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How to Create an Organic Aquarium: The Beginner’s Guide to Soil-Based Freshwater Aquariums
Create a low-maintenance aquarium inspired by nature.
Learn how to:
- Replace filters with soil, plants, and microorganisms
- Understand aquarium water chemistry in plain English
- Create a freshwater ecosystem without expensive gear or chemicals
- Choose hardy plants, fish, and invertebrates that support your aquarium (with an illustrated field guide of 40+ species)
- Observe and understand your ecosystem during its first days, weeks, and months
- Build a calming, low-maintenance aquarium that doesn’t become another stressful chore
Most aquariums don’t last.
Starting a freshwater tank is exciting—but also overwhelming. A beginner needs to navigate equipment, water chemistry, substrates, plants, fertilisers, animals, and more. The hobby can feel like an expensive guessing game. Frustrated by mistakes and rising costs, many first-time aquarists give up within months.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
How to Create an Organic Aquarium shows you how to create a natural, low-maintenance tank where plants, soil, and microorganisms do the work. This book translates the science of soil-based aquaria into simple, beginner-friendly steps. The result? An affordable aquarium that finds its own balance.
What this book is not:
- It’s not a no-maintenance, self-sustaining, wonder tank. You’ll still need to trim your plants, feed your fish, and perform the occasional water change.
- It’s not an equipment catalogue. You’ll learn which tools are necessary—and which you can skip.
- It’s not just for experienced hobbyists. This book provides a clear framework to give anyone a solid foundation in freshwater aquariums.
Who it’s for:
Beginners, hobbyists on a budget, and anyone curious about natural aquariums who wants a practical, step-by-step guide.
Sponsored by:
API®
Betta Botanicals®
Learn how to:
- Replace filters with soil, plants, and microorganisms
- Understand aquarium water chemistry in plain English
- Create a freshwater ecosystem without expensive gear or chemicals
- Choose hardy plants, fish, and invertebrates that support your aquarium (with an illustrated field guide of 40+ species)
- Observe and understand your ecosystem during its first days, weeks, and months
- Build a calming, low-maintenance aquarium that doesn’t become another stressful chore
Most aquariums don’t last.
Starting a freshwater tank is exciting—but also overwhelming. A beginner needs to navigate equipment, water chemistry, substrates, plants, fertilisers, animals, and more. The hobby can feel like an expensive guessing game. Frustrated by mistakes and rising costs, many first-time aquarists give up within months.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
How to Create an Organic Aquarium shows you how to create a natural, low-maintenance tank where plants, soil, and microorganisms do the work. This book translates the science of soil-based aquaria into simple, beginner-friendly steps. The result? An affordable aquarium that finds its own balance.
What this book is not:
- It’s not a no-maintenance, self-sustaining, wonder tank. You’ll still need to trim your plants, feed your fish, and perform the occasional water change.
- It’s not an equipment catalogue. You’ll learn which tools are necessary—and which you can skip.
- It’s not just for experienced hobbyists. This book provides a clear framework to give anyone a solid foundation in freshwater aquariums.
Who it’s for:
Beginners, hobbyists on a budget, and anyone curious about natural aquariums who wants a practical, step-by-step guide.
Sponsored by:
API®
Betta Botanicals®
236 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1792 people want to read
About the author
Oliver Jamieson
1 book4 followersI create natural, affordable, low-maintenance, low-tech, soil-based freshwater aquariums.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 19, 2026
A good book for novices and for those wanting to develop a deeper understanding to creating and managing an ecosystem aquarium.
Clearly written, with excellent illustrations and step by step guides.
My only gripe is that Oliver uses gallons for detailing tank size, I am English and use the metric system, gallons mean nothing to me.
Clearly written, with excellent illustrations and step by step guides.
My only gripe is that Oliver uses gallons for detailing tank size, I am English and use the metric system, gallons mean nothing to me.
January 14, 2026
This is quick and easy read on what is often called the Walstad Method or dirted tank method. I highly recommend it to beginners who want to create an ecosystem-like tank, or a low tech planted tank, as well as for more experienced aquarium hobbyists who may have a lot of more traditional tank experience and wanted to branch out and try a dirted/walstad tank. It covers basic info on how an “organic aquarium” works and how to get one started yourself. The back of the book lists a lot of different livestock and plants that work well with this system that often relies on low-medium lighting and nutrients from the soil and detritus. It also lists several other resources like books, forums, websites and YouTube channels that can provide more information. I currently have an empty tank waiting to be worked on and I’m looking forward to using some of what I learned on it.
January 14, 2026
Oliver's book is a MUST READ for any fishkeeping enthusiast.
It is incredibly approachable and reader-friendly - it breaks down what can otherwise feel like complex science into clear, engaging and easy to understand steps that anyone can follow. It even has awesome illustrations throughout. The book is a fantastic resource for aquarists of all experience levels, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned hobbyist. I've been keeping fish for a couple of years now, and I wish I had this book on hand when I was starting out. It would have saved me time, money, and probably a lot of trial-and-error frustration!
I've set up a new organic aquarium in my home following Oliver's tips, and it's flourishing! Can't recommend this book enough.
It is incredibly approachable and reader-friendly - it breaks down what can otherwise feel like complex science into clear, engaging and easy to understand steps that anyone can follow. It even has awesome illustrations throughout. The book is a fantastic resource for aquarists of all experience levels, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned hobbyist. I've been keeping fish for a couple of years now, and I wish I had this book on hand when I was starting out. It would have saved me time, money, and probably a lot of trial-and-error frustration!
I've set up a new organic aquarium in my home following Oliver's tips, and it's flourishing! Can't recommend this book enough.
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February 12, 2026review text for 4093
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews