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."
Staghorn Algae Took Over My Tank. Here’s How I Beat It In Two Days
Algae
3 days ago
Staghorn Algae Took Over My Tank. Here’s How I Beat It In Two Days
Staghorn algae can take over a planted tank fast, but it’s easier to remove than most aquarists think. This guide…
Small Aquarium Heaters That Actually Work: Best Picks For 1 To 10 Gallon Tanks (Tested On 20+ Setups)
Heater
1 week ago
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
1 week ago
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.…
Are You Making These Aquarium Mistakes Without Realizing It?
Guides
2 weeks ago
Are You Making These Aquarium Mistakes Without Realizing It?
New and experienced aquarists often run into the same preventable problems. This guide breaks down the top mistakes fish owners…
Set It & Forget It: 3 Automatic Fish Feeders That Won’t Starve Your Fish
Feeding
4 weeks ago
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
November 8, 2025
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
November 7, 2025
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
October 20, 2025
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
October 14, 2025
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
October 14, 2025
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…