Taking the plunge: just the essentials -- The practice of aquarium keeping -- Finding a good location -- The tank and stand -- Aquascaping your aquarium: what to add and not add in your tank -- Selecting the equipment and other stuff your aquarium needs -- Fish anatomy 101 -- Figuring out what kind of fish to buy -- Working with a fish dealer to purchase your fish -- Feeding your wet pets--diet and nutrition -- Recognizing diseases and treatments -- All water isn't created equal -- Considering those crazy chemicals -- The nitrogen cycle and water testing -- Putting it all together -- What you need to know: live plants for aquariums -- Choosing plant species for your fish -- Being prepared when trouble strikes -- Setting up the breeding tank -- Ready, set, spawn -- Recording data and photographing fish -- Expanding your hobby in fun ways -- Advancing your hobby: other types of aquarium systems -- Ten cool aquarium gadgets -- Ten ways to kill your fish without even trying -- Ten scientific fish laws -- Ten aquatic New Year's resolutions.

Aquarium fish are one of the most popular pets in America, with close to 150 million fish owned in nearly 13 million households. They seem like easy pets to care for, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to keeping your freshwater friends healthy and happy!

Inside, you’ll find basic information to start your own freshwater aquarium, purchase and maintain healthy fish and plants, and find tips and tricks on how to introduce new fish and systems into your aquatic family.

Understand the best aquarium set-up practices
Build the luxury tanks of your dreams
Maintain a thriving aquatic environment
Discover many different ways to expand your hobby