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Say it like a person
If a sentence sounds like it belongs in a textbook nobody wants to read, I would rather rewrite it. The hobby is complicated enough already.
About My First Fish Tank
About My First Fish Tank
I started this site because saltwater aquariums should not feel impossible.
Hey there! I’m Matthew. My goal is pretty simple: help beginners understand what they are getting into, choose a tank that actually fits their life, and know what to do next.
When I got into the hobby, the information was scattered, full of jargon, and often written for people who already knew what they were doing. That never made much sense to me. My First Fish Tank exists to make the learning curve a whole lot easier.
I do not want you to memorize a pile of aquarium jargon. I want you to understand your tank well enough to make a good decision.
Why this site exists
There is already plenty of aquarium information. The hard part is knowing what matters.
My First Fish Tank started in 2018 because I wanted beginners to have a place that felt clear, practical, and honest. That means explaining the “why,” not just handing you a shopping list or pretending there is only one correct way to build a tank.
You will find step-by-step setup guides, livestock information, maintenance checklists, calculators, equipment comparisons, and a whole lot of beginner questions answered in normal human language.
How I try to help
Three things I want every guide to do.
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Make the next step obvious
A good guide should leave you knowing what to do next—whether that means buying nothing, checking your water, or doing a little more research first.
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Recommend with context
The most expensive option is not automatically the best option. I want you to know who a product or animal is actually a good fit for.
A little more about me
I’m a hobbyist, teacher, and the person behind this website.
I make the My First Fish Tank videos and guides, test ideas in real aquariums, and spend a lot of time thinking about the questions beginners ask before they ever buy their first fish.
I also created the video lessons for the HelloReef course with my team at Aperture. That course includes more than 50 videos walking beginners through the setup process in much greater detail.
I am always going to keep learning, and I will never pretend that one aquarium experience answers every possible question. What I can do is share what I have learned, explain my reasoning, and make it easier for you to decide what fits your tank.
Where should you go next?
Pick the part of the hobby you are working on right now.
Brand new?Start HereWork through the beginner path and compare the three tanks I recommend.
Building a tank?Setup GuidesFollow practical guides for getting the aquarium assembled, cycled, and ready.
Choosing animals?Livestock GuidesLearn what fish, corals, macroalgae, and invertebrates may fit your tank.
Keeping it running?Maintenance GuidesBuild a routine for water changes, testing, cleaning, and long-term care.
Learning names?Study GuidesFlip through the animal cards or test yourself with a randomized quiz.
Need a number?Aquarium CalculatorsEstimate volume, sand, salt, electricity use, and other practical aquarium needs.
You do not have to figure it all out at once
If this is your first saltwater aquarium, I built the Start Here path for you.
We will begin with the animals you care about, the space you actually have, your budget, and how much guidance you want. From there, choosing a tank gets a whole lot easier.
Our Founder
Matthew Zahler
Owner
Hey there! My name is Matthew, and this is my site. I share unbiased reviews and recommendations of products I know personally or have researched extensively. My goal is to help all hobbyists—but especially beginners—make informed decisions when building and maintaining a saltwater aquarium.
You can also follow My First Fish Tank on YouTube and Instagram. Happy Reefing!