Help Guides

The Charterhouse Aquatics Help Guides Blog provides comprehensive and practical advice on maintaining aquariums, offering expert tips, step-by-step guides, and product reviews to ensure a healthy and thriving aquatic environment for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Top 10 Must-Have Christmas Gifts for Aquarium Enthusiasts from Charterhouse Aquatics
Advice

Top 10 Must-Have Christmas Gifts for Aquarium Enthusiasts from Charterhouse Aquatics

The holiday season is the perfect time to delight the aquarist in your life with gifts that enhance their aquatic hobby. Charterhouse Aquatics offers a curated selection of products suitable...

Why Tropical Fish Keeping is the Best Hobby for Beginners
Advice

Why Tropical Fish Keeping is the Best Hobby for Beginners

Diving into the world of tropical fishkeeping is an exciting adventure! Whether you’re a newbie or just looking to refresh your skills, this guide will help you get started on...

How Many Water Changes Will It Take to Beat Algae?
Advice

How Many Water Changes Will It Take to Beat Algae?

Algae: the eternal nemesis of aquarists everywhere. It seems like no matter how hard you try, those green invaders always find a way to take over your beautiful tank. But...

Can I Stop My Fish Digging Up My Plants?
Advice

Can I Stop My Fish Digging Up My Plants?

So, you've got a beautiful aquarium setup, lush green plants, and then BAM – your fish decide to turn your carefully arranged aquascape into their personal playground. If you're frustrated...

Can I Mature a New Aquarium Filter Quickly? Here's How!
Advice

Can I Mature a New Aquarium Filter Quickly? Here's How!

Starting a new aquarium is exciting, but waiting for the filter to mature can be a bit of a drag. The good news is that there are ways to speed...

A Beginner Reef Keeper's Shopping List: Everything You Need to Get Started
Advice

A Beginner Reef Keeper's Shopping List: Everything You Need to Get Started

Starting a reef aquarium can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and supplies, it’s a fun and rewarding hobby. Whether you're a complete newbie or transitioning...

Beginners Guide to Successful Fishkeeping: Dive In and Swim Smoothly
Advice

Beginners Guide to Successful Fishkeeping: Dive In and Swim Smoothly

Welcome to the wonderful world of fishkeeping! Whether you're a newbie or just looking to refresh your skills, this guide will help you get started on the right fin. Keeping...

Transform Your Tank with Tropica Aquarium Live Plants
Advice

Transform Your Tank with Tropica Aquarium Live Plants

Aquarium plants do more than just make your tank look beautiful – they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. If you're looking to add...

Dive into Aquarium Hardscaping: Tips and Tricks for a Stunning Aquascape
Advice

Dive into Aquarium Hardscaping: Tips and Tricks for a Stunning Aquascape

Are you ready to take your aquarium to the next level? Aquarium hardscaping is an exciting way to transform your tank into a stunning underwater landscape. Whether you’re a newbie...

Keep Your Tank Pristine: When to Change Your Reverse Osmosis Filters
Advice

Keep Your Tank Pristine: When to Change Your Reverse Osmosis Filters

Maintaining clean and pure water in your aquarium is crucial for the health of your fish and corals. One of the best ways to ensure top-notch water quality is by...

Dive Into Coral Fragging: Grow and Share Your Reef Aquarium’s Beauty
Advice

Dive Into Coral Fragging: Grow and Share Your Reef Aquarium’s Beauty

Coral fragging is an exciting aspect of maintaining a reef aquarium. Not only does it allow you to propagate your favorite corals, but it also promotes coral health and diversity...

Why Hikari Aquarium Foods Are the Best Choice for Your Fish
Advice

Why Hikari Aquarium Foods Are the Best Choice for Your Fish

Hey there, fish enthusiasts! Let’s talk about something crucial to your fishy friends’ happiness and health: their diet. If you’re looking for top-notch aquarium food, Hikari is a brand you...

Keeping Your Aquarium Happy While You’re on Holiday
Advice

Keeping Your Aquarium Happy While You’re on Holiday

Hey there, fellow fish lover! Planning a holiday and worried about leaving your aquatic buddies behind? No worries! With a bit of prep, you can ensure your fish stay happy...

Help! My Fish Are Fighting: A Guide to Restoring Peace in Your Tank
Advice

Help! My Fish Are Fighting: A Guide to Restoring Peace in Your Tank

Hey there, fish fans! So, you’ve set up your awesome aquarium, and everything seemed peaceful…until it wasn’t. Suddenly, your fish are acting like they’re in an underwater boxing match. Don’t...

Thinking of Getting a Pet Fish? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Diving In!
Advice

Thinking of Getting a Pet Fish? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Diving In!

