Welcome to the wonderful world of aquatic life! Starting your first tank can feel overwhelming, but we've got you covered. Begin with our free "Genki Guide to Fishkeeping: The Way of Water" (available when you sign up for our newsletter with 10% off your first order). This guide covers the fundamentals of the Japanese art of fishkeeping, focusing on creating natural, beautiful aquascapes that support your fish's natural behaviors.

We recommend starting with at least a 20-gallon tank. Larger tanks are actually easier to maintain because they're more stable - water parameters don't fluctuate as quickly. Use our Tank Size Calculator on our website to determine the perfect size for your space and the fish you want to keep. Remember: bigger is almost always better in fishkeeping!

Essential equipment includes:

- Filter: Biological and mechanical filtration (sized for your tank)
- Heater: Adjustable heater (5 watts per gallon rule)
- Lighting: LED lights for plants and fish viewing
- Substrate: Gravel or sand for beneficial bacteria
- Water conditioner: To remove chlorine from tap water
- Test kit: For monitoring water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates)

This is called "cycling" your tank, and it's crucial! You need to establish beneficial bacteria that convert harmful ammonia to less harmful nitrates. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks. You can speed this up with:

- Beneficial bacteria supplements
- Adding a small amount of fish food to create ammonia
- Testing water parameters regularly
- Being patient - rushing this step is the #1 cause of new tank failures

We recommend starting with hardy, peaceful species:

- Bettas: Beautiful, low-maintenance (but need proper tank size - minimum 5 gallons)
- Guppies: Colorful, active, and forgiving (we carry Moscow, Dragon, and Grass varieties)
- Nano fish: Small schooling fish perfect for planted tanks
- Freshwater shrimp: Excellent cleanup crew and fascinating to watch
- Snails: Natural algae eaters that help maintain tank balance

Every fish tank is different but a general rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. However, this varies greatly by species. Some fish need more space due to territorial behavior or bioload. Always research each species' specific needs.

While not required, live plants offer incredible benefits:

- Natural filtration and oxygenation
- Stress reduction for fish
- Beautiful, natural aquascapes
- Algae control
- Support for natural fish behaviors

We carry a variety of aquatic plants perfect for beginners. Start with hardy species like Java Moss, Frogbit, or Salvinia Minima.

For established tanks, change 20-25% of the water weekly. This removes accumulated nitrates and replenishes minerals. Always use water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water.

Basic parameters to monitor:

- Temperature: 76-78°F for most tropical fish
- pH: 6.5-7.5 (varies by species)
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: Under 20 ppm

Message us directly for any specific water parameter questions relating to your tank.

Cloudy water usually indicates:

- New tank syndrome: Bacterial bloom during cycling (normal, will clear)
- Overfeeding: Reduce feeding and increase water changes
- Inadequate filtration: Upgrade your filter or add beneficial bacteria
- Stirred substrate: Will settle naturally

Perform a water test and if nitrites are present, do a 75% water change with RO or conditioned water.

Feed small amounts 1 time daily - only what your fish can consume in 2-3 minutes. Overfeeding is more dangerous than underfeeding and leads to poor water quality.

Prevention is key through proper water quality and quarantine of new additions. Common signs of illness include:

- Lethargy or unusual behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Visible spots, growths, or color changes
- Rapid breathing or gasping at surface

Maintain excellent water quality and message us directly for specific treatment advice. It usually takes a trained eye to distinguish between bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.

We ship via USPS and UPS. All packages come fully insured and guaranteed. Please keep photos for any Dead on Arrival animals. Please message us directly for all DOA issues.

Please keep photos for any Dead on Arrival animals. Please message us those photos directly for all DOA issues.

Yes! We offer free U.S. shipping on all orders over $65. This helps ensure your aquatic friends arrive safely while keeping costs reasonable for larger orders.

We stand behind every fish, plant, and product we ship. At Genki Aquatics, our philosophy is simple: we keep our customers happy. If any live arrival doesn't meet your expectations or arrives in less than perfect condition, we'll make it right. Each situation is unique, so we handle every case personally to find the best solution for you.

We're committed to your success with every purchase. Whether it's a shipping issue, product concern, or simply not what you had in mind, reach out to us immediately. We evaluate each situation individually and will work with you to ensure you're completely satisfied - whether that's a replacement, refund, or store credit.

For live arrivals (fish, plants, shrimp, snails), please contact us within 1 day of delivery with photos. For supplies and equipment, we ask that you reach out within 7 days of delivery. The sooner you contact us, the better we can help resolve any concerns.

We're flexible! Depending on your specific situation, we can offer full refunds, store credit, or replacements. Our goal is to find the solution that works best for you and gets you back to enjoying your aquatic hobby.

We accept all major payment methods to make your purchase convenient: Amazon Pay, American Express, Apple Pay, Diners Club, Discover, Google Pay, Mastercard, PayPal, Shop Pay, Venmo, and Visa.

Our approach emphasizes:

- Natural beauty: Creating aquascapes that mimic natural habitats
- Ethical practices: Responsible breeding and sourcing
- Harmony: Balancing all elements for fish wellbeing
- Patience: Taking time to do things properly
- Respect: Honoring the life in your care

The word "GENKI" (元気) means "full of life" - this is what we strive for in every aquarium.

Before You Buy:

- Read "The Genki Guide to Fishkeeping: The Way of Water"
- Use our Tank Size Calculator
- Plan your aquascape and fish selection
- Set up equipment and begin cycling process

Your First Month:

- Test water parameters weekly
- Perform 25% water changes weekly
- Monitor fish behavior and appetite
- Keep a tank journal to track progress

Resources:

- Sign up for our newsletter (10% off first order)
- Read our blog "The Way of Water"
- Use our Tank Size Calculator
- Download "The Genki Guide to Fishkeeping"

Remember:

Great fishkeeping is a journey, not a destination. Take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process. The Japanese art of fishkeeping teaches us that the most beautiful aquariums are those that support the natural behaviors and wellbeing of their inhabitants.