Trained on Real Tank Data
The assistant knows our live 29-gallon planted tank setup, including neon tetras, panda cories, actual water parameters, and maintenance logs. It can reference real-world examples, not just theory.
The Tank Guide Assistant
The Tank Guide Assistant knows every tool, guide, and real-world lesson from TheTankGuide.com—plus it can explain the science without the jargon.
Whether you're planning your first tank or returning to the hobby, get clear answers that reference our Stocking Advisor and Cycling Coach, debunk harmful myths, and help you avoid the mistakes that crash tanks.
Why the assistant exists
The Tank Guide Assistant translates aquarium science into plain language so you can act confidently—whether you're setting up your first tank, returning after a break, or just want quick answers without digging through forums.
What makes it different: This isn't generic AI advice. The assistant is trained on The Tank Guide's comprehensive knowledge base—including our interactive tools, real 29-gallon planted tank data, tested gear recommendations, and the nitrogen cycle guidance that's helped thousands succeed.
Built by FishKeepingLifeCo, it shares the same safety guardrails, evidence-based approach, and fish-welfare-first mindset you see across our guides. It knows when to direct you to the Stocking Advisor for bioload checks, when to use the Cycling Coach for tracking, and when you need a simple explanation instead of a tool.
Use it to double-check your stocking plan, get cycling reminders, catch common mistakes before they harm your fish, and learn why myths like the "inch-per-gallon rule" will fail you.
What makes this different from regular ChatGPT
Knows Your Tools Inside-Out
It understands how the Stocking Advisor calculates bioload, what the Cycling Coach tracks, and when to send you to each tool for precise results instead of estimates.
Myth-Busting Built In
The assistant actively corrects harmful myths like the inch-per-gallon rule, monthly filter cartridge replacement, and "bettas must live alone"—before they crash your tank.
Clear Communication, Zero Jargon
Same calm, judgment-free tone as The Tank Guide. No corporate speak, no gatekeeping—just clear explanations that prioritize fish welfare over aesthetics and science over marketing hype.
Tested Product Knowledge
Recommendations come from actual use—Seachem Purigen recharges we've tested, canister filters we've maintained, spot-dosing Excel for BBA we've documented in blogs.
Emergency Priorities Right
Fish-in cycling crisis? Ammonia spike? The assistant knows to prioritize immediate water changes, testing schedules, and when to use Prime for temporary detoxification.
What it can help with
Stocking Advice
Draft peaceful stocking lists matched to tank size, temperament, and water needs.
Cycling Help
Step-by-step cycling guidance with test checkpoints and safer dosing reminders.
Troubleshooting
Calm walkthroughs for cloudy water, algae blooms, or stressed fish, with next actions.
Tank Size Planning
Right-size tanks, filters, and heaters before you buy to avoid costly repurchasing.
Maintenance Routines
Weekly and monthly care plans tailored to your tank volume and bioload.
Beginner Questions
Quick, judgment-free answers to the basics: dechlorinators, gravel rinsing, and more.
How it works
1. Open the assistant
Launch The Tank Guide GPT in a new tab so you can keep this guide open.
2. Tell it about your tank
Share tank size, filter type, heater wattage, and current water test numbers if you have them.
3. Ask one question at a time
Stay focused on one topic—stocking, cycling, or maintenance—to get the clearest steps.
4. Save your plan
Copy the recommendations into your tank journal or checklist so you can follow them later.
How to get the best results
Start with your tank specs
Begin each session by sharing tank size, filter type (HOB, canister, sponge), current stock, and any recent test readings. This helps the assistant give you personalized guidance.
Ask follow-up questions
The assistant remembers your conversation context. If something isn't clear, ask "why?" or "can you explain that differently?" to get the level of detail you need.
Use it alongside the tools
Get planning help from the assistant, then run the numbers through the Stocking Advisor or track your cycle with the Cycling Coach for precise, visual results.
Cross-reference with guides
The assistant will reference specific blogs and guides. Follow those links to TheTankGuide.com for detailed walkthroughs, photos, and step-by-step instructions.
Starter prompts
Stock list help
- “Help me stock a peaceful 20-gallon community tank.”
- “Check if these fish mix well together.”
Cycling walkthrough
- “Walk me through a fishless cycle with ammonia drops.”
- “What should my test kit read before adding fish?”
Cloudy water troubleshooting
- “My new tank is cloudy—help me clear it without harming fish.”
