston explains each concept in everyday terms, with practical, real-world examples that show how better spending leads to better tanks and better outcomes for your fish. 💬 Learn how to: Compare budget and premium equipment with real ROI analysis Factor in long-term cost, time, and fish safety Use depreciation and opportunity cost like a pro aquarist This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to balance their love for fishkeeping with a real-world budget.

In this episode we take a critical look at one of the most persistent myths in the hobby: that air bubbles from your filter automatically mean your fish are well-oxygenated. Spoiler alert: they don’t. We uncover the science behind gas exchange, explain why surface agitation matters more than you think, and offer proven solutions to improve oxygen levels where your fish need it most. You’ll learn how temperature, filter placement, and even seasonal changes can drastically impact oxygenation. If you've ever wondered how oxygen even gets into your water, this episode if for you!