Founder Aquaria Hobbyist & Senior Aquarist
Marine biologist with 15+ years of hands-on experience designing, building, and maintaining custom freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Founder of Aquarium Hobbyist since 2016.
Travis Andersen is a Senior Aquarist and marine biology researcher with over 15 years of hands-on experience designing, building, and maintaining custom freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Holding a B.S. in Marine Biology, Travis specializes in advanced water chemistry, high-tech planted aquascaping, and complex reef ecosystems.
In 2016, Travis founded Aquarium Hobbyist with a mission to make expert-level aquarium knowledge accessible to hobbyists of all experience levels. What began as a passion project has grown into one of the most trusted online resources for fish keepers worldwide, serving over 5,000 monthly readers with 300+ comprehensive articles.
Travis has consulted on over 200 residential and commercial aquatic installations, ranging from intimate home nano-reefs to large-scale public display systems. His work bridges the gap between scientific research and practical hobby application, ensuring every recommendation is backed by both peer-reviewed science and real-world aquarium experience.
As a regular contributor to marine biology and aquarium hobbyist publications, Travis is committed to promoting sustainable aquarium practices, ethical fishkeeping, and aquatic conservation. He works closely with local fish stores and conservation groups to advance responsible hobby standards.
Travis brings deep knowledge across all major disciplines of aquarium keeping, combining scientific rigor with practical hobby experience.
Complete setup, stocking, and maintenance guides for tropical community tanks, species-specific biotopes, and planted aquariums from 5 to 200+ gallons.
40+ articlesExpert guidance on marine aquariums, coral propagation, reef-safe fish selection, and maintaining stable saltwater parameters for thriving reef ecosystems.
30+ articlesDeep dives into pH, GH, KH, nitrogen cycling, and water parameter management. Science-backed approaches to creating the ideal aquatic environment.
25+ articlesComprehensive guides on identifying, treating, and preventing common fish diseases including ich, fin rot, velvet, and fungal infections with evidence-based protocols.
20+ articlesThe art and science of underwater landscape design. From Iwagumi and Nature Aquarium styles to Dutch planted tanks and low-tech botanical setups.
20+ articlesHonest reviews and buying guides for filters, heaters, LED lighting, CO2 systems, RO/DI units, and all essential aquarium equipment for every budget.
35+ articlesA showcase of Travis's personal aquarium projects - from high-tech planted aquascapes to complex reef ecosystems, each tank represents years of refinement and expertise.
High-tech Iwagumi-style layout with Monte Carlo carpet, Dwarf Hairgrass, and custom hardscape. CO2-injected with full-spectrum LED lighting.
SPS-dominant reef system featuring Acropora, Montipora, and LPS corals. Blue/white LED programming with automated dosing and monitoring.
Lush planted community featuring cardinal tetras, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids. Amazon sword and Java fern dominant with natural driftwood layout.
ADA-inspired nano aquascape with red cherry shrimp colony, moss balls, and spider wood. High-tech CO2 with precision bubble counter.
Equipment and supplies Travis personally uses and recommends. Every product is tested in his own aquariums before being recommended to readers. All available on Amazon.com.
Travis's go-to for planted tanks. Full-spectrum output with tri-band LEDs promotes vibrant plant growth and true color rendering. Programmable 24-hour cycle with sunrise/sunset simulation. The 3.0 version delivers 30% more PAR than its predecessor.
Exceptional mechanical and biological filtration for tanks 75-125 gallons. The rack-style design allows easy media customization. Travis uses this on his 75-gallon planted tank for its quiet operation and superior flow rate of 350 GPH.
The gold standard in aquarium heaters. German-engineered precision with ±0.5°C accuracy. Travis has used Eheim heaters for over a decade across all his tanks. The thermostatic control and shatterproof glass make it incredibly reliable.
Travis considers this essential for every aquarist. Accurate liquid-based testing for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Far more reliable than test strips. He tests weekly and recommends every hobbyist do the same.
Complete CO2 system with everything needed for high-tech planted tanks. Includes dual-gauge regulator, solenoid, bubble counter, and ceramic diffuser. Travis uses this on his 75-gallon and reports excellent plant growth with minimal maintenance.
Travis's recommended all-in-one plant supplement providing iron, manganese, and trace elements. Non-toxic to fish and invertebrates. Used in all his planted tanks with visible results within 2 weeks of consistent dosing.
In-depth guides and expert reviews from over 15 years of aquarium experience.
A comprehensive guide to choosing the right acrylic aquarium for your setup, with detailed comparisons and top recommendations.
Read ArticleFinding the perfect 75-gallon aquarium with ample space for marine landscapes and multiple fish species.
Read ArticleNatural methods to boost CO2 levels for thriving aquarium plants, including yeast-based systems and nutrient-rich substrates.
Read ArticleUnderstanding pH, hardness, nitrogen cycle, and water parameters to keep your aquatic environment thriving.
Read ArticleA 55-gallon fish tank provides ample space for multiple species, plants, and decorations. Top picks reviewed.
Read ArticleFrom beginner-friendly kits to advanced setups, a curated list of the top 20-gallon long aquariums available.
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Welcome to the world of aquariums! I understand that choosing the right 20-gallon aquarium can feel overwhelming, but fear not, I am here to help. From beginner-friendly kits to advanced setups, I've compiled a list of the top
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If you love spending time with aquatic life, a 75-gallon aquarium is a great choice! With ample space for beautiful marine landscapes and the capacity for up to 75 1" fish or 37 2" fish, you'll have
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If you're in search of a fish tank to accommodate multiple fish species, plants, and decorations, a 55-gallon fish tank is a wonderful choice. It provides ample space for your aquatic pets to thrive and allows you to unleash your creativity by
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Fish tanks offer a wonderful opportunity to create a beautiful aquatic world for your fish. A 10-gallon tank is the perfect choice for casual fish lovers, providing a balance between size and maintenance. With options for stocking the tank and easy cleaning methods,
Read Article If you love spending time with aquatic life, a 75-gallon aquarium is a great choice! With ample space for beautiful marine landscapes and the capacity for up to 75 1" fish or 37 2" fish, you'll have
Read Article
To help your aquarium plants thrive, it's essential to provide enough CO2 for photosynthesis. Natural methods like adding more fish, using a nutrient-rich substrate, increasing lighting intensity, and supplementing with vodka or yeast can help boost CO2 levels without
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