Water changes don’t have to feel stressful, confusing, or like a sign something is “wrong” with your tank. This guide was created to reframe water changes as what they truly are: a gentle, supportive tool that helps maintain stability, balance, and long-term fish health. It’s written with beginners in mind, using calm, plain language and real-world explanations that make the process feel approachable and safe.
This guide was created to gently support aquarists in understanding bottom-dwelling species as living, feeling members of the aquarium ecosystem—not just “clean-up crews.” Inside, you’ll learn how snails, shrimp, plecos, and loaches actually use space, what they truly need to thrive, and how to choose them ethically and confidently for your own tank.
In nature, fish don’t all swim in the same place — and that’s true in aquariums, too. Different species naturally prefer different areas of the water column: near the surface, through the middle, or along the bottom. This isn’t random behavior; it’s shaped by millions of years of evolution, feeding strategies, and safety instincts. This Guide explains in beginner understanding.