- “Is this bacterial bloom or overfeeding?”
Maintenance schedule
- “Build a weekly and monthly care routine for a 40 breeder.”
- “What should I log in my journal after each water change?”
Nitrogen cycle explanation
- “Explain the nitrogen cycle like I’m brand new to aquariums.”
- “What are safe ranges for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate?”
Tank size decision help
- "Which tank size fits a pair of dwarf gourami?"
- "How does filtration change if I upgrade from 10 to 29 gallons?"
See it in action
Here's how the assistant helps with common aquarium questions:
Example: "Can I add 6 neon tetras to my 20 gallon?"
Assistant: "Yes! Neon tetras are perfect for a 20 gallon. They're peaceful, low bioload, and look stunning in groups. Six is a good school size.
For a detailed bioload check and to see what else you could add, try the Stocking Advisor at thetankguide.com/stocking-advisor.html—it'll calculate your exact capacity based on your filter type and current stock."
Example: "My tank is cloudy white—is this bad?"
Assistant: "That sounds like a bacterial bloom, which is actually harmless—just looks scary. It happens when beneficial bacteria multiply rapidly, often in new tanks or after big water changes.
Here's what to do: Keep your filter running, don't do extra water changes (that can restart it), and it should clear in 3-7 days on its own. If your fish are acting stressed or you see ammonia/nitrite spikes, that's a different issue—test your water and let me know the numbers."
Example: "Should I replace my filter cartridge monthly?"
Assistant: "No—that's the 'filter cartridge conspiracy.' Beneficial bacteria colonize your filter media, so replacing it crashes your biological cycle.
Instead: Rinse your media in old tank water during water changes (not tap water—chlorine kills bacteria). Only replace it when it's physically falling apart. Use ceramic rings or sponge for long-term media that you never replace."
FAQ
Is this free?
Yes. We created The Tank Guide Assistant to give beginners a safe, no-cost starting point. Standard ChatGPT access is enough.
Do I need ChatGPT Plus?
No. The assistant works with free ChatGPT accounts. If you already have Plus, it will work there too.
Is this a veterinarian?
No. The assistant is educational only and does not replace professional veterinary care. Always consult a qualified vet for animal health decisions.
Can it read water tests?
It cannot read images. Type in your test numbers, and it will help you interpret ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH ranges.
Does it replace research?
No. Use the assistant to guide your learning, then cross-check with trusted sources like The Tank Guide, manufacturer manuals, and experienced hobbyists.
How does it know about The Tank Guide's tools and content?
The assistant is trained on The Tank Guide's complete knowledge base—including how the Stocking Advisor calculates bioload, what the Cycling Coach tracks, gear testing results, nitrogen cycle explanations, and real tank maintenance logs. It references these resources and directs you to specific tools when calculations or tracking are needed.
What if it gives me different advice than the website?
The assistant follows the same principles and safety guidelines as The Tank Guide. If you notice conflicting information, trust the website tools for calculations (Stocking Advisor, Cycling Coach) and use the assistant for explanations and planning help. You can also check the specific blog or guide it references.
Does it remember my previous conversations?
Yes, within the same chat session. The assistant remembers context from earlier in your conversation, so you can ask follow-up questions. However, it doesn't retain information between separate chat sessions—you'll need to re-share your tank specs if you start a new conversation.
Can it help me choose between products?
Yes. The assistant knows which gear The Tank Guide has tested and recommended, including Seachem products (Stability, Prime, Purigen, Excel), filter brands (Fluval, AquaClear, Seachem Tidal), and when to prioritize budget vs. premium options. It can explain the practical differences based on real-world use.
About FishKeepingLifeCo & The Tank Guide
FishKeepingLifeCo publishes The Tank Guide, the Life in Balance freshwater handbook, coloring books for young aquarists, and daily Tank Journals. Everything we make focuses on calm, beginner-friendly fishkeeping.
Explore our tools and resources: The Tank Guide, Store, Tank Journals, and Media hub.
Ready to get clear, science-backed answers?
Open The Tank Guide GPT, share your tank setup, and get personalized help that references our tools, debunks harmful myths, and keeps your fish healthy.
Whether you're planning your first stock list, tracking a fishless cycle, or troubleshooting cloudy water—the assistant combines The Tank Guide's evidence-based approach with the flexibility of conversational help.