Hey there, future fish enthusiast! Considering bringing home a finned friend? Awesome choice! Before you take the plunge, let’s dive into some key facts you should know about keeping pet...

Essential Tips: Avoid These 10 Common Aquarium Mistakes for Beginners
Advice

Essential Tips: Avoid These 10 Common Aquarium Mistakes for Beginners

Are you new to the world of aquariums and excited to set up your own underwater paradise? While starting an aquarium can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to avoid common...

Adding New Fish to Your Aquarium: A Beginner's Guide
Advice

Adding New Fish to Your Aquarium: A Beginner's Guide

Hey there, fellow fish enthusiasts! So, you've got your tank all set up and you're ready to expand your aquatic family with some new finned buddies. Adding new fish to...

Getting Along Swimmingly: Understanding Aquarium Fish Compatibility
Advice

Getting Along Swimmingly: Understanding Aquarium Fish Compatibility

Hey fellow fish enthusiasts! So, you've got your dream aquarium all set up and you're ready to start adding some new aquatic pals. But before you dive in, let's chat...

Choosing the Right Aquarium Size: Avoiding Overcrowding Issues
Advice

Choosing the Right Aquarium Size: Avoiding Overcrowding Issues

So, you've decided to dive into the wonderful world of aquariums—congrats! Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned aquarist, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing the right...

Comprehensive Guide to Salifert Aquarium Test Kits
Advice

Comprehensive Guide to Salifert Aquarium Test Kits

Maintaining a healthy and thriving aquarium requires diligent water quality management. Salifert Aquarium Test Kits are a top choice for hobbyists and professionals alike due to their precision, ease of...

Saltwater Aquarium Algae Reactors: Essential Tools for a Healthy Reef Tank
Advice

Saltwater Aquarium Algae Reactors: Essential Tools for a Healthy Reef Tank

Maintaining a clean and healthy reef tank can be challenging, especially when it comes to controlling algae growth. Algae reactors are powerful tools designed to combat this issue by fostering...

What You Need to Know About Reef Aquarium Dosing
Advice

What You Need to Know About Reef Aquarium Dosing

Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium requires more than just basic care; it demands precise control over water chemistry. Reef aquarium dosing is a crucial practice to ensure that corals and...

What You Need to Know About Calcium Reactors
Advice

What You Need to Know About Calcium Reactors

Maintaining stable calcium levels is crucial for the health and growth of corals and other invertebrates in reef aquariums. Calcium reactors offer a reliable and efficient method to ensure consistent...

What You Need to Know About Fluidised Bed Reactors
Advice

What You Need to Know About Fluidised Bed Reactors

Fluidised bed reactors (FBRs) are gaining popularity among aquarium enthusiasts for their efficiency in biological filtration. These reactors use a suspended bed of fine media to host beneficial bacteria, which...

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Aquarium Air Pump
Advice

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Aquarium Air Pump

Aquarium air pumps play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment by providing oxygenation, improving water circulation, and driving essential equipment like filters and decorations. With numerous options...

What Is the Best Size Aquarium for a Beginner?
Advice

What Is the Best Size Aquarium for a Beginner?

Choosing the right size aquarium is crucial for beginner aquarists. A well-sized tank can ensure a stable environment for your fish, making it easier to maintain and enjoy. This blog...

Why Does My Fish Keep Dying in My Aquarium?
Advice

Why Does My Fish Keep Dying in My Aquarium?

Experiencing fish deaths in your aquarium can be frustrating and disheartening. Understanding the underlying causes is essential to creating a healthy environment for your aquatic pets. Here are some common...

Setting up your first Goldfish Tank
Advice

Setting up your first Goldfish Tank

Goldfish are one of the most popular and rewarding pets for beginner aquarists. Their vibrant colors and lively personalities make them a delightful addition to any home. However, setting up...

A Comprehensive Guide to Aquarium Placement
Advice

A Comprehensive Guide to Aquarium Placement

Setting up a new aquarium involves more than just selecting the right tank and equipment; choosing the perfect location is crucial for the well-being of your aquatic life and the...

A Comprehensive Guide to Aquarium Chillers and How to Control Heat
Advice

A Comprehensive Guide to Aquarium Chillers and How to Control Heat

Maintaining the right temperature in your aquarium is crucial for the health and well-being of your aquatic inhabitants. Excessive heat can cause stress, illness, and even death in fish and...

A Comprehensive Guide to Controlling Cyanobacteria in a Reef Aquarium
Advice

A Comprehensive Guide to Controlling Cyanobacteria in a Reef Aquarium

Cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as "red slime algae," can be a persistent nuisance in reef aquariums. This bacteria can quickly cover your substrate, rocks, and corals, leading to unsightly tank...

