The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]

• Top 10 Aquarium Setup Mistakes to Avoid - Expert Freshwater Fishkeeping Tips for Beginners & Beyond

  Art breaks down the 10 most common freshwater aquarium setup mistakes and how to avoid them for good. Whether you’re cycling your first tank or perfecting your aquascape, this episode gives you the scientific background, real-world experience, and practical guidance every aquarist needs. Learn how to prevent new tank syndrome, balance your filtration, master temperature control, and design a tank that thrives long-term - all while keeping your fish healthy, calm, and colourful. This episode is your complete guide to setting up a thriving freshwater aquarium ecosystem that’s beautiful, stable, and stress-free. 👉 Leave a review and share your setup stories! Mentioned in this episode: Mastering Aquarium Placement 🎵 Music: 'Nested Above' - Rebecca Mardal, Guustavv (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/03c888bb-7003-4aa1-9cf0-e35a9d4dddba/)

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• The Secret Language of Fish (Part 2): How to Build Trust and Communicate with Your Fish

  In Part 2 of The Secret Language of Fish, Art continues exploring the quiet dialogue between aquarist and aquarium. Learn how to build trust with your fish, interpret stress and curiosity, and create an environment that encourages confident, natural behaviour. From establishing consistent routines to reading subtle emotional cues, this episode teaches you how to “speak back to the water.” ⭐ What You’ll Discover: • How consistency and calm movement build fish trust • The role of environment and lighting in fish communication • Recognising stress, fear, and curiosity in freshwater species • Turning feeding and maintenance into meaningful interaction • Why observation is the aquarist’s most powerful language 💬 Share your thoughts or experiences as a comment on this episode.  PART 1: How Your Fish Recognise And Communicate With You If you enjoy The Aquarist’s Edge, please leave a review and help other hobbyists discover the show. 🎵 Music: "Big Sky Country" - Rymdklang Sountracks (Epidemic Sound -https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/417a59be-6f86-47f8-8bf0-ff5ca1f7e5de/) Keywords: fish communication, aquarium behaviour, freshwater fish trust, aquarium observation, fishkeeping education, Art’s Fish Room, The Aquarist’s Edge Podcast

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• The Secret Language of Fish (Part 1) - How Your Fish Recognise and Communicate With You

  In this first part of The Secret Language of Fish series, Art explores one of the most fascinating mysteries for home aquarium keepers: how fish recognise and communicate with their keepers. Discover the science behind memory and perception in aquarium fish, learn to decode subtle body language, and understand how your daily rhythm shapes the way your fish respond to you. Whether you keep angelfish, bettas, or goldfish, this episode will help you see your aquarium in a whole new light; as a world of quiet signals and intelligent responses. ⭐ Topics include: • The myth of the “three-second goldfish” • How fish use sight, vibration, and chemical cues to recognise you • Reading fin posture and swimming patterns as communication • The beginnings of trust and fish-human interaction 💬 If you enjoy the show, please leave a review and help other aquarists find The Aquarist’s Edge. Keywords: fish recognition, freshwater aquarium behaviour, fish communication, aquarium tips, aquarist education, Art’s Fish Room Music: "Hold You Heart" - Epsilon Wave (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/a0a53696-a0ec-4a55-959a-e899edcd9b3a/)

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• The Healing Power of Aquariums: How Fishkeeping Improves Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

  From lowering blood pressure and improving sleep to easing anxiety and nurturing emotional balance, this episode investigates the research and shared experiences that show how aquariums affect the body, mind, and spirit. Drawing on studies from the University of Plymouth, Purdue University, and experts like Diana Walstad and Takashi Amano, Art reveals why the simple act of keeping fish can bring profound peace and wellness to your life. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting your first tank, this episode offers practical insight, reflective storytelling, and real scientific evidence that will deepen your appreciation of the hobby and yourself. 🌿 Listen and learn how: Watching fish reduces stress and blood pressure Tank maintenance doubles as gentle, mindful exercise Aquariums provide emotional grounding and structure Fishkeeping fosters patience, empathy, and perspective Your aquarium can become a personal sanctuary for stillness 💬 Join the conversation: Has your aquarium helped your health or mental wellbeing? Share your story in the comments for this episode.  Referenced Studies & Sources Cracknell D. et al., “Viewing aquarium displays elicits a physiological and behavioural response.” Environment & Behavior (2015). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5081108/ Edwards N.E. & Beck A.M. “Animal-assisted therapy and nutrition in Alzheimer’s disease.” American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2002). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12365769/ Edwards N.E. et al., “The influence of aquariums on weight in individuals with dementia.” Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging (2013). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23138175/ University of Plymouth, “Aquariums deliver health and wellbeing benefits.” (2015). https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/aquariums-deliver-health-and-wellbeing-benefits European Centre for Environment & Human Health, “Attention Restoration Theory – A Systematic Review.” (2017). https://www.ecehh.org/research/attention-restoration-theory-a-systematic-review/   ⭐ Call to Action: If this episode brings value to your day, please leave a rating or review. This helps The Aquarist’s Edge reach more fishkeepers around the world!   🎵 Music Credit: “Hearts” – Erik Fernholm (Epidemic Sound) https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/f073c9bd-8d62-4831-a631-bf7af7c3dcfd/    

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• Snails In Freshwater Aquariums - Friends or Foes?

  Art explores the fascinating world of freshwater aquarium snails. Are they helpful allies or invasive pests? The truth lies somewhere in between. From Malaysian trumpet snails and ramshorns to nerites and mystery snails, this episode explores the most common species aquarists encounter, their benefits to aquarium ecosystems, and the potential problems they can cause. You’ll learn practical snail control methods, prevention strategies, and even how to care for snails as intentional pets. Whether you’re battling an unexpected snail invasion or considering nerite snails for algae control, this episode provides practical, science-backed advice to help you manage your freshwater tanks with confidence. 📌 Key Topics Covered: Types of freshwater snails in aquariums Benefits of snails: algae control, detritus removal, substrate aeration Problems with overpopulation and plant damage Snail invasion troubleshooting and population control methods Caring for mystery and nerite snails as pets Prevention: quarantine, plant dips, and smart feeding Snails as ecosystem indicators and their role in nature 💬 Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and share your snail experiences with the community! Music: "Coffee Shop Date (Instrumental)" - Jaydan Talley (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/a856a9ec-35d6-313e-9178-c25534c8a33a/)  

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