Hi — I’m Michael Probert. I’ve kept freshwater aquariums for over a decade: a first betta bowl that taught me the hard way why cycling matters, a run of community tanks, and a few planted setups I’m still tinkering with.
Honest Aquarium exists because when I was starting out, I couldn’t find a source that was both honest about what gear actually costs and does, and patient with people who didn’t already know the jargon. Most of what’s out there is either a forum thread assuming you already know the basics, or a retailer page trying to sell you the most expensive tank in stock.
What I do differently
I’m not a lab, and I’m not an aquatic vet. I’m a fishkeeper who does the research properly: reading manufacturer specs, cross-checking reputable aquarist sources, and following what real tank owners report over time. See exactly how on the How We Choose page.
I don’t buy and bench-test every product myself, and I don’t have an in-house expert panel — I’d rather tell you that plainly than imply something that isn’t true.
Why “honest”
Beginners are welcome here. No gatekeeping, no jargon walls — just clear, patient advice on what you actually need for your first tank, and straight answers about what’s worth the money.
Get in touch if you have a question or spot something that needs fixing.