The Daily Tank Journal
A Structured Foundation for Consistent Aquarium Care and Fish Welfare
A healthy aquarium isn't the result of luck or expensive gear—it is the result of observation and consistent routines.
The Daily Tank Journal provides hobbyists with a grounded, paper-based system to document the life of their aquarium. By moving away from guesswork and toward data-driven care, you can better understand the unique patterns of your ecosystem and ensure the long-term welfare of your fish.
Developed by FishKeepingLifeCo, this journal is a companion for those who value patience and the science of the nitrogen cycle over quick fixes.
The Purpose of Documentation
Keeping an aquarium journal helps you spot trends early, maintain stable water parameters, and build consistent routines that protect fish welfare.
In fishkeeping, stability is the ultimate goal. Keeping a dedicated log helps you:
- Protect Fish Welfare — Identify subtle changes in behavior or water chemistry before they become emergencies.
- Master the Nitrogen Cycle — Track the transition from ammonia to nitrate to ensure a safe environment for your livestock.
- Build Reliable Routines — Standardize water changes and filter care to prevent inconsistent maintenance.
- Simplify Troubleshooting — Maintain a historical record of changes for faster problem diagnosis.
What's Included in Your Log
This 214-page, six-month journal is designed for clarity and ease of use, featuring:
- Daily Observation Logs — Feedings, behavior patterns, and general tank health
- Water Chemistry Tracking — pH, Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺), Nitrite (NO₂⁻), Nitrate (NO₃⁻), Temperature
- Weekly Care Summaries — Water change volumes and routine upkeep
- Monthly Reflection Pages — Trend review and long-term stability tracking
- Livestock & Reference Sheets — Species lists and emergency notes for tank-sitters
Is This Journal Right for Your Tank?
This edition is designed for standard freshwater setups, including:
- Betta fish habitats
- Community aquariums (tetras, rasboras, livebearers)
- Species-specific tanks (goldfish, cichlids, invertebrates)
For tanks with intensive plant dosing and aquascaping needs, check out the Planted Edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to track aquarium maintenance?
The best way to track aquarium maintenance is through consistent daily logging. The Daily Tank Journal provides structured pages for recording water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, temperature), feeding schedules, behavior observations, and maintenance activities. This creates a historical record that helps you spot trends early and maintain stable conditions.
Is this journal good for beginners?
Yes. This journal is designed for hobbyists at all levels, especially beginners who are building consistent routines. The structured format guides you through what to observe and track daily, helping you develop good habits from the start without overwhelming you with complexity.
What water parameters can I track?
The Daily Tank Journal includes dedicated fields for tracking pH, ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺), nitrite (NO₂⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), and temperature. These are the core water chemistry parameters that indicate the health of your aquarium's nitrogen cycle and overall stability.
Is this a replacement for a fish care guide?
No. This journal is a documentation tool, not an instructional guide. It helps you record and track the care you provide, but you'll still need to learn proper fishkeeping practices from educational resources. Use this journal alongside foundational guides to maintain consistency and build a historical record.
How is this different from the Planted Edition?
The standard Daily Tank Journal focuses on core freshwater care suitable for most community aquariums, betta habitats, and species-specific tanks. The Planted Edition includes additional tracking fields for plant-specific parameters like CO₂, fertilizer dosing schedules, and PAR measurements needed for intensive planted tank management.
How long does this journal last?
This 214-page journal is designed for six months of daily logging. It includes daily observation pages, weekly care summaries, monthly reflection pages, and livestock reference sheets to support continuous tracking throughout that period.