Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

In the second part of this episode Ben, Amy, and Charles continue discussing aquariums designed around a freshwater fish. Confused? Listen to last week’s episode! What fish would you design a tank around? Let’s keep the conversation going. Send an email to [email protected], leave a comment, or send us a message on Facebook!

This discussion got away from us a little bit. We had to cut it off halfway through! We often approach setting up a new aquarium by determining what size we can fit and what we can afford, and don’t spend much time thinking about how to stock it until it’s already home. What would our aquariums be like if we took the opposite path? In this episode: Ben, Amy, and Charles discuss their ideas on how to design aquariums around a very specific fish. These aren’t necessarily biotopes, but aquascapes and equipment carefully chosen to showcase the best of a species. Keep an eye out for part 2, coming soon!

In this episode: Ben, Amy, and Charles share five freshwater fish that make them smile. These memorable fish are the reason so many of us keep and breed particular species, and in a lot of cases are what keep us in the aquarium hobby for so many years.

This is going to be a geeky one! Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss some of their favorite cichlids, the genus Apistogramma. While they do indulge themselves with some deep dives into taxonomy, most of the discussion is centered around a strong affection for these charismatic little fish and details on their care. Whether you are a planted aquarium enthusiast, a master breeder, or a collector of the rare and beautiful there is probably a place for an apisto in your fish room.

In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy tackle some of the misconceptions they often hear around the shop. Some of these have spread like wildfire due to the popularity of Facebook groups and forums, and some have been going around since people started trying to keep fish tanks. What misconceptions have you encountered, and which have you grown out of? Leave a comment below or head over to Facebook to join the conversation! e-mail [email protected] with questions, comments, or concerns.

In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy share stories about saltwater organisms that make them sad. This could be because keeping them is very difficult, or they had a heartbreaking experience with an individual. While we’d never say this kind of discussion is fun, commiserating over our experiences is how we lean the most!

Pests can make or break the success of an aquarium. In this episode Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss where pests come from in freshwater aquariums, how to get rid of them, and most importantly how to prevent them. Have a pest problem? This episode may help! Send in your questions or comments to [email protected] and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

You heard them talk about their dream saltwater fish in the last episode. Now Ben, Charles, and Amy are discussing their dream freshwater fish! Many of these are rare fish that they’ve never seen before, but some are fish that deserve a whole tank devoted to them. What’s your dream fish? Comment on our Facebook page or send an e-mail to [email protected]

We just talked about our dream tanks. In the next couple of episodes we’ll be talking about our dream fish! This week it’s all about saltwater. A dream fish could be one you’ve always wanted to keep, or if you ask Charles sometimes it’s a fish you wish existed. What’s your dream fish? Head over to the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Facebook page to join the discussion, or send a message to [email protected]

This week our team got the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Alisha Davidson, an expert in non indigenous species and their spread. The discussion covers how an organism winds up on watch lists, and where to find the lists. Most importantly, this episode focuses on the impact the aquarium hobby has on wild waterways and the simple ways we can all reduce our responsibility. Questions for Dr. Davidson or the Water Colors team? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or find us on Facebook. Organizations mentioned in this episodeGLANSIS: Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information SystemHabitattitudeIUCN: International Union for the Conservation of NatureMichigan Sea GrantNOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Ben, Charles, and Amy get a little personal in this edition of the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast. This week, they’re discussing their dream tanks and what it would take to achieve them. Some of these are nearly 1000 gallon reef systems, some are as small as 20 gallons. A dream tank could be the setup you’re investing in right now, or something you know you’ll never do but really would like to. What’s your dream aquarium? Comment on Facebook or send an e-mail to [email protected]

This week Ben, Charles, and Amy bring to the table their favorite fish that are easy to breed. Whether you can “Just Add Water” or let the fish take care of each other, this list covers some of the best fish to start your breeding career off with success. Of course they can’t keep it to just five… Below is a list of the fish they selected for their lists, as well as a couple that were mentioned along with them. Beware of spoilers! Amy Kribensis Cichlid: Pelvicachromis pulcherAlso mentioned Enigmatochromis lucanusi Neocaridina davidi Gold Barb Bristlenose Plecostomus Blue Paradise Fish Charles Nothobranchius killifish Corydoras aeneus Zebra Danios Betta smaragdinaBetta falx also mentioned Cherry Barb Ben Garneri Killifish White Cloud Minnow Dwarf Neon Rainbows Guppies and Endler’s Livebearer’s Peacock Gudgeon Yellow Lab Cichlid Convict Cichlid

