Tara Maurer

Tara Maurer is a writer for FishLab.com, exploring the fascinating world of fishkeeping and aquatic life. Growing up with fish, Tara’s curiosity about aquatic ecosystems has continued to grow. She is particularly captivated by the social dynamics within fish tanks, observing how different species interact with each other and their environments. Tara also enjoys observing the fascinating behaviors of individual aquatic pets, with a particular fondness for watching sea urchins pick out their new "hats."
Small Aquarium Heaters That Actually Work: Best Picks For 1 To 10 Gallon Tanks (Tested On 20+ Setups)
Heater

Small Aquarium Heaters That Actually Work: Best Picks For 1 To 10 Gallon Tanks (Tested On 20+ Setups)

Choosing the right small aquarium heater is essential for keeping tiny tanks stable and safe. After testing more than 20…
Surface Film On Aquarium Water: Causes, Dangers & The Fastest Fixes
Maintenance

Surface Film On Aquarium Water: Causes, Dangers & The Fastest Fixes

Oil and protein film can appear on the surface of any freshwater aquarium, but each type forms for different reasons.…
Set It & Forget It: 3 Automatic Fish Feeders That Won’t Starve Your Fish
Feeding

Set It & Forget It: 3 Automatic Fish Feeders That Won’t Starve Your Fish

We spent over 40 hours testing 13 automatic fish feeders to see which ones truly deliver reliable, mess-free feeding. From…
Tank Mates Or Targets? Discover Which Fish Can Live With Piranhas
Species

Tank Mates Or Targets? Discover Which Fish Can Live With Piranhas

Piranhas may be fierce predators but not every tank mate is doomed. With the right balance of size, temperament, and…
Comet Goldfish Are Fast, Messy & Fun — Here’s Which Tank Mates Can Keep Up
Goldfish

Comet Goldfish Are Fast, Messy & Fun — Here’s Which Tank Mates Can Keep Up

Finding the right Comet Goldfish tank mates can make or break your aquarium. This guide covers compatible species, setup tips,…
7 Reasons Your Aquarium Stinks (And How To Fix It Fast)
Maintenance

7 Reasons Your Aquarium Stinks (And How To Fix It Fast)

Ever leaned in to admire your fish and recoiled like you just opened an old lunchbox? If your tank is…
170 Black Fish Names You’ll Actually Want To Use
Naming

170 Black Fish Names You’ll Actually Want To Use

Naming your dark-colored fish? Explore 170 black fish names that go beyond “Shadow” and “Midnight.” From sleek and stylish to…
Is It Fungus Or Columnaris? How To Tell & What To Do Next
Disease

Is It Fungus Or Columnaris? How To Tell & What To Do Next

White patches, bloody gills, or a “saddle mark” on your fish? That’s not fungus — it could be Columnaris, one…
The Best Betta Fish Tank Size For A Healthy, Happy Fish
Betta

The Best Betta Fish Tank Size For A Healthy, Happy Fish

Choosing the right betta fish tank size can mean the difference between a stressed fish and one that thrives. From…
The Right Way To Handle A Fish-In Cycle (Without Killing Your Fish)
Maintenance

The Right Way To Handle A Fish-In Cycle (Without Killing Your Fish)

Your fish are in the tank… but your water isn’t ready. It’s time for a fish-in cycle. Maybe you just…