Tips on How to Get Rid of Algae in a Reef Aquarium
Advice

Tips on How to Get Rid of Algae in a Reef Aquarium

Algae growth is a common challenge for reef aquarium owners. While some algae are beneficial, excessive growth can harm your tank's inhabitants and spoil its appearance. Fortunately, several strategies can...

10 Best Algae Eating Fish For Saltwater Fish Tanks
Advice

10 Best Algae Eating Fish For Saltwater Fish Tanks

Maintaining a clean and healthy saltwater aquarium can be challenging, especially when dealing with algae growth. Fortunately, several algae-eating fish can help manage this issue while adding beauty and diversity...

10 Best Algae Eating Fish For Freshwater Fish Tanks
Advice

10 Best Algae Eating Fish For Freshwater Fish Tanks

Keeping your freshwater aquarium clean and free of algae can be a challenge, but adding algae-eating fish can make this task much easier. These fish not only help control algae...

Understanding the Different Types of Water Pumps for Aquariums
Advice

Understanding the Different Types of Water Pumps for Aquariums

Choosing the right water pump is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquarium. Water pumps help ensure proper water circulation, filtration, and aeration, which are essential for the well-being...

Understanding the Use of Fleece Filters in Aquarium Setups
Advice

Understanding the Use of Fleece Filters in Aquarium Setups

Fleece filters are revolutionizing aquarium maintenance with their efficiency and ease of use. These filters provide an effective solution for keeping water clear and clean by mechanically removing debris and...

Navigating New Tank Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies
Advice

Navigating New Tank Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies

Starting a new aquarium is an exciting venture, but it comes with challenges, one of the most common being New Tank Syndrome (NTS). Understanding NTS, its causes, symptoms, and prevention...

Understanding Salinity in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!
Advice

Understanding Salinity in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!

Maintaining proper salinity levels is crucial for the health and stability of your reef tank. Salinity, the measure of salt concentration in the water, directly impacts the well-being of your...

Understanding Magnesium (Mg) in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!
Advice

Understanding Magnesium (Mg) in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!

Maintaining optimal magnesium levels is essential for the health and stability of your reef tank. Magnesium plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of calcium and alkalinity, supporting coral...

Understanding Calcium (Ca) in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!
Advice

Understanding Calcium (Ca) in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!

Maintaining optimal calcium levels is essential for the health and growth of corals and other invertebrates in your reef tank. Calcium plays a crucial role in various biological processes, particularly...

Understanding Alkalinity (KH) in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!
Advice

Understanding Alkalinity (KH) in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!

Maintaining the right alkalinity levels is essential for a healthy and thriving reef tank. Alkalinity, also known as carbonate hardness (KH), plays a crucial role in stabilizing pH levels and...

Understanding pH in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!
Advice

Understanding pH in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!

Maintaining a stable pH level is essential for the health and vitality of your reef tank. Fluctuations in pH can cause stress to your marine life, leading to poor health...

What Should You Test For in a Reef Aquarium? The Key Parameters and Frequency
Advice

What Should You Test For in a Reef Aquarium? The Key Parameters and Frequency

Maintaining a healthy and thriving reef aquarium requires regular monitoring of various water parameters. Consistent testing helps ensure that your aquatic environment remains stable and suitable for all inhabitants. In...

Understanding Ammonia in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!
Advice

Understanding Ammonia in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions!

Maintaining a healthy reef tank involves monitoring various water parameters, with ammonia being one of the most critical. Elevated ammonia levels can be highly toxic to marine life, causing stress...

Understanding Nitrite in a Reef Tank: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Chemical Filtration Media Explained: Enhancing Water Quality in Your Reef Tank
Advice

Chemical Filtration Media Explained: Enhancing Water Quality in Your Reef Tank

Maintaining pristine water quality is crucial for the health and vibrancy of your reef tank. Chemical filtration media play a significant role in removing impurities, toxins, and unwanted chemicals from...

Metals Explained: Exploring the Role of Minor Trace Metals in Reef Aquariums
Advice

Metals Explained: Exploring the Role of Minor Trace Metals in Reef Aquariums

Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium requires a delicate balance of various elements, including minor trace metals. These metals, though needed in minute quantities, play a crucial role in the health...

Clean Up Crew - Here's Why You Need Them!
Advice

Clean Up Crew - Here's Why You Need Them!

Maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium can be a challenging task, but with the right clean up crew, it becomes much easier. Clean up crews are essential for managing algae,...

The Wonders of Saltwater Fish: A Guide to Species Selection
Sump vs. External Canister Filter: Which Do I Choose?
Advice

Sump vs. External Canister Filter: Which Do I Choose?

Choosing the right filtration system for your aquarium is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving environment for your aquatic life. Two popular options are sump filters and external canister...

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