Aquarium Keeping Course

Lesson 1 • The Nitrogen Cycle Explained

Explains ammonia-to-nitrite-to-nitrate conversion driven by beneficial bacteria. Provides the biological basis for all water quality management covered later.

Lesson 2 • Types of Aquarium Systems

Covers freshwater, saltwater, and brackish tank categories and their defining traits. Establishes the framework for all subsequent equipment and livestock decisions.

Lesson 3 • Setting Up Your First Tank

Guides the step-by-step process of assembling, filling, and cycling a new aquarium. Applies equipment and nitrogen cycle knowledge to a practical setup scenario.

Lesson 1 • Adjusting and Stabilizing Parameters

Covers chemical and natural methods to raise or lower pH, hardness, and alkalinity. Connects parameter adjustment to livestock compatibility requirements.

Lesson 2 • Water Change Protocols

Establishes frequency, volume, and technique for routine partial water changes. Links consistent water changes to long-term nitrate control and fish health.

Lesson 3 • Water Testing Methods

Compares liquid reagent kits, test strips, and electronic meters for accuracy and cost. Teaches correct sampling technique to ensure reliable readings.

Lesson 4 • Essential Water Parameters

Defines pH, hardness, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and their acceptable ranges. Provides the measurement vocabulary used throughout all water management tasks.

Lesson 1 • Filter Types and Configurations

Evaluates hang-on-back, canister, sump, and internal filters for different tank sizes. Guides selection based on tank volume, livestock type, and maintenance preference.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical Filtration Principles

Explains how filter media physically removes suspended particles from the water column. Establishes the first stage of the three-stage filtration model.

Lesson 3 • Biological Filtration Media

Compares ceramic rings, bio-balls, and live rock as surfaces for nitrifying bacteria. Connects media surface area to bacterial colony capacity and tank stability.

Lesson 4 • Routine Filter Maintenance

Schedules cleaning intervals for each filter type to preserve biological colonies. Prevents common maintenance mistakes that cause ammonia spikes and fish loss.

Lesson 1 • Stocking Density and Bioload

Applies bioload calculations and stocking rules to prevent overcrowding and water quality decline. Integrates filtration capacity with fish population planning.

Lesson 2 • Feeding Freshwater Fish

Covers diet types, feeding frequency, and portion control for common freshwater species. Links proper nutrition to immune function and coloration.

Lesson 3 • Popular Community Fish Groups

Profiles tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and danios as beginner-friendly species. Provides parameter ranges and behavioral traits for each group.

Lesson 4 • Quarantine and Acclimation

Establishes quarantine tank protocols and drip acclimation techniques for new arrivals. Reduces disease introduction and osmotic shock in newly purchased fish.

Lesson 1 • Lighting for Planted Tanks

Explains PAR, spectrum, and photoperiod requirements for low, medium, and high-light plants. Connects lighting intensity to algae risk and plant growth rate.

Lesson 2 • CO2 Supplementation Systems

Compares pressurized CO2, DIY yeast reactors, and liquid carbon supplements for planted tanks. Links CO2 levels to plant growth rate and pH stability.

Lesson 3 • Macro and Micro Nutrient Dosing

Covers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace element supplementation for plant health. Teaches dosing schedules and deficiency diagnosis through leaf symptom reading.

Lesson 4 • Aquatic Plant Categories

Classifies stem plants, rosette plants, mosses, ferns, and floating plants by growth habit. Guides placement and care decisions based on plant type and tank position.

Lesson 1 • Coral Types and Basic Care

Classifies soft corals, LPS, and SPS corals by light, flow, and feeding requirements. Provides a tiered introduction from beginner-friendly to advanced coral species.

Lesson 2 • Protein Skimmers and Export Methods

Explains how protein skimmers remove dissolved organics before they break down. Covers additional export methods including refugiums and macroalgae cultivation.

Lesson 3 • Marine Tank Setup and Cycling

Adapts the nitrogen cycle process to saltwater systems using live rock and sand. Builds on freshwater cycling knowledge with marine-specific considerations.

Lesson 4 • Marine Fish and Invertebrate Selection

Profiles reef-safe fish, cleaner shrimp, snails, and urchins as part of a balanced marine community. Addresses compatibility between fish, corals, and invertebrates.

Lesson 1 • Medication Use and Safety

Explains dosing calculations, medication compatibility, and risks to biological filtration. Prevents medication errors that harm fish or destroy beneficial bacteria colonies.

Lesson 2 • Disease Prevention Strategies

Integrates quarantine, stress reduction, and water quality maintenance as primary prevention tools. Reduces disease incidence through proactive husbandry rather than reactive treatment.

Lesson 3 • Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Diagnoses fin rot, columnaris, dropsy, and fungal infections by visual presentation. Guides antibiotic and antifungal selection based on infection type.

Lesson 4 • Recognizing Signs of Illness

Identifies behavioral and physical symptoms including lethargy, clamped fins, spots, and lesions. Establishes systematic observation as the first step in disease management.

Lesson 1 • Aquarium Aesthetics and Aquascaping

Applies design principles including the rule of thirds, depth, and focal points to tank layout. Elevates tank presentation while maintaining functional livestock and plant requirements.

Lesson 2 • Breeding and Reproduction Basics

Covers conditioning, spawning triggers, and fry care for common freshwater and marine species. Applies water chemistry and nutrition knowledge to successful breeding outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Automation and Controller Systems

Introduces aquarium controllers, auto top-off units, and dosing pumps for parameter stability. Reduces manual intervention while improving consistency in critical tank parameters.

Lesson 4 • Long-Term Tank Troubleshooting

Applies a systematic diagnostic framework to persistent water quality, livestock, and equipment issues. Builds problem-solving confidence for scenarios not covered by standard protocols.