Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

Latest Episodes:

37. Nano Reefs Apr 29, 2021

Show notes

The big trend in aquariums right now is small. Nano aquariums are easier to fit into your life, typically require less time to maintain, and are often cheaper than larger tanks. But where does this trend fit into the marine side of the hobby? Many of us have heard “bigger is better” when it comes to reef tanks. Thankfully, in our experience, this isn’t always true. With some careful planning a nano saltwater tank can be a lot less work and just as much fun! In this episode: Ben, Amy, and Charles discuss their experiences and ideas for reef tanks smaller than 20 gallons.

36. Freshwater vs. Saltwater Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, Ben sprung a surprise debate on us. What’s better, freshwater or saltwater? From the start it’s an impossible question, the disciplines are so different that comparing them seems fruitless. However Ben, Charles, and Amy try to tackle every angle a hobbyist may look at the issue. This includes species availability, time, difficulty, and cost.

While the conversation may come across as contentious, it’s all in good fun. What do you think is better? Keep it civil, but let’s keep the debate going!

35. Getting Started with Planted Aquariums Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

In this episode: Ben, Amy, and Charles take a look at what it takes to get into planted aquariums for the first time as a freshwater aquarist. In this scenario, they talk about hypothetically what it takes to transition into planted tanks. They discuss a hypothetical scenario in which they are converting a non planted aquarium into a planted aquarium. This discussion covers plant choice, substrate, lighting, and fertilization. While setting up a high end aquascape may take more effort or money than a handful of anubias plants, a beautiful tank is possible at any skill level and in most setups with a little careful planning.

34. Three Tanks Designed around a Saltwater Fish Apr 07, 2021

Show notes

We’re keeping the series going this week, but flipping the discussion over to the saltwater side of things!

This episode covers a wide range of marine fish from the common and hardy, to the rare and particular. While Ben, Amy, and Charles do tend to get carried away designing dream systems, most of the fish and aquariums discussed in this episode could be achieved by the average aquarist.

Questions and suggestions, or just have your own inspiration to share? Comment under this episode, send an email to podcast@watercolorsaquariumgallery.com or join us on Facebook to keep the conversation going!!

33. Three Tanks Designed Around a Freshwater Fish – PART 2 Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

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 podcast@watercolorsaquariumgallery.com, leave a comment, or send us a message on Facebook!

32. Three Tanks Designed Around a Freshwater Fish – PART 1 Mar 24, 2021

Show notes

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!

31. Five Freshwater Fish that Make us Smile Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

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.

30. Amazing Apistogramma Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

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.

29. Our Top Five Aquarium Myths Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

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 podcast@watercolorsaquariumgallery.com with questions, comments, or concerns.

28. Five Marine Creatures That Make Us Sad Feb 21, 2021

Show notes

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!

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