General and Beginner Posts - Aquatics Unlimited

Three clear plastic bags filled with water, each containing colorful cartoon fish: the first with a yellow fish, the second with orange and green fish, and the third with blue and purple fish, all on a white background.

09 Jun

General and Beginner Posts, Water Chemistry Posts

Acclimating Shipped Livestock

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November 6, 2025

Acclimating shipped livestock can be a slightly different process than from your local fish store. Shipped fish have spent as much as 2...

A vibrant aquarium filled with colorful fish, including yellow, pink, and purple ones, swims among rocks and green aquatic plants. The scene mirrors a rocky underwater landscape—a perfect setting for those following a cichlid care guide.

07 Feb

General and Beginner Posts

Cichlids

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Phil Bartoszek

November 6, 2025

Cichlid is a nondescript term for members of the family Cichlidae, with nearly 1,300 species identified from Angelfish to Oscars. This ...

A small, yellow-green spotted pufferfish swims among green aquatic plants and branches in a freshwater aquarium, making a perfect subject for an aquarium blog.

07 Feb

General and Beginner Posts

“Freshwater” Puffers

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Phil Bartoszek

November 6, 2025

We are delighted in your interest in “freshwater” puffers. Puffers can be very entertaining and rich in personality. This Blog post wil...

A modern glass aquarium with a cube shape showcases adventures in nano-scaping #3, featuring green plants, rocks, and a striking piece of driftwood. A small light fixture casts a warm glow over the aquatic scene. The tank rests on a dark surface against a plain wall.

26 May

General and Beginner Posts

Adventures in Nano-Scaping #3

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

November 6, 2025

PLANTING The aquascape has been successfully planted, with only minor deviations from the original layout plan. The main one being the...

A vibrant aquarium scene featuring colorful discus fish swimming among green plants. Despite being susceptible to old tank syndrome, the fish display a variety of hues like yellow, blue, and orange, creating a lively and dynamic underwater environment.

10 May

Aquarium Care Posts, General and Beginner Posts, Water Chemistry Posts

Old Tank Syndrome

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Phil Bartoszek

November 6, 2025

Periodic water changes are crucial to the wellbeing of your aquarium. As fish eat and poop, nitrate (fish waste) will accumulate in the...

A glass aquarium showcases a serene, naturalistic scene, reminiscent of adventures in nano-scaping #2, with rocks, green moss, and a twisted wooden branch. Illuminated from above, beside it sits a green plant in a white pot on a dark surface.

08 Apr

General and Beginner Posts

Adventures in Nano-Scaping #2

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Phil Bartoszek

November 6, 2025

PLANT SELECTION Plants for the aquascape will be selected first and foremost for their relative hardiness and ease of care in a low te...

A group of fiddler crabs with prominent, large claws scuttle across wet sand in a coastal area, as if following a fiddler crab guide. The background is blurred, highlighting the crabs in shades of orange, white, and black. Sparse vegetation can be seen in the distance.

31 Mar

General and Beginner Posts

Fiddler Crab Guide

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

November 6, 2025

SET UP - BRACKISH WATER - BEHAVIOR If you’re looking for something other than fish for your aquarium set-up, fiddler crabs are an ente...

Two axolotls in a serene aquarium: one dark and one white. They rest close together amidst lush green plants and rocks, with the white axolotls pink gills adding a pop of color to their calm underwater haven.

29 Mar

General and Beginner Posts

Axolotls

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Phil Bartoszek

March 29, 2022

The Axolotl is an aquatic amphibian that is relatively hardy and easy to care for. This blog post aims to provide basic care tips in or...

A vibrant Betta fish, a testament to expert betta care, displays its flowing, fiery orange and blue fins against a dark background, swimming gracefully towards the camera.

29 Mar

General and Beginner Posts

Betta Fish Care

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

September 17, 2024

- SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH - Originally kept in the Far East as part of a betting sport, Siamese Fighting Fish (scientific name Betta spl...

A vibrant aquarium scene with a bright orange fish swimming among various aquatic plants, the backdrop of deep blue hinting at good general aquarium care. The colorful flora includes green and orange vegetation, alongside a black decorative tree stump.

28 Mar

Aquarium Care Posts, General and Beginner Posts

General Aquarium Care

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

April 10, 2022

EQUIPMENT - FEEDING - MAINTENANCE - HEALTH This blog post will outline generalized tips for the maintenance of your aquarium and care ...

In a dimly lit aquarium with a greenish tint, small fish swim through the cloudy water, weaving around gravel and a decorative arch. This creates a textured underwater landscape that feels both mysterious and enchanting—a true conundrum of aquatic beauty.

27 Mar

Aquarium Care Posts, General and Beginner Posts

Cloudy Water Conundrum

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

March 28, 2022

We all seem to encounter this at least once in the hobby: cloudy water. While frustrating and unappealing, there’s no need to fret! Thi...

A vibrant orange goldfish swims gracefully in a clear aquarium, its fins elegantly spread. As the background shimmers with bokeh lights, it thrives despite new tank syndrome—a testament to its resilience and beauty.

27 Mar

Aquarium Care Posts, General and Beginner Posts, Water Chemistry Posts

New Tank Syndrome

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

March 31, 2022

In established aquariums, toxic ammonia from fish waste is broken down by bacteria into nitrite, which is then broken down by a differe...

An aquascape captures adventures in nano-scaping with a glass tank showcasing rocks that mimic a mountain landscape. A large, twisted piece of driftwood rises above, enhancing the natural look, while part of a potted plant peeks from the right.

17 Mar

General and Beginner Posts

Adventures in Nano-Scaping #1

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

March 28, 2022

INTRODUCTION In this series of blog posts we will be following the design and setup of a new freshwater desktop nano-aquascape from sta...

A small, clear glass aquarium is filled with lush green aquatic plants and driftwood, under bright lighting. The dark background highlights the vibrant greenery inside the tank, serving as a living aquatic plant guide for enthusiasts to admire and explore.

08 Mar

General and Beginner Posts

Aquatic Plant Guide

Posted by

Phil Bartoszek

November 4, 2025

LIGHTING - NUTRIENTS - CO2 - SUBSTRATE There are endless things to discuss when it comes to setting up a successful planted tank. This...