The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]

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!

Why Fasting Your Fish Improves Health, Water Quality, and Tank Balance

Have you ever felt guilty for not feeding your fish? You may actually have helped make them healthier! In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the surprising science and practical benefits of fasting your community aquarium fish. Learn how strategic fasting improves digestion, reduces waste buildup, supports water quality, and mimics natural feeding rhythms.

We cover species-specific advice, common myths, troubleshooting signs, and how to build a fasting schedule that supports long-term fish health. Whether you're caring for goldfish, bettas, corydoras, or a full community tank, this episode provides expert insights and actionable tips.

 

Clown Loach Care Guide 101

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we learn about the basics of care for the often-misunderstood Clown Loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus), covering everything from their natural habitat in Indonesian floodplains to their unique behaviours in the home aquarium. Whether you're housing juveniles or managing a mature shoal, you'll learn how to design the perfect tank, maintain ideal water conditions, feed for health and growth, prevent disease, and troubleshoot common problems. 

 

You can search for Care Guides episodes in your favourite podcast app or go take a look at the Aquarist Edge Care Guide episodes on YouTube: Care Guides (YouTube playlist)

 

👉 Don’t forget to leave a review and share your thoughts.

You Put It Where? How to Choose the Best Spot for Your Fish Tank

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we answer one of the most critical and misunderstood questions in fishkeeping: Where should you place your aquarium? With expert-level insights, we cover everything from structural safety and natural light to temperature stability, noise, and real-life home scenarios.

Whether you're setting up a nano tank or a 600-liter community display, this episode offers practical advice, troubleshooting solutions, and tips that will help you make the best decision for both you and your fish.

🗨️ Share your tank placement wins (or horror stories) by leaving a voice comment here: https://theaquaristsedge.podcastpage.io/contact

You can also leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you for taking a moment to help us out!

 

Episode music: 

Music track: November by Limujii Source: https://freetouse.com/music  Royalty Free Music for Videos (Safe)

Are We Also Guilty? Response to "The Dark Hobby" documentary film

The recently released documentary film entitled "Aquariums: The Dark Hobby" shines a light on the marine aquarium hobby's impact on Hawaii's reefs and the broader marine ecosystem. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we journey from marine coral reefs to freshwater riverbeds, uncovering what ethical, sustainable fishkeeping really means for freshwater aquarists. While marine hobbyists often face criticism, the freshwater world has its own victories—and its blind spots. We’ll explore the hidden carbon cost of our fishrooms, celebrate major breeding successes, and finish with several easy eco-friendly habits you can start this week to make a difference. No guilt trips - just practical wisdom and real-world examples to empower every hobbyist.

🌿 Don’t forget to leave a review and share your feedback: https://theaquaristsedge.podcastpage.io/episodes

Aquariums: The Dark Hobby documentary: https://aquariumsthedarkhobby.com/

 

Project Piaba - creating sustainable freshwater aquarium trade: https://projectpiaba.org/

Stunning Planted Tanks Without CO2

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we explore the art and science of building a vibrant planted aquarium without CO₂ injection. Learn how to choose the right plants, lighting, substrate, and layout strategies to create lush growth with minimal tech and maintenance.

Whether you're a beginner or an aquascaper on a budget, this episode will help you build a tank that thrives naturally and looks amazing doing it.

📝 Feedback link as mentioned in the episode: https://theaquaristsedge.podcastpage.io/contact

 

 

Guppy Genetics Made Simple

In this week’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we’re taking the mystery out of guppy genetics and turning it into a clear, beginner-friendly guide for hobbyists who want to breed stunning guppies right at home. From dominant and recessive genes to punnett squares and strain development, this episode is packed with practical insights, scientific explanations, and real-world advice you can apply to your own tank.

Whether you’re curious why your fry don’t match the parents or you're ready to build your first breeding line, this is your go-to guide for understanding guppy heredity, trait tracking, and breeding strategy.

Arthur mentions Punnet Squares in this episode. You can read more about how to use these with your guppy breeding project here: https://artsfishroom.co.za/understanding-guppy-genetics-a-beginners-guide-to-punnett-squares/

Mentioned in this podcast: "Are Our Guppies Weak?"