My Aquarium Trek – Beginner Aquarium Guides

Welcome to My Aquarium Trek, your guide for starting and growing a successful beginner aquarium. Here you’ll find simple, step-by-step articles that make fishkeeping easy, enjoyable, and stress-free–perfect for anyone beginning their aquarium adventure!

Featured Guides

How to start Your First Aquarium (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn exactly how to set up a beginner aquarium the right way. This simple step-by-step guide walks you through choosing a tank, gathering equipment, cycling the water, and adding your first fish with confidence.

The Nitrogen Cycle Explained (Simple Beginner Guide)

A healthy aquarium starts with understanding the nitrogen cycle. This beginner-friendly breakdown shows you how beneficial bacteria keep your water safe–and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to sick fish.

The Best Beginner Fish (Fish That Are Easy to Care For)

Not all fish are beginner-friendly. Discover the top species that are easy to care for, peaceful, and perfect for first-time fish keepers–from guppies and platies to shrimp and tetras.

Deeper Dives

Red Dragon Guppy — **Fish Profiles**

Discover the best beginner-friendly fish and shrimp with simple care guides, stocking tips, and species profiles to help you choose the perfect additions for your first aquarium.

Aquarium Essentials — **Equipment & Setup**

Learn about the essential equipment every aquarium needs–filters, heaters, lights, substrate, and more. Get clear explanations and setup tips to build your tank the right way from the start.

Water Splash — **Water & Maintenance**

Understand how to keep your water clean and your fish healthy. From the nitrogen cycle to weekly water changes, this section covers all the maintenance basics beginners need to know.

About me

I’ve been in the aquarium hobby on and off for over 25 years, and in that time I’ve kept, bred, and enjoyed a little bit of everything! I started My Aquarium Trek to share what I’ve learned along the way–especially the simple, practical tips I wish I had when I was first getting started. I love breeding different species of fish, and at one point even shipped Bristlenose Plecostomus I raised myself (that’s the photo!). Whether you’re setting up your very first tank or returning to the hobby after a break, my goal is to make fishkeeping easy, clear, and enjoyable for everyone.

Shipping Fish Online — Back when I was raising and selling Bristlenose Plecos

Latest Posts

Molly Fish Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile)
Molly Fish Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile) Overview Mollies are popular freshwater fish known for their friendly behavior, active swimming, and wide variety of colors and fin shapes. They are closely related to guppies and platies and share many of… Read more: Molly Fish Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile)
Harlequin Rasbora Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile)
Harlequin Rasbora Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile) Overview Harlequin rasboras are peaceful, schooling fish known for their distinctive black triangular markings and subtle copper-orange coloration. They are a popular choice for calm community aquariums and offer a great alternative to… Read more: Harlequin Rasbora Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile)
Zebra Danio Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile)
Zebra Danio Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile) Overview Zebra danios are one of the hardiest freshwater fish available, making them a classic choice for beginners. Their small size, constant activity, and bold horizontal striping add energy and movement to community… Read more: Zebra Danio Care Guide (Beginner-Friendly Fish Profile)

Ready to Start Your First Tank?

Get the simple, step-by-step guide that covers equipment, cycling, and stocking–everything you need to build your first aquarium with confidence.

Start Your First Tank!