Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

Latest Episodes:

255. Top 5 Fish Improved by Blackwater Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

Continuing the blackwater aquarium theme, the hosts discuss their top 5 fish picks that look incredible in stained water. To learn all about blackwater aquariums, refer to our previous episode (254. Intro to Blackwater Aquariums). We cover a wide variety of species native to blackwater environments. Some species are selected due to their striking coloration in these environments, while some are selected due to amazing breeding behavior stimulated by blackwater. What are your favorite blackwater fish?

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Species mentioned in this episode:

Bororas micros
Betta persephone
Trichilocharax ornatus
Ladigesia roloffi
Nannostomus mortenthaleri
Melanotaenia jakora
Betta brownorum
Betta albimarginata
Parosphromenus ornacaudata
Parosphromenus nagyi
Sphaerichthys vallianti
Pteronotropus welaka
Pteronotropus hypselopterus
Pteronotropus signipinnis
Sundadanio goblinus
Taeniacara candidi
Diapteron sp.
Apistogramma panduro

254. Intro to Blackwater Aquariums Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

There’s a new trend taking the hobby by storm – blackwater tanks! These aquariums often have a stained appearance, with water resembling tea. They frequently are designed with lots of leaf litter and other botanicals, minimal flow, and little to no aquarium plants. Aside from the visual appearance, these tanks will also have lower pH and hardness, replicating softer water environments where many blackwater fish are found. The hosts discuss these setups in detail, covering design elements, equipment, water chemistry, and many of the fish species that thrive in these environments. How do you feel about blackwater aquariums?

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253. The Myth of the No Maintenance Aquarium Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

For as long as aquariums have existed, there have been hobbyists looking for ways to avoid maintenance. From misleading products to “experts” online, there are numerous sources that give hobbyists the false impression that it’s OK to skip water changes completely! In this episode, the Water Colors hosts dispel these myths, while also discussing what scenarios might allow for minimal maintenance setups.

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252. Developments in the Marine Hobby Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome back Charles to discuss changes and trends in the marine aquarium hobby. Comparing livestock lists through the years, the hosts make note of species that have fallen out of favor, changed in price, or become unavailable altogether. Through this discussion, we make some predictions about the future of the marine fishkeeping hobby and how our choices may impact the trajectory of the aquarium industry as a whole.

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251. Guppy Strains Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses guppy strains and the history associated with some of the famous strains we all know and love. Guppies are one of the oldest, most well-known fish in the hobby – with many aquarists beginning their journeys by keeping guppy tanks. Through selective breeding, we’ve developed a variety of amazing strains. The possibilities are endless!

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250. 2025 Year in Review Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

As we move into the new year, we celebrate our 250th episode by reminiscing on 2025. We had some monumental accomplishments this past year, including many amazing podcast guests, an extremely successful batch of baby bamboo sharks, and the astounding growth of our podcast community! We want to take a moment to thank everyone for following along and supporting our mission. We wrap up this episode by brainstorming new goals for 2026. This episode is dedicated to Splash, the greatest shop dog we could have ever asked for.

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249. Fish Rooms with Mike Monje & Craig Forist Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this exciting episode, we have two celebrity guests in the studio to discuss their personal fish room builds! Mike Monje and Craig Forist share details about their own fish rooms at home, as well as some secrets to help you build your own dream workspace. The hosts and guests share some great accomplishments, tank disasters, and tips and tricks for creating the most efficient and effective fish rooms. What does your dream work space look like?

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248. Top 5 Non Reef Safe Fish Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 favorite fish that are not safe to keep with coral. The average reef aquarium in 2026 has a variety of mixed corals. Many of the most interesting fish in the aquarium trade are unsafe to keep with corals. This means there’s a whole world of fun and unique species that get overlooked, simply because they’re not compatible with the average reef tank. Many of the species mentioned in this episode will eat corals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in the hobby! What are your favorite non reef safe fish?

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Species mentioned in this episode:

Scribbled boxfish, ostracion solarensis
Yellow clown goby, gobiodon okinawae
Red Sea cleaner wrasse, larabicus quadrilineatus
Orange spotted rabbitfish, siganus guttatus
Eibli angelfish, centropyge eibli
Lemonpeel angelfish, centropyge flavissima
Regal angelfish, pygoplites diacanthus
Brownband butterflyfish, roa modesta
Threadfin butterflyfish, chaetodon auriga
Chocolate chip starfish, protoreaster nodosus
Peppered butterflyfish, chaetodon guttatissimus
Undulated triggerfish, balistapus undulatus
Caribbean longnose butterflyfish, prognathodes aceleatus

247. Top 5 Anabantoids Excluding Bettas Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

We all love bettas, but what other anabantoids need some time in the spotlight? In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their top 5 species from the suborder anabantoidei. This includes many beloved fish such as gouramis, paradisefish, badis, and even channa! Discussions include native habitats, captive care, breeding reports, and more! What’re your favorite anabantoids?

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Species mentioned in this episode:

Blue paradisefish, macropodus opercularis
Spiketail paradisefish, pseudosphromenus dayi
Gollum snakehead, aenigmachanna gollum
Noble gourami, ctenops nobilis
Ornate paradisefish, melpulatta kretseri
Peppermint pikehead, luciocephalus aura
Crossband chocolate gourami, sphaerichthys selatanensis
Honey gourami, trichogaster chuna
Giant sparkling gourami, trichopsis schalleri
Leopard bushfish, ctenopoma acutirostre
Black paradisefish, macropodus spechti
Rainbow snakehead, channa bleheri
Banded bushfish, microtenopoma fasciolatum
Red flame badis, dario hysginon
Strawberry licorice gourami, parosphromenus nagyi
Moonspot licorice gourami, paosphromenus linkei

246. Aquarium History: Fish Tanks Through The Ages Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Water Colors team takes a trip back in time. The early aquarium hobby has some fascinating origins, some good and some not so good. Much of what we know about aquariums has changed through the years, but one thing remains constant – people are enamored with fish. In this discussion, we’ll go through some of the earliest fish species to be imported and kept in the US, as well as aquarium styles, equipment, and care through the years. Do you own any retro aquariums?

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