This week: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss one of everyone’s favorite groups of fish. Sharks can be incredibly rewarding aquarium fish if chosen carefully. This episode covers what makes a shark acceptable for aquariums and the species recommended here at Water Colors. The book referenced in this episode is Aquarium Sharks and Rays by Scott Michael

Lighting can be one of the most overwhelming aquarium purchases. It’s difficult to know exactly what lights are best for an aquarium just by looking at the box, and lights are often the most expensive boxes you buy for the tank. In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss how light spectrums and intensity are measured. They also offer up some recommendations for lighting based off of what they’ve used and loved. While it’s pretty much impossible to cover the full subject of lighting in a single podcast, this episode should give you a good baseline on how to pick lights for your tank. If you’ve got any questions or comments, head over to our Facebook page or send an e-mail to [email protected] Some of the products and brands discussed in this episode: TwinstarEcoTech RadionAI HydraAI PrimeCurrent TrueLumen StripsKessil

In this episode, Ben, Charles, and Amy talk about their favorite aquarium products. These are the filters, lights, additives, tools and more that make our hobby that much easier and more successful.

Ben, Charles, and Amy return to form in another top five list week. This time they discuss the aquarium plants that they believe don’t get the attention they deserve. Whether they’re classics that can be used differently, a perfect alternative for a more common plant, or relatively unknown, there’s a plant in this episode for nearly every aquascape.

If you’re a regular customer at Water Colors, you probably have a love hate relationship with our quarantine procedures. Each of our saltwater fish is quarantined for at least four weeks and treated for any possible parasite. Our staff is dedicated to selling only the most healthy fish possible. We strongly believe that this is the way that every aquarium shop should be operating. The decision to make this information public was a difficult one, but we consider it our responsibility to show the industry that it can be done successfully. In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery saltwater quarantine system publicly and in detail for the first time. This episode covers our exact methods for quarantining large batches of saltwater fish and the long, arduous journey that led us to them.

If you’ve ever considered breeding fish for fun or profit, you have probably considered selling to other hobbyists or fish stores. If you’re an experienced breeder, you may have wondered what goes into the value of your fish, and why it’s so much different than what you see on store shelves. In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy get into some of the details of why fish cost what they do and some tips and tricks to get the most out of breeding fish.

Bettas may be the most beloved group of fish on the planet. If you’re listening to this episode, chances are you’ve kept one if not many in your lifetime. While the domestic strains of Betta splendens are undoubtedly an aquarium staple, the wild species can be just as rewarding to keep, and in some ways less problematic. In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss bettas of all shapes and sizes, and how to keep them happy and healthy. Questions, comments, or corrections? e-mail [email protected] or stop by our Facebook page for more discussion.

Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss the broad subject of filtration. They explain the three types of filtration and why you need them, the nitrogen cycle, what a filter does, and (perhaps more importantly) what a filter does not do. Getting the right filtration for your tank can make maintenance easier. In this episode, they share their favorite types of filters and how they use them to keep their aquariums healthier. What’s your favorite filter? e-mail [email protected] or join us on Facebook for more discussion

In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy have a conversation on a hotly debated subject in the aquarium hobby. Should we be buying wild caught, captive bred, tank raised, or larval reared fish? What is the difference, and what is the best for our hobby as well as for our planet? While it may seem obvious that a fish in a tank is one less in the wild, the issue is as complex as any other in conservation. We want to hear what you have to say on this subject! e-mail your feedback to [email protected] or check us out on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In this episode: Ben gets the opportunity to geek out on one of his favorite groups of fish. Killifish are some of the most diverse and adaptable organisms on the planet, found in nearly every type of freshwater ecosystem and on nearly every continent. If you’ve never considered keeping killifish before, give this episode a try. There’s a killi for every method of aquarium keeping, you just need to find the right one. Have something to say about this episode or general podcast feedback? Send an e-mail to [email protected] Check us out on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more content.

It’s easier than ever to find information, but how do we know who to trust? In the misinformation age, it can be difficult to differentiate fact from opinion. Whether a source is in person, online, or even printed there are some telltale signs that something may not be correct. During this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss their tips and tricks for assessing information and its credibility.

