Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

What exactly is a blackwater aquarium? In this episode of the podcast, the Water Colors team do their best to demystify what exactly makes an aquarium “blackwater” and how to do it at home. Corrections: – Betta brownorum is not named for its color. It is named after Barbara and Allan Brown, who first collected the species. Fishes Mentioned in this Episode: – Apistogramma sp...

The Water Colors team discusses their favorite aquarium breeding projects, including some monumental successes and even some failures. Some species are ridiculously simple to breed, while others take some serious planning and strategy. We’d love to hear about your breeding stories in the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook Group! Fishes Mentioned in this Episode: –...

In this episode, the Water Colors team discuss a few biotope ideas! A biotope is an aquarium made to closely replicate a natural habitat, down to the plants and type of drift wood. It’s a fun concept to completely geek out over! Tell us about your dream biotope in the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Group. Corrections: – Lakes that have no outflow are referred to as &#8...

When you look back, what do you wish you knew about aquarium keeping before diving into the hobby? In this episode, the Water Colors team discuss some mistakes and misconceptions we wish we knew years ago. Tell us about the things you wish that you had known when you first started keeping aquariums in the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook Group. Corrections: In this episode...

Listen to the team discuss their favorite species that are newly available in the industry. Comment below any new fish we missed that are on your radar. Corrections: – Celestial Pearl danios are mentioned as being endemic to Lake Inle. While they are native to Lake Inle, they are not specifically endemic to Lake Inle. Fishes Mentioned in This Episode: – Bristlenose Pleco varieties ( An...

If you’ve been around the hobby long enough, you’ve definitely heard some horror stories. In this episode, the team discusses the worst tragedies, mysteries, and disasters they’ve come across after many years in the aquarium industry. Some stories are unexplainable, some are gut wrenching, and some are just terribly expensive mistakes. We’d love to read about your aquarium...

In this Top 5 episode, the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery team discusses beginner mistakes specific to planted aquariums. There are many missteps that most, if not all, hobbyists seem prone to making that can be easily avoided. Check out this episode to hear some advice that just might save you from the blunders our team has experienced. Species Mentioned in this Episode: – Anubias spp. &#821...

Another Top 5 episode where the team discusses beginner mistakes in reef aquariums. There are a handful of mishaps that can be easily avoided with a little research and the right advice. Listen in to find out how to save yourself from a ruined tank with a few easy tips.

“What do you mean you don’t want to do it right?!” – Ben In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses the complicated topic of conservation within the aquarium hobby. We owe it to the animals we keep in aquariums to ensure that our hobby isn’t contributing to the loss of the organisms we claim to love. Let us know in the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Liste...

In this episode, the Water Colors team interviews professional aquascaper Jeff Miotke! Jeff is a friend of the store with a very successful career in aquascaping competitions, demonstrations, and public speaking events. Listen in to learn about his journey into the hobby and to pick up a few tips and tricks from the perspective of a decorated aquarist known around the world.

In this episode, the team discusses designer clownfishes. Through selective breeding and careful manipulation, there are some stunning “fancy” clownfish available in the aquarium trade. We discuss some of our favorites variations, and some true abominations of nature. Fishes Mentioned in this Episode: – Flowerhorn cichlid (?) – Blood Parrot cichlid ( Amphilophus citrinellus...

Today, the Water Colors team investigates the topic of schooling fish in saltwater aquariums. We’ll dive into several species that are commonly sold as schooling fish, and why they DON’T WORK! Listen to today’s episode and see why the concept of schooling fish in saltwater aquariums is largely a myth.

One tank turns into two, which turns into a few more… Before you know it, you have a dedicated room to house all your aquariums (and a hefty electric bill). This week, we discuss the concept of fish rooms, and how to manage Multiple Tank Syndrome. Let us know what your dream fish room looks like!

In this episode, the team at Water Colors discusses their Top 5 CARES fish species. The CARES Preservation Program (Conservation, Awareness, Recognition and Responsibility, Encouragement and Education, and Support and Sharing) is based on conservation efforts and public education. Let us know in the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook Group what rare and endangered fish specie...

In this episode, the team discusses the misinformation and unethical practices of many large scale aquarium businesses. Here at Water Colors, we’ve seen first hand just how many new hobbyists are given awful advice from chain stores. Take a listen and see how common misinformation affects newcomers and the industry as a whole.

This is part 2 of our Captive-Bred Saltwater Fish discussion, listen to Episode 74 for more information on this topic. The team is discussing captive-bred saltwater fish that are available in the hobby. Here at Water Colors, we’re both impressed and inspired by the innovations in captive breeding efforts. Despite this, we’ve run into some issues with captive-bred fish. Let us know how...

In this 2 part episode, the team is discussing captive-bred saltwater fish that are available in the hobby. Here at Water Colors, we’re both impressed and inspired by the innovations in captive breeding efforts. Despite this, we’ve run into some issues with captive-bred fish. Let us know what you think about our favorite captive-bred species, and stay tuned for part 2 where we discuss...

The team discusses our top 5 brands for aquarium products, and why we think they’re the best in their class. We stand by equipment that outperforms its competitors, is cost-efficient, and is just plain reliable. What brands do you trust?

You know those fish that just make amazing pets? More personable, more interested, more interactive? In today’s episode, we discuss our top “wet pets” in saltwater aquariums, and why they make such great companions.

You know those fish that just make amazing pets? More personable, more interested, more interactive? In today’s episode, we discuss our top “wet pets” in freshwater aquariums, and why they make such great companions.

The Water Colors team discusses all things discus in todays episode! Tune in to learn about one of the most prestigious freshwater fish around. Literature Cited: Manuella Villar Amado, Izeni P. Farias, Tomas Hrbek, “A Molecular Perspective on Systematics, Taxonomy and Classification Amazonian Discus Fishes of the Genus Symphysodon“, International Journal of Evolutionary Biology, Vol. 2...

The team discusses frequently asked saltwater questions, and dispels some common myths and assumptions. Lots of useful information for new hobbyists and seasoned veterans alike.

This episode is inspired by listener questions on our Facebook group! The team discusses frequently asked coral questions, ranging from some of the basics to some advanced water chemistry knowledge. If you’re new to reef keeping, or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll certainly learn something new from this discussion.

With the help of special guest Dr. Alisha Davidson, an expert in invasive species, the Water Colors team discusses the potential impending changes to the LACEY Act, and how it might affect the aquarium hobby/trade. Don’t freak out, this episode is all about breaking down the potential amendments for all to understand.

What makes a fish funny? In this episode: Ben, Amy, and Charles use a Top 5 list in an attempt to answer that question.