Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

Here at Water Colors, one of the most common topics we get asked about is “what’s wrong with my betta?” Bettas are one of the most commonly kept fish, so it makes sense that we hear about a lot of betta issues. But why are they so prone to problems? In this livestreamed episode, the Water Colors team discusses the common issues with bettas, the possible causes, and our recommende...

Lake Tanganyika is home to an astounding diversity of fish, nearly 350 endemic species! This makes narrowing down a top 5 list extremely challenging! In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their favorite species that reside in Africa’s second largest lake, as well as their care, behavior, and availability in the hobby. Some of the species mentioned include small goby cichlids, whil...

In this research-heavy episode, the Water Colors team discusses various aquascaping styles and how they differ. The history of aquascaping goes back nearly 100 years, with the earliest competitive style originating in the Netherlands. All of the various categories branch off from each other, with some similarities shared across the board. Biotope, Brazilian, jungle, and nature style – the li...

To wrap up our official Killifish Month, the Water Colors team welcomes Dave Hemmerlein as a special guest! Dave is a lifelong hobbyist, killifish expert, and 40+ year aquarium club member. He is active in both the Michiana Aquarium Society and the Southwest Michigan Aquarium Society. We are honored to have Dave join us for an interview, where he shares his diverse experience in keeping, breeding,...

To continue Killifish Month, the Water Colors team is back to discuss dirt-spawning killis! These varieties of killifish spawn in or over substrate. Hobbyists often use small containers of bark or peat to encourage this breeding behavior. Many of these varieties of killifish are incredibly easy to keep, and can be remarkably beautiful. The team discusses species profiles, care, and shares stories...

To continue Killifish month, the Water Colors team is back to discuss mop-spawning killifish! This distinction is given to killifish species that breed in moss/plant mats, which aquarists often replicate with yarn “mops” that are easily removed and combed for eggs. They make excellent project fish and are incredibly adaptable to various temperatures and parameters. They can be kept in...

To kick off killifish month, the Water Colors team is discussing biotope examples based around some of our favorite killifish! These examples focus on the native habitats of these killifish species. Some examples include specifics such as tank size, substrate, plants, decor, and other tankmates. We have biotope examples from all around the world, replicating lakes, rivers, vernal pools, and even r...

In this highly requested episode, the Water Colors team discusses mantis shrimp from the order  stomatopoda.  These organisms are some of the most fascinating, interactive, and beautiful pets you can keep in your home aquariums! We cover general care advice, species overviews, and even some fun first-hand stories. This topic is sure to get you interested in keeping a mantis shrimp of your own! Ple...

In this special episode, the Water Colors team is joined by representatives from Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited chapter (SWMTU). With the expertise of chapter president Nick Garlock and education coordinator Dave Helder, we discuss coldwater conservation and the Salmon in the Classroom (SIC) program. It’s no secret that we here at Water Colors have an appreciation for fish that goes f...

In this episode, the Water Colors team is joined by invasive crayfish expert Dr. Brian Roth. Brian is a fish ecologist and faculty member at Michigan State University’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. His expertise helps us discuss the hazards of invasive crayfish, as well as the aquarium industry’s role in their introduction. Brian provides valuable insight into the management practi...

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses plants that grow on structures, such as hardscape elements, as opposed to those that root directly in substrate. Classifying these types of plants can be tricky! We have most commonly used the term epiphyte , but it turns out this is more of a hobbyist classification rather than a scientific one. Rheophytes, epiphytes, microphytes, macrophytes, lith...

For our 200th episode of the WCAG podcast, we are celebrating with a Listener Questions special! (This is part 2, please listen to the previous episode to catch part 1 of our Listener Questions Special!) In this format, the Water Colors team blindly answers listener-submitted questions read off by the editor. We have some incredible listeners with a broad range of experience levels and varying int...

