About Rick
About Rick Sr.
Hi, I’m Rick Sr., and welcome to FishTankBeginners.com.
I’ve been keeping and breeding tropical fish since the late 1960s, and over the years I’ve learned that beginners don’t need complicated advice—they need clear, simple information that actually works.
That’s why I created this website.
Whether you’re setting up your very first aquarium, choosing your first fish, or trying to solve a problem with your aquarium, my goal is to help you enjoy the hobby and avoid many of the mistakes that beginners often make.
Everything I share here comes from decades of hands-on experience, not just from books or the internet. If I can help you enjoy this amazing hobby a little more, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
Over 50 Years of Fishkeeping Experience
I’ve spent more than five decades keeping, breeding, and caring for freshwater tropical fish. During that time, I’ve raised everything from beginner community fish to discus and angelfish, and I’ve helped thousands of hobbyists enjoy the aquarium hobby.
For 13 years, I owned and operated FinTastik Tropical Fish, where I worked directly with customers to solve aquarium problems, recommend equipment, and help people build healthy, successful aquariums.
Today, I continue sharing what I’ve learned through FishTankBeginners.com, where my goal is to make fishkeeping easier and more enjoyable for beginners.
Why I Created FishTankBeginners.com
After selling my tropical fish store, I realized I still wanted to help people enjoy this amazing hobby.
I created FishTankBeginners.com because I saw too many beginners becoming overwhelmed by conflicting advice on the internet. My goal is to provide simple, practical information based on real-world experience—not just theory.
Whether you’re setting up your very first aquarium or solving a problem with your fish, I hope you’ll find answers here that are easy to understand and easy to follow.
What You'll Learn Here
FishTankBeginners.com is designed to make fishkeeping simple, enjoyable, and successful for beginners.
Here you’ll find easy-to-follow guides on setting up your first aquarium, choosing beginner-friendly fish, understanding the nitrogen cycle, maintaining good water quality, selecting aquarium equipment, and solving common fishkeeping problems.
I’ll also share practical tips, product recommendations, and lessons I’ve learned from more than 50 years of hands-on experience in the aquarium hobby.
My goal is to help you enjoy your aquarium with confidence and avoid many of the common mistakes that new fishkeepers make.
Join Thousands of Beginner Fish Keepers
You’re invited to join our Beginners Fish Keepers – Freshwater Help Facebook community, where thousands of aquarium hobbyists from around the world ask questions, share their aquariums, and help one another succeed.
Whether you’re setting up your very first aquarium or solving a fishkeeping problem, you’ll find friendly advice, practical tips, and encouragement from people who enjoy the hobby as much as you do.
No question is too simple—everyone starts somewhere.
Let's Build Your Best Aquarium
Thanks for visiting FishTankBeginners.com.
I hope this website saves you time, money, and frustration while helping you enjoy one of the most rewarding hobbies in the world.
Whether you’re just getting started or have been keeping fish for years, I’m glad you’re here.
Happy Fishkeeping!
— Rick Sr.