About The Home Aquarist

A calm, practical guide to keeping freshwater fish. We walk through setting up and cycling a tank, keeping the water right, choosing fish that get along, growing live plants, and heading off disease — written plainly, by people who have scrubbed an algae-covered glass at 11 p.m.

The Home Aquarist is an independent resource focused on freshwater aquariums and fishkeeping how-tos. We publish practical, carefully researched guides for readers who want clear answers without the fluff — whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already know.

What we do

Every article is written and edited to be genuinely useful: accurate, easy to follow, and grounded in real-world experience. We cover topics across Tank Setup, Water Quality, Fish Profiles, Aquarium Plants, Health & Disease, Maintenance & Gear and update our guides as best practices evolve. We are not affiliated with any of the brands, products, or organizations we may reference; mentions are for the reader's benefit, not an endorsement.

Who writes The Home Aquarist

The Home Aquarist is written by Devon Ashcroft. Devon has cycled more tanks than he can count, killed his share of beginner fish along the way, and writes so you don't repeat his mistakes.

How we stay free

The Home Aquarist is supported by advertising. We display ads (including ads served by third parties such as Google AdSense) so that our content can remain free to read. Advertising never dictates our editorial recommendations. See our Privacy Policy for details on how ads and analytics work on this site.

Editorial standards & disclaimer

The Home Aquarist is an independent fishkeeping resource. Our guides are researched and written in-house; we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any equipment, food, or livestock brand we mention. Our articles are general guidance, not veterinary advice — for a sick fish, a water emergency, or anything involving medication dosing, consult an aquatic veterinarian or an experienced local fish store.

Our content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.

Get in touch

Questions, corrections, or feedback are always welcome. Reach us at runbookify@gmail.com or visit our contact page.