Keep your first tank alive.
Most beginner fish don't die of bad luck — they die from water that isn't ready yet. Fishkora coaches you through the nitrogen cycle and tells you, clearly, the day it's safe to add fish.
- Freshwater, brackish & saltwater
- Works with any test kit
- No credit card
64% complete~9 days to go
Safe to add fish
Two clean tests, 12h+ apart
Why new tanks fail
The biggest threat to your fish is invisible
A brand-new tank has no bacteria to break down fish waste. Until it "cycles," toxic ammonia and nitrite build up in water that looks perfectly clear. Adding fish too early is the number-one beginner mistake.
Stage 1
Ammonia
Fish waste and leftover food. Toxic even at low levels.
Stage 2
Nitrite
Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite — also toxic.
Stage 3
Nitrate
The end product. Safe at normal levels; water changes keep it low.
Fishkora watches all three for you. Log your tests and we'll tell you which stage you're in, what to do next, and when the cycle is truly done.
How it works
From empty glass to happy fish in three steps
New tank
Add your tank
Name it, enter the size and water type. Takes thirty seconds — and there's no limit on how many.
Log a water test
NH₃
0.25
NO₂
0.5
NO₃
5
Log tests in seconds
Type in whatever your kit measured — blanks are fine. We chart it and flag anything drifting out of range.
Nitrogen cycle
CycledSafe to add fish
Get the green light
When ammonia and nitrite read zero on consecutive tests, you'll know — no guesswork, no forum roulette.
Everything in one place
Beginner-friendly, with room to grow
Drift alerts
Charts for every parameter, with a heads-up when something starts creeping out of range.
Stocking & compatibility
Check temperament, schooling needs, bioload and water parameters before you buy.
Maintenance reminders
Water changes, filter cleans and top-offs on a schedule, with streaks to keep you honest.
Health check
Fish looking off? A guided symptom check points you toward likely causes and next steps.
Learning Hub
Short, practical guides and quizzes that match where you are with your tank.
Trusted marketplace
Buy and sell livestock and gear with escrow protection and seller reviews.
Know before you buy
Pick your first fish with confidence
Every species comes with a care card: temperature and pH ranges, adult size, minimum tank size, temperament and schooling needs. Here are a few hardy favorites to start with.
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species care cards
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beginner guides
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quick quizzes
0
tank limits or paywalls on the basics
Questions, answered
Is Fishkora really free?
Yes. Tank tracking, cycle coaching, stocking checks and reminders are free, with no limit on the number of tanks.
What do I need to get started?
Just a tank and a water test kit — liquid or strips both work. Log whatever your kit measures; blank fields are fine.
I've never heard of the nitrogen cycle. Is that a problem?
Not at all — that's exactly who Fishkora is for. We explain each stage as you go and tell you what to do next.
Does it work for saltwater and planted tanks?
Yes. Freshwater, brackish and saltwater tanks are supported, with parameter ranges matched to your setup.
Your fish are counting on the next few weeks.
Set up your tank tonight and we'll walk you through every step of the cycle.