Tank Guide Life
A PRODUCT OF FISHKEEPINGLIFECO
Where science meets the tank.
Freshwater aquarium stories and science in one clean, data-backed listen.
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Stream episodes directly in Spotify.
Narrated by the FKLC Digital Voice System
You'll hear our digital narrator bringing these episodes to life. It's purpose-built to stay out of the way and let the information speak for itself—clear, steady, and focused on making sure the science reaches you.
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Stream Tank Guide Life on your favorite platform.
About the podcast
The freshwater aquarium podcast where science meets stories. Each episode captures what actually happens inside glass boxes, from the invisible microbial shifts that keep water stable to the day-to-day choices that help fish and plants thrive.
We believe fishkeeping is more than maintenance—it's a pursuit of balance. Through candid conversations with local fish store owners, deep dives into the nitrogen cycle, gear reviews, and real-time tank journals, we explore the beautiful complexity of this hobby with the calm, deliberate pacing it deserves.
Hosted by FishKeepingLifeCo and powered by TheTankGuide.com, this is your audio companion for unpacking the science behind the tank and sharing honest lessons from the journey. You'll hear how we use the Cycling Coach to guide new aquarists through the first thirty days, how the Stocking Advisor shapes responsible livestock decisions, and why water testing data is the backbone of everything we publish.
We also spend time on the human side of freshwater aquariums: the way families build rituals around feeding schedules, how college students maintain nano tanks in dorm rooms, and the creative solutions apartment dwellers use to manage tap water chemistry. If you keep tanks in the suburbs, a city high-rise, or a rural home with well water, you'll find practical steps you can replicate.
Every story is backed by notes from our 29-gallon planted community tank, the experiments that succeed, and the mistakes we correct in public. Expect discussion of filtration upgrades, planted tank fertilization that matches actual test results, and conversations with shop owners who specialize in Midwest water conditions as well as coastal soft-water setups. The goal is simple: actionable guidance you can trust, wherever you are.
What you'll hear
We break down the science behind successful freshwater aquariums, covering topics that matter for your tank's health and your understanding of the ecosystem you're building.
Nitrogen cycle deep dives: From ammonia spikes to nitrite crashes, we explain what's actually happening in your filter media and how to troubleshoot when parameters go wrong. Our Cycling Coach tool complements these episodes by guiding you through the entire process.
Stocking strategies that work: We go beyond the "one inch per gallon" myth, discussing bioload calculations, territorial behavior, and compatibility. The Stocking Advisor helps you apply these principles to your specific tank setup.
Water chemistry explained: KH, GH, pH buffering, and why your tap water's mineral content actually matters. We translate the chemistry into practical maintenance steps.
Equipment reviews and troubleshooting: Honest testing of filters, heaters, lighting systems, and CO2 setups. We cover what works, what fails, and when you actually need to upgrade.
Real tank journals: Updates from our 29-gallon planted community tank—black beard algae battles, dosing experiments, water change routines, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures.
Local fish store conversations: Candid discussions with shop owners about species selection, quarantine protocols, and the realities of the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I listen to Tank Guide Life?
Tank Guide Life is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. Choose your preferred platform above to start listening.
Who creates Tank Guide Life?
Tank Guide Life is produced by FishKeepingLifeCo, the small operation behind TheTankGuide.com. We're dedicated to making freshwater aquarium science accessible through free tools, educational content, and real tank experience.
What topics does the podcast cover?
Episodes cover nitrogen cycle science, equipment reviews, water chemistry, planted tank maintenance, and candid conversations with local fish store owners. We also share real-time updates from our 29-gallon planted community tank, documenting actual challenges and solutions.
Is the podcast narrated by AI?
Yes, Tank Guide Life uses the FKLC Digital Voice System—our purpose-built narrator designed to deliver clear, consistent educational content without distractions. The focus stays on the science and information you need.
