PetUpon topic hub

Aquariums & Fish Care

Independent aquarium care and equipment guidance organized around filtration, heating, lighting, aeration, circulation, water quality and safe maintenance. Start with the practical care guides, then use our manufacturer-verified buying guides to compare the right equipment for your tank.

Aquarium Maintenance Checklist: Daily, Weekly and Monthly

November 8, 2026August 30, 2026 by Daisy Le

Responsible partial water change using an aquarium gravel siphon

Good aquarium maintenance preserves stability rather than making the tank look newly scrubbed. Observe livestock every day, use water tests to set … Read more

Best Aquarium Filters: Choose by Tank, Stocking, and Maintenance

November 8, 2026March 30, 2019 by Dawn H. Johnson

Canister aquarium filter beside a clear planted fish tank

A current, research-backed guide to choosing aquarium filters, focused on safety, fit, reliability, maintenance, and total ownership cost.

Best Canister Filters for Aquariums in 2026: Safe, Quiet Picks

November 8, 2026January 30, 2019 by Dawn H. Johnson

Best Canister Filters for Aquariums: Capacity and Serviceability

A current, research-backed guide to choosing aquarium canister filters, focused on safety, fit, reliability, maintenance, and total ownership cost.

Best LED Aquarium Lighting: Coverage, Control, and Livestock Needs

November 8, 2026February 5, 2019 by Dawn H. Johnson

LED aquarium light illuminating a planted freshwater tank

A current, research-backed guide to choosing LED aquarium lighting, focused on safety, fit, reliability, maintenance, and total ownership cost.

Best Aquarium Heaters: Stable Temperature and Fail-Safe Setup

November 8, 2026January 8, 2019 by Dawn H. Johnson

Protected aquarium heater installed in a planted fish tank

A current, research-backed guide to choosing aquarium heaters, focused on safety, fit, reliability, maintenance, and total ownership cost.

Best UV Sterilizers for Aquariums: Sizing and Safe Use

November 8, 2026February 12, 2019 by Dawn H. Johnson

A current, research-backed guide to choosing aquarium UV sterilizers, focused on safety, fit, reliability, maintenance, and total ownership cost.

Best Aquarium Air Pumps: Quiet, Reliable Aeration

November 8, 2026February 19, 2019 by Dawn H. Johnson

A current, research-backed guide to choosing aquarium air pumps, focused on safety, fit, reliability, maintenance, and total ownership cost.

How to Cycle a New Aquarium: A Fishless, Test-Based Guide

November 8, 2026August 30, 2026 by Daisy Le

New planted aquarium undergoing a fishless cycle with water testing kit

Cycling establishes microbes that convert toxic ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. A new tank may look clear while still being … Read more

Aquarium Heater Size Guide: Wattage, Placement and Safety

November 8, 2026August 30, 2026 by Daisy Le

Safely installed freshwater aquarium heater with independent thermometer

Aquarium heater sizing depends on more than gallons. The required temperature rise above the coldest room temperature, tank shape, lid, circulation and … Read more

Aquarium Lighting Schedule: A Practical Starting Point

November 8, 2026August 30, 2026 by Daisy Le

Planted freshwater aquarium under a timed LED lighting schedule

A consistent light schedule is more useful than changing duration every day. For many planted freshwater aquariums, six to eight hours is … Read more