Water temperature is one of the important factors to consider when choosing fish for a community tank. Fish that require warm water should not be kept with fish requiring much cooler water. Here are some coldwater fish options.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

What is brown and ugly and spreads over the tank like a plague? If you answered algae, you are correct. Being green isn't a requirement to be an member of the algae family. Where did this awful stuff come from? Here's what causes brown algae, how to cure it, and ways to avoid having it happen again.

Black Skirt is just one of the names for this popular fish. Easily one of the most recognizable and popular of the tetra family, the Black Skirt Tetra is also one of the more hardy members of the tetra family. Perhaps you should have one in your community tank.

Have you kept a Black Skirt (Black Widow) Tetra? Tell others what you know about them.

Photo © Shirlie L Sharpe

Aquariums aren't considered dangerous equipment, but there are hazards to consider if you keep an aquarium in your home.

One such hazard are the cleaning products that may be used to clean tanks and decorations. Bleach is one of the products most often debated. Do you think bleach is safe?

Another potential hazard is electrical shock. The need for grounding an aquarium has been described by any number of experts. Although I agree that shocks can (and do) happen around aquarium equipment, I don't agree that grounding is the best way to address the issue.