Hi, I’m Teresa McGaughey, the aquarist behind The Tank Lady™. I created this site to make aquarium care approachable, not overwhelming — whether you’re brand new to the hobby or a seasoned fishkeeper who wants reliable, down-to-earth advice that actually works in real life.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, I’ve learned that thriving tanks don’t require perfection — just a little consistency, curiosity, and care. My passion for planted tanks, reef systems, and community fish setups comes from years of trial, learning, and sharing what really works for real people, real tanks, and real budgets.

Whether you’re cycling your first tank, testing your water, trimming plants, or figuring out which filter or light setup makes sense for your tank, I’m here to help. On this site, you’ll find guides, gear recommendations, maintenance routines, and a healthy dose of friendly encouragement.

I believe anyone can keep a beautiful, healthy aquarium — and I’d love to help you build yours.

You bring the fish, I’ll bring the friendly advice.

What You’ll Find Here

• Step-by-step aquarium care guides written in plain language

• Product reviews and recommendations based on personal use

• Beginner tips for planted and reef tanks

• Resources to help you troubleshoot, balance water chemistry, and plan long-term success

Whether you need to understand how to test aquarium water, cycle a tank the right way, or choose equipment that fits your setup, you’ll find practical answers here that come from experience — not guesswork.

A Little About Me

I’ve been an aquarist for more than two decades, keeping everything from small nano tanks to large saltwater systems. I started The Tank Lady™ to share what I’ve learned and to help make aquarium keeping enjoyable instead of intimidating.

When I’m not maintaining my tanks, I’m writing guides, testing equipment, or sharing photos and videos of my own setups on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Let’s Connect

Have a question or need help troubleshooting your tank?

I love hearing from fellow aquarists — send me a message below and I’ll do my best to help.