Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

Latest Episodes:

215. Selective Breeding May 09, 2025

Show notes

Maintenance breeding, conservation breeding, inbreeding, and outbreeding – what does it all mean? Charles returns to the podcast to discuss selective breeding and population genetics. It’s important to consider these concepts when taking on any breeding projects. Join us as we take a deep dive!

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214. Top 5 Soft Corals May 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses their favorite soft corals. We have loosely categorized soft corals using the hobby’s distinctions, but keep in mind this is not based on any scientific classifications. Corals in this category are often very easy to keep, many of which propagate very quickly in home aquariums. They are often more forgiving, making them great additions to reef tanks of all styles. What soft corals are your favorites?

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Species mentioned in this episode:

palythoa grandis
zoanthidae
sarcophyton
cladiella
rhodactis
ricordea
discosoma
sinularia brassica
sclerophytum
anthelia
grogonians
- plexaura homomalla
- briareum asbestinum
- antillogorgia bipinnata
- pinnigorgia flava
briareum violaceum
unomia stolonifera
sympodium
conglomeratusclera coerulea

References used in this episode:

https://www.marinespecies.org/

https://www.coralsoftheworld.org/page/home/

213. Interview with Algae Expert Dr. Jordyn Stoll Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this interview, the Water Colors Team chats with special guest Dr. Jordyn Stoll, an accomplished aquatic ecologist with an expertise in algae! Jordyn’s formal interest in aquatic ecology began during her undergraduate work at Cleveland State University, where she helped with research using diatom fossils to understand changes in lake conditions over time. From there, she pursued a PhD at Kent State University, where she studied the effects of various nutrients on algae in the Great Lakes, Lake Victoria in Kenya, and the Cuyahoga River, specifically aimed at better understanding harmful algal blooms. Now as an aquatic ecologist with her own business, she hopes to continue researching and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species such as Didymosphenia geminata, while also working to improve freshwater habitat through restoration efforts. We are honored to have Jordyn on the show to share her expertise!

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

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212. Betta Troubleshooting: What’s Wrong with my Betta? Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

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 recommended treatments. Often, issues with bettas are simply due to bad genetics as a result of overbreeding. We love bettas, and we want to help you ensure your betta lives a full and comfortable life!

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211. Top 5 Tanganyikan Cichlids Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

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, while others are akin to freshwater barracudas! Which Tanganyikans have you kept? What are your favorite species?

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Sources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.tfhmagazine.com/articles/freshwater/breeding-neolamprologus-caudopunctatus

Species mentioned in this episode:

Neolamprologus pulcher
Neolamprologus helianthus
Tropheus sp. ‘Black’ Bemba
Tropheus moorii ‘Firecracker Red’
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
Neolamprologus brevis
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Boulegerochromis microlepis
Xenotilapia melanogenys
Xenotilapia flavipinnis
Xenotilapia sp. ‘Papilio Sunflower’
Lepidolamprologus Nkambe
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
Altolamprologus calvus
Neolamprologus leleupi
Eretmodus marksmithi
Eretmodus cyanostictus
Callochromis pleurospilus
Telmatochromis vittatus
Cyphotilapia frontosa
Neolamprologus tretocephalus
Paracyprichromis nigripinnis
Benthochromis horii

210. Aquascaping Styles Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

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 list can be shorter or longer depending on who you ask! Which aquascaping styles have you experimented with?

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

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Sources referenced in this episode:

https://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/Articles/Vin-Dutch/
- AGA article by Vin Kutty
https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/a-brief-and-incomplete-history-of-aquascaping.57890/
- History of Aquascaping article on UKAPS
https://online.fliphtml5.com/hwppk/nvsi/?fbclid=IwAR1SeUMjpw_ePb7lySWroCWLFlKp_POfa8-GYtyoW0_EE71Prp_vNrzIBTw#p=12
- NBAP official Dutch Aquascaping rules

209. Interview with Dave Hemmerlein Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

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, and collecting killifish of all varieties.

The Killifish Karnival/Tropical Magic show: https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

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Michiana Aquarium Society: https://mas.fish/

Southwest Michigan Aquarium Society: https://www.swmas.club/

208. Dirt-Spawning Killifish Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

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 of their own experiences. Which varieties of killifish do you want to keep?

To learn more about the upcoming Killifish Karnival/Tropical Magic event (3/29/2025 – 3/30/2025) visit: https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Resources mentioned in this episode:

207. Mop-Spawning Killifish Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

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 small tanks, making them the perfect fish for those with limited space. Did we mention that some of these species are, in our opinion, the most beautiful freshwater fish of all time? The hosts discuss their favorite species, care requirements, and personal experiences keeping mop-spawning killis.

To learn more about the upcoming Killifish Karnival/Tropical Magic event (3/29/2025 – 3/30/2025) visit: https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

206. Killifish Biotopes Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

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 rice paddies. Which biotope would you want to setup?

To learn more about the upcoming Killifish Karnival/Tropical Magic event (3/29/2025 – 3/30/2025) visit: https://mas.fish/society-events/killifish-karnival/

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Biotopes/species mentioned in this episode:

Lake Mai-Ndombe, Congo River Basin
- Poropanchax brichardi, nanochromis transvestitus
Western Coastal India rice paddy
- Aplocheilus lineatus, danio rerio
Sierra Leone
- Epiplatys annulatus, lagidesia roloffi
Għadira Nature Reserve
- Aphanius fasciatus
Mediterranean ‘oasis’
- Paraphanius mento
Zanzibar seasonal streams/pools
- Nothobranchius guentheri
Ivindo River Drainage, Northern Gabon
- Diapteron fulgens, ‘barbus’ hulstaerti
Courantyne River
- Laimosemion xiphidius
Coastal Tanzania Vernal Pond
- Nothobranchius rubripinnis
Buenos Aires Flooded Pasture, Argentina
- Argolebias nigripinnis
Nyong River Watershed
- Fundulopanchax sjostedti

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