Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
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Co-authored Articles (31)
How to
Take Care of Crayfish
Crayfish, also known as crawfish, crawdads, and mudbugs, are freshwater crustaceans that can easily be kept in a home aquarium. All you need to raise one of your own is a roomy tank, the right kind of food, time, and att...
How to
Care for Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys are not actually monkeys and they do not live in the sea. In fact, sea monkeys are a hybrid breed of brine shrimp created in the 1950s that soon became popular as easy to care for pets and an easy, nutritious...
How to
Know when Your Goldfish Is Dying
Goldfish can make for fantastic pets no matter where you live. Although they’re generally very easy to take care of and quite low maintenance compared to other pets, goldfish can get sick and die if not taken care of p...
How to
Save a Dying Goldfish
If you own goldfish and love having them as pets, it can be very distressing if they show signs of dying. There are many reasons a goldfish may die, from disease to depression. But by taking early steps, you may be able ...
How to
Transport Fish
Aquariums are wonderful hobbies, and fish are great pets for many people. When you get fish, you expect to leave them in their tank and not move them. However, if you are relocating, you may not want to give your fish aw...
How to
Set Up a Freshwater Crayfish Farm
Looking to get into the commercial fish farming business? Crayfish are a highly profitable option. While it can be a little time consuming to set the farm up, the crayfish themselves are quite easy to care for once they ...
How to Do a Partial Freshwater Change for Stable Water Chemistry
An expert-backed guide to keeping your fish happy and preserving beneficial bacteria Freshwater fish make pretty low-maintenance pets…until it’s time to change the water. Water changes might not be the most fun part ...
How to
Prepare Fruits and Vegetables for Goldfish to Eat
It's easy to think that goldfish get all of their nutrition from pellets or flakes, but they need fiber that comes from fresh produce. Select a variety of ripe fruits and vegetables and clean them well. Then peel the pro...
How to
Take Care of Goldfish
Goldfish can be rewarding and medium-maintenance pets but aren't perfect for beginners. Although goldfish require as much care and equipment as most aquarium fish, an aquarium that is too small will eventually kill your ...
How to
Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium
Having a freshwater aquarium is a wonderful way to bring nature into your home. Setting up a new aquarium is easier than it looks at first glance. The scope of gadgets and accessories on the shelves in pet stores is inti...
How to
Set up a Fish Tank (for Goldfish)
You’ve probably seen pet goldfish kept in small glass bowls, but goldfish are actually much happier and healthier in bigger tanks with filters, gravel, and decorations. If you’re not sure how to start setting up your...
How to
Raise Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys are a type of brine shrimp. Since the late-1950s, they have been a popular starter pet for many children and young teens. This is because they are inexpensive and very easy to care for. They can also live up ...
How to
Lower Your Nitrate/Nitrite Levels in Your Fish Tank
Having a problem with high nitrate levels? There are 4 common causes of high nitrate levels. These include infrequent maintenance, overfeeding, a crowded tank, and bad water from the tap. It’s easy to test and adjust t...
How to
Raise Brine Shrimp
Brine shrimp are a nutritious and easy to raise feed for tropical and marine life. Although there are plenty of artificial dietary options, brine shrimp provide important lipids, vitamins, and amino acids many fish need....
How to
Grow Freshwater Aquarium Plants
Freshwater aquarium plants are a beautiful addition to your home and provide several benefits for your fish. Living plants will remove nitrates from the water, improving the quality of the water and reducing algae growth...
How to
Take Care of Your Fish
Fish make beautiful and entertaining pets. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are a few basics of fish ownership that are important to follow. Ensure that they are comfortable and healthy by getting the right...
How to Remove Algae from a Pond without Harming Fish
There are a lot of methods and products to remove algae from a pond, but which ones are safe for the fish swimming below? Algaecides contain harsh chemicals that you’ll want to avoid, but thankfully there are a variet...
How to
Clean a Goldfish Tank
Your goldfish’s aquarium is their home, playground, and ecosystem all in one, which means it’s super important to keep it clean and tidy. The better part of proper tank maintenance is keeping up with regular water ch...
How to
Decrease Aquarium Algae Naturally
Naturally reducing algae in your fish tank and ensuring it stays awayAquarium algae is something every fish owner has to face eventually. Luckily, decreasing algae can be accomplished by taking certain precautions and im...
How to
Play With a Crayfish
Crayfish are unique freshwater crustaceans that look like small lobsters. Although you can keep them in their tank, they are smarter than you think and will appreciate some stimulation outside of it! Start by learning th...
