Author

M. Haroon

Technical Lead & Aquarium Hobbyist

Haroon built Mahiyar after losing too many neon tetras to ammonia spikes. He combines a decade of software engineering with hands-on freshwater fishkeeping to write practical, science-backed guides — the kind he wished existed when he started.

Background

·Freshwater aquarium hobbyist (10+ years)
·Technical lead and software engineer
·Founder of Mahiyar Aquarium Manager

Articles by Haroon

Why Is My Fish Gasping at the Surface? 7 Causes Ranked by LikelihoodWhen fish gasp at the surface, they are fighting an environmental crisis. Here is how to quickly diagnose the 7 most common causes including poor surface agitation, temperature spikes, and cycle crashes ranked by how often they actually happen in real aquariums.
Neon Tetra Care Guide: Tank Size, School Size, and Water RequirementsThink neon tetras are just fragile beginner fish? Think again. Recreate their natural blackwater habitat with the right school size and water parameters to watch their colors explode.
Fishless Cycling vs. Fish-in Cycling: Which Is Right for You?Clear water is often a trap for beginners. This guide breaks down the essential nitrogen cycle, comparing Fishless and Fish-in cycling to ensure your new tank is biologically stable before you stock it. Learn the 'cheat codes' for faster cycling and the common mistakes that ruin a setup.
The 15-Minute Weekly Aquarium Maintenance Checklist for Busy HobbyistsSkip maintenance once, and your tank is fine. Skip it six weeks, and your tank crashes. Here's the 15-minute weekly routine that prevents tank crashes.
Neon Tetras vs. Cardinal Tetras: What's the Real Difference?Neon and cardinal tetras look identical at the store — but their water chemistry needs and disease resistance are completely different.
Why the "One Inch of Fish Per Gallon" Rule Is Killing Your LivestockThe 1-inch rule is dangerously wrong. Learn how bioload actually works and calculate safe stocking levels for your tank.
My Ammonia is Spiking: A Step-by-Step Rescue Plan (That Won't Kill Your Cycle)Ammonia spike? Here's your step-by-step rescue plan to save your fish without killing your cycle — actions to take in the next 10 minutes.
New Tank Syndrome: How to Avoid the "First Month Crash"New Tank Syndrome kills beginner tanks in the first month. Learn the nitrogen cycle in 6 stages and the exact mistakes to avoid.