The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]

Are You Wasting Money on Gimmicks?

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 Care Masterclass: Varieties, Tank Setup, Filtration, Plants, and Enrichment

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.

 

Solving 10 Mysteries That Baffle Fishkeepers

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?

Vanishing Guppy Fry

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

Caridina vs. Neocaridina: Cracking the Code on Shrimpkeeping Success

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?

Inside The Fish Mind - Understanding Fish Behaviour

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.

The Economics of Fishkeeping – Budget vs. Premium Equipment (Financial Tools Edition)

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.

Oxygen Myths: Why Bubbles Don’t Mean Breathable Water (And What Really Works)

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!