Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

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....

This episode covers the genus centropyge,  as well as some new taxonomic breakthroughs that   have rewritten how we classify marine angelfish. Many of the species that we once knew as centropyge are now split into a handful of new genera, as well as some unclassified complexes. Join us as we struggle through the taxonomic nightmare that is marine angelfish. Isn’t taxonomy fun?    ...

This episode was recorded with a live audience, including members of the South West Michigan Aquarium Society (SWMAS)! The Water Colors Team is joined by some local club members to discuss their favorite types of aquarists that frequent club meeting and local fish stores. This discussion also aims to emphasize the importance of club participation, and how you can contribute! If you are looking for...

In this episode, the Water Colors team focuses on some fun, measurable achievements that aquarists can feel proud of. Whether you’re an experienced fishkeeper, or brand new to the game – here are some fun benchmarks to consider as you level up in the aquarium hobby. From the first time you see baby fish in your tank, to winning an award for your aquascapes or club accomplishments, thes...

In this brand new episode format, the Water Colors team is blindly reacting to aquarium stories told by the editor. The topics range from shocking aquarium horror stories, to tank disasters, and even fishy miracles. 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 linke...

This episode is a deep dive into cephalopods and how they may (or may not) fit into aquariums. Charles and the Water Colors Team discuss a variety of species, including cuttlefish, octopods, and more! These organisms are often thought of for their remarkable intelligence and ability to problem solve. This same intelligence can also make them challenging to keep in captivity. Many cephalopods have...

In this episode, the Water Colors team shares their favorite species of rainbowfish. Best known for the dazzling colors they exhibit, there is most certainly a rainbowfish for every aquarist. From larger melanotaenia species that can easily fill out a 90 gallon aquarium, to small and flashy pseudomugils fit for blackwater or even brackish tanks! Many rainbowfish are notorious for taking a while to...

In this episode, we discuss invasive species education and outreach with Paige Filice of RIPPLE. This campaign aims to work with aquarium retailers to ensure Michigan’s waterways are protected against invasive species. We’ll learn all about some of our state’s species of concern, as well as what we can do as a retailer to better inform our customers. We also hope this episode can...

Let’s face it – the aquarium industry causes a lot of harm. From invasive species to over harvesting, the need for regulation in this industry is greater than ever. In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses some recently passed and proposed regulations, as well as dissecting some of the process behind their creation and implementation. Often, hobbyists panic at the thought of be...

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team each comes to the table with their own mystery topic. The topic is randomly selected live, and the discussion is led by one host. This episode is led by Charles, discussing live foods and their use in aquariums. Live food cultures are an excellent way to feed your fish, and a great way to encourage breeding and to feed fry. There are countless vari...

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team each comes to the table with their own mystery topic. The topic is randomly selected live, and the discussion is led by one host. This episode is led by Ben, discussing a variety of saltwater fish that don’t seem to be successful in hobbyist reef tanks. This is meant to be a thought experiment – dissecting some possible theories on why...

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team each comes to the table with their own mystery topic. The topic is randomly selected live, and the discussion is led by one host. This episode is led by Amy, discussing general cichlid compatibility. These are some of the most common questions we receive at the gallery; “can this go with that?” This is an extremely broad question, given...

Brine shrimp are one of the most ubiquitous fish foods in the history of fish keeping. These extremophiles cover the globe thanks to wind and birds, which can transport cysts to new locations – creating new populations and ecotypes. The use of brine shrimp has unlocked many monumental breakthroughs in fish breeding and rearing. This episode will break down the nutritional value of brine shri...

The past several decades have brought some monumental advances to the aquarium hobby. From marine breeding breakthroughs to taxonomic discoveries, we have a better understanding of our aquariums and animals than ever before. Technological innovations give us more efficient equipment in smaller, sleeker packages. The world of reef keeping is becoming more accessible with each passing day. What new...