In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss the most majestic and one of the most misunderstood groups of saltwater fish. Angelfish come in all sizes and if you’re into reef keeping, chances are there’s a species of angel that will work in your tank

In this week’s episode of the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast: Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss one of the more controversial subjects in the aquarium hobby. Genetically modified fish can be hybrids, transgenic, or selectively bred. Let us know how you feel on the subject! Check out Water Colors Aquarium Gallery on YouTube, and as always, #keepthosehandswet

This episode is a good one for anyone considering a saltwater setup. Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss the subject of the saltwater cleanup crew. A clean up crew is the team of invertebrates and fish that can make aquarium maintenance that much easier, but they aren’t all always needed. They share their favorite helpers and those who’ve been less than helpful, as well as some tips to prevent needing them in the first place.

In this episode, Ben, Charles, and Amy attempt to answer the huge question: “How do I start an aquarium?” In the process, they discuss their best time saving and budget saving options for many different types of aquariums, as well as how to start up some of the more specialized systems. Whether you’re just starting your first tank, making the jump to saltwater, or just want to take your hobby to the next level these tips provide a place to get started.

Another Top Five list from Water Colors. Ben, Charles, and Amy discuss their top five underrated saltwater fish. Whether they’ll fit in any reef or deserve a tank all to themselves, these fish deserve a bigger place in the reefkeeping hobby. If you’ve never kept a reef tank before, they focus on some fish that would be the perfect start to your saltwater hobby.

This time Ben, Charles, and Amy talk about the saltwater fish they hope never to see at Water Colors. There’s some debate over why a fish doesn’t belong in a reef tank, but there are certainly some they can all agree on! If you’re interested in this subject, don’t forget to listen to our first episode to hear the freshwater version. Let us know which fish are on your list. Species Listed in this Episode: – Catalina goby (Lythrypnus dalli) – Porcupine pufferfish (Diodon holocanthus) – Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) – Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) – Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) – Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) – Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) – Smoothhound sharks (Mustelus spp.) – Remoras (Family: Echeneidae) – Cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) – Tarpons (Megalops spp.) – Ribbon eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita) – Pinnate batfish (Platax pinnatus) – Harlequin sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides) – Engineer goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia) – Sixline wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) – Damselfishes (Subfamily: Pomacentrinae) – Yellow/Lemon damselfish (Pomacentrus moluccensis) – Dusky damselfish (Stegastes adustus) – Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) – Domino damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) – Green Chromis (Chromis viridis) – Parrotfishes (Family: Scaridae)

In this episode of the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast, Charles gets to flex his research muscles. He, Ben, and Amy share what they know about clownfish. From their genetic history, to the quirks and stories that make them some of the most beloved aquarium fish. For those of you who’ve heard enough about a certain famous clown, hear them out. They discuss all of the different clades and complexes of clownfish, highlighting what makes each uniquely fascinating.

In this episode Ben, Charles, and Amy tackle the tricky subject of testing. This may seem like a dry subject, but it illustrates the difference in their aquarium keeping styles and philosophies. From cycling your tank to managing SPS corals, they get into what situations testing is useful for and how to go about it. Let us know what you do to test your water. Don’t forget to subscribe and check out our youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KDJMM0-5FyHM3QMC_1Vqg/

In this episode: Ben, Charles, and Amy made lists of the 5 aquarium fish that don’t get enough love. These are the fish we’re really excited to talk about, but don’t hear too many other people mention. Let us know which fish you think are underrated!

In this episode Ben, Charles, and Amy brought to the table five types of freshwater fish that you’re not likely to see in our shop. Let us know what you think, but keep the discussion civil. Do you agree with our picks? What fish do you think shouldn’t be for sale? Corrections: – In this episode, we state that max size for a tiger shovelnose catfish is eight feet long. There are reports of them reaching this size in the wild, but we cannot find a reliable source for one larger than five feet. Species Listed in this Episode: – Clown knifefish (Chitala ornata) – Flowerhorn cichlid (Hybrid) – Silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) – Black arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) – Tiger shovelnose catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) – Black ranchu goldfish (Carassius auratus) – Iridescent shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) – Pacu (Colossoma macropomum) – Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) – Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) – Feeder goldfish (Carassius auratus) – Kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii) – Giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) – Denison barb (Sahyadria denisonii)

Welcome to the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast! In this podcast we’ll be discussing everything aquariums: fish we love and fish we don’t think belong in tanks, how to keep and breed fish, propogating plants and corals, and of course sharing stories about the crazy hobby that is our passion. This introduction covers Ben, Amy, and Charles’ personal histories. We talk about how we got into the aquarium hobby and how we ended up at Water Colors