For our 200th episode of the WCAG podcast, we are celebrating with a Listener Questions special! In this format, the Water Colors team blindly answers listener-submitted questions read off by the editor. We have some incredible listeners with a broad range of experience levels and varying interests. As a result, we always end up with some fun, thought-provoking, and sometimes controversial questio...

We often encounter hobbyists who are furiously trying to adjust their pH, GH, or dKH based on something they read online. In this episode, we hope to dispel some myths about chasing parameters, and breakdown when and why you should make adjustments! Fish are surprisingly adaptable to varying conditions. Often, the fluctuations that come with chasing certain parameters can be more detrimental to yo...

The term “SPS” Corals, or small polyp stony corals, is a hobbyist distinction used to help differentiate care requirements of coral species in the reef keeping hobby. It’s a completely arbitrary label that has no scientific basis, but is very useful when discussing how to care for similar coral species. In this episode, Ben and Calder discuss many varieties of SPS corals, includi...

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team is blindly reacting to aquarium stories told by the editor. The topics range from shocking horror stories, to tank disasters, and even aquarium crimes! There is never a shortage of ridiculous posts in aquarium forums – so if you like this content, be sure to let your hosts know! All posts referenced in this episode will be linked below. &nbsp...

From color changing, to art making, and even singing, we are constantly surprised by the amazing behaviors of fish – both in nature and in our aquariums. In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 favorite behaviors exhibited by fish. Some of these are easy to witness in your home tanks, such as parental care, while others happen in the open ocean and have yet to be replica...

One of the most common inquiries in this industry is “how do I keep a shark?” This episode is about exactly that! There are a variety of “doable” shark species for home aquariums – none of which will be easy – but they sure do make some amazing pets. Ben, Amy, and Charles discuss a variety of shark species from the genera chiloscyllium, hemiscyllium , and atelom...

In this bonus episode, Amy and Ben discuss the origin of Water Colors. The path that brought us to where we are today took a lot of twists and turns! From developing a quarantine process, investing into a new location, and cleaning up LOTS of spills – we are feeling very thankful to be where we are today. What’s next for Water Colors?   Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aqua...

Pike cichlids are a great example of true predatory fish that can be kept in home aquariums. They range in size from 2-20″ approximately, and are widely distributed across the Amazon River basin. They enjoy warm water, lurking in the shadows, and devouring anything that might fit in their mouths. They make wonderful aquarium pets in thoughtfully planned tanks! In this episode, we discuss the...

It’s hard not to love pufferfish. They have many great qualities that can make them an excellent candidate for a truly interactive pet fish. They also, unfortunately, have a “bite first, ask questions later” tendency that other fish and corals don’t really like. In this episode, we discuss a variety of saltwater puffer species that are available in the aquarium hobby, as we...

In this controversial episode, the Water Colors team is joined by invasive species specialist Dr. Alisha Davidson to discuss the very real consequences of goldfish in our waterways. Goldfish certainly are the aquarium hobby darling. Nearly every aquarist has kept them at some point, and unfortunately, the aquarium industry is at fault for their presence in Michigan’s water ways. With the hel...

This is part 2 of our listener questions release, see the previous episode for the first half! These episodes are livestreamed at the time of recording on our YouTube channel – consider joining our YouTube membership for access to weekly livestreamed episodes! There is never a shortage of great questions and topics to kickstart some interesting conversations on these recording sessions. You...

We’re back with one of our favorite episode formats – answering listener submitted questions! These episodes are livestreamed at the time of recording on our YouTube channel – consider joining our YouTube membership for access to weekly livestreamed episodes! There is never a shortage of great questions and topics to kickstart some interesting conversations on these recording ses...

Everyone loves pufferfish! They are well known for their boisterous behaviors, curious personalities, and silly googly eyes. They come in a wide range of sizes and temperaments, but are often tough to fit into many existing aquariums due to their “bite first, ask questions later” mentality. In this episode, we discuss a variety of species; including their size, care, and compatibility....