Author: Ian Sterling

Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.

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Last update: November 12, 2022

Why Are There Mysterious Air Bubbles in Your Aquarium?

Goldfish looking at bubbles on top of water in brand new aquarium

So, you have just set up your brand new aquarium. You spent hours aquascaping, ensuring the, substrate, plants, decorations and aquarium equipment are just right. You finally add the water… And all of a sudden… Bubbles! Bubbles everywhere! Where did the bubbles come from and, more importantly, how do you get rid of them? Well, […]

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Last update: December 2, 2023

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Aquarium Substrate

Fish swimming over white gravel substrate

Believe it or not, the first thing you add to your brand new aquarium isn’t water. That honor goes to the substrate. Sub…what? I’ll answer that and more in my beginner’s guide to aquarium substrate! What is a substrate? You actually already know what a substrate is. You just don’t call it by that name… […]

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Last update: August 10, 2021

Glass Vs Acrylic Aquarium: Which Is Best For You?

Acrylic vs glass aquarium compared

During my 30 years of fishkeeping, this is a question I am asked a lot: Which is better, a glass or acrylic fish tank? I can understand why this question comes up so often… Both glass and acrylic, a clear plastic, are commonly used in fish tanks. At first glance, there is not much difference […]

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Last update: November 12, 2022

What Aquarium to Buy? Things You Need to Know When Choosing Your First Aquarium

Woman choosing a tank from her local fish store

It’s a fact: If you want pet fish, you need an aquarium. Because of this, it’s the first piece of equipment that you will buy. But… There. Are. So. Many. Aquariums. If you’ve walked into your local pet store, or shopped online, you know that aquariums come in all different sizes and shapes. And then, […]

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Last update: November 21, 2023

The Perfect Location to Put Your Aquarium in Your Home!

Woman choosing a table as the best location to set up her glass fish tank

I think you will agree with me when I say: Fish are not like any other pet on earth! What makes them unique is that they live in a heavy glass rectangle filled with water. This is both a blessing and a curse. While it’s part of what makes fish such a unique pet to […]

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Last update: November 12, 2022

Is a Fish the Right Pet for You? 7 Reasons Why It Might Not Be

Why you shouldnt get a pet fish

Are you considering buying a pet fish? Excellent choice! But they certainly are not for everyone. I have had pet fish for quite some time now… Over 30 years, in fact. Where does the time go? During this time I have actively been involved in online fish forums, local meetups and helped many, many beginners […]

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Last update: November 12, 2022

Chemical Filtration: Removing What Other Filters Can’t!

Chemical filtration in aquariums

Chemical filtration is the creepy uncle of the aquarium world. It may not be popular, but if your aquarium is facing an emergency, you will be glad you have it. So, let’s take a closer look at chemical filtration and how it can be used to benefit your aquarium… What is chemical filtration and why […]

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Last update: November 15, 2022

Mechanical Filtration: The Most Common Type of Aquarium Filter

Mechanical filtration

When it comes to aquariums, filters are essential. And, one of the most common types of filters is mechanical filtration. But what is mechanical filtration and why is it important in your aquarium? Well, today I am going to explain all that and more! What is mechanical filtration? Mechanical filtration is one of three different […]

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Last update: November 12, 2022

Biological Filtration – The aquarium filter that is ALIVE!

Biological filtration header image

It’s alive…. Your filter, that is. And as you will soon learn, that’s a good thing! A live filter is referred to as biological filtration, and it can make all the difference to the water quality in your aquarium. Today, I am going to teach you everything you need to know about biological filtration. What […]

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Last update: November 12, 2022

What Are Bio Balls and Why Are They so Good for Biological Filtration?

four black plastic aquarium bioballs held in hand

You know those small black plastic balls… The ones that sit inside aquarium filters? Well, those are called bio balls. When used properly, bio balls provide powerful biological filtration to your aquarium. Today, I am going to teach you all about them! What are bio balls and what do they do? You know those good […]