Start anywhere. Choose fish you love and discover what they need — or build your equipment setup and see what it can support. Use the tabs to move between equipment, livestock, plants, and hardscape; the tank visual responds to all of them.
Start with fishPick species you want to keep. See what equipment they need.
Start with equipmentBuild your setup first. See what species it can support.
WaterFiltration, flow, and water quality infrastructure
BiologicalBacterial colony and nitrogen cycle stability
EnvironmentalTemperature, light, and habitat conditions
LivestockSpecies compatibility and stocking demand
KeeperMaintenance demand and keeper commitment
The five rhythms are an ARA interpretive model — a lens for thinking, not a scientific measurement. They reflect patterns observed across the freshwater hobby.
Water
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Biological
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Environment
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Livestock
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Keeper
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Compatibility notes will appear as you select species.
Filtration
Sponge FilterBiological, gentle flow
Internal FilterSubmersible, compact
Hang-on FilterMechanical + biological
Canister FilterHigh capacity, external
Overflow FilterTrickle/wet-dry, high O₂
Bio MediaExtra bacterial surface
Chemical MediaCarbon, resin — polish & clarity
Circulation
PowerheadReturn pump / flow
WavemakerCirculation, dead zones
Air PumpOxygen + agitation
UV SterilizerClarity + pathogen control
Environment
HeaterStable temperature
Basic LEDDay/night cycle
Plant LightFull spectrum, high output
Cooling
Aquarium ChillerPrecise temperature control
Cooling FanEvaporative cooling
Substrate
GravelNeutral, forgiving
SandNatural, soft substrate
Aqua SoilNutrient-rich for plants
Root TabsNutrients at the roots
Additions
Water ConditionerNeutralise chlorine
Ammonia SourceFishless cycling
Bacteria StarterCycle head-start
Lid / CoverSafety + reduces evaporation
CO2 SystemInjected carbon for plants
Liquid FertiliserDosed nutrients for plants
Fish FoodDaily nutrition
MedicationTreats disease
Automation
Light TimerConsistent photoperiod
Auto Top-OffReplaces evaporated water
Auto FeederScheduled feeding
Auto DosingScheduled liquid dosing
Auto Water ChangerScheduled drain & refill
Monitoring
ThermometerVerify temperature daily
Test KitRead the nitrogen cycle
Gravel VacuumWater change tool
Planning here is free — tips help maintain labs like this.Ko-fi