The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]

Art explores a question many hobbyists quietly relate to: why do so many home aquarists seem to be neurodivergent, including people with ADHD traits, autistic traits, anxiety traits, and strong systems-thinking? Is this reality or simply perception? The episode looks at the science-meets-hobby reasons aquariums can feel uniquely regulating: predictable routines, measurable cause-and-effect, soothing sensory input, and the deep satisfaction of observation and pattern recognition.

You’ll also hear practical, beginner-friendly ways to build an aquarium routine that works with your brain, not against it; covering overwhelm, perfectionism, impulsive upgrades, and how to simplify maintenance so your tank stays stable even during busy weeks. Plus, there's also a segment on kids and teens in fishkeeping, and how parents can support a young neurodivergent aquarist’s special interest in a healthy, sustainable way.

🎵 Music: 'Looking Forward' - Staffan Carlén (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/ef2987e7-3e7b-49bb-b9fe-45f1ffd366e5/)

Tiger barbs are hardy, colourful, and endlessly entertaining but they’re also one of the most commonly mis-stocked freshwater fish, which is why fin-nipping and “random aggression” show up so often. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art breaks down a complete tiger barb care guide: the best tank size in litres, the ideal schooling group size, the most effective ways to reduce aggression, and how to choose tank mates that won’t get harassed.

You’ll also learn practical feeding strategies for health and colour, how to set up your aquascape with sight breaks and swimming lanes, and ways to address and prevent problems like faded colour, chasing, and torn fins. 

🎵 Music: 'Love Religion - Instrumental' - Sully Bright (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/65d85c2c-1d97-48b2-b9a9-dfb36a4a891c/)

In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores why the freshwater aquarium hobby needs you. It's not just the experts, not just the big creators, but everyday aquarists who choose patience, good husbandry, and kindness with beginners. You’ll learn how your decisions around aquarium cycling, stocking, quarantine, water testing, and maintenance routines ripple outward to shape fish welfare, local fishkeeping culture, and even what aquarium shops stock. We also unpack how to help new hobbyists without gatekeeping, how to spot and avoid harmful trends, and how to “vote with your wallet” to support ethical fishkeeping.

Whether you keep a single planted tank or a room full of aquariums, this episode will leave you with practical ways to become a positive force in the hobby and improve outcomes for fish in the process.

 

🎵 Music: "Some Kind of Beautiful - Instrumental" - Particle House (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/8784c0e1-7d09-4131-a44b-1bb183e36c4d/)

Algae in freshwater aquariums isn't always a nuisance. It’s a clear signal about lighting, nutrients, plant health, organics, and overall tank stability. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art flips the script on aquarium algae and shows you how to “read” what your tank is telling you, identify common algae types (green hair algae, black beard algae, diatoms, green film algae, and cyanobacteria), and reduce algae naturally without wrecking your aquarium balance. You’ll walk away with practical steps to control algae long-term, support healthy plant growth, and keep your aquarium looking great with realistic maintenance.

🎵 Music: "Breathe In Breathe Out - Instrumental" - Ludlów (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/01d6b82d-78c9-44ed-b587-f56e04b1f119/)

Art breaks down the real differences between Endler’s livebearers and guppies, going far beyond size and colour. You’ll learn how species genetics, natural behaviour, and evolutionary history shape their health, activity levels, and breeding patterns in the aquarium.

You'll hear about the science behind Endlers’ constant foraging behaviour, why guppies and Endlers hybridise so easily, and how tank design, mineral content, temperature, and feeding strategies directly affect long-term success. Whether you’re keeping Endlers, guppies, or both, this episode provides practical, experience-based advice to help you build stable, thriving livebearer tanks.

 

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🎵 Music: "I Don't Want A Silent Night - Instrumental" - Wildflowers (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/909f76d5-bcf8-3607-81c3-1f36251904d2/)