Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Water Colors Aquarium Gallery
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- Leisure
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Ben, owner of Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids, MI is joined by his store managers Amy and Charles to discuss the aquarium hobby.
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Zebra Danios: Saving the World One Fish at a Time
In this episode, we take a focused look at zebra danios, AKA zebrafish or Danio rerio. Zebra danios are one of the most iconic aquarium fish due to their hardiness, abundance, and high energy. Because of this, aquarists can often view them as beginner fish, but they're so much more than that. Charles and the Water Colors team discuss the use of zebrafish as model organisms for genetic research, and how they could be the link to some incredible breakthroughs in modern science. We'll also take a look at some breeding techniques used in laboratory settings, as well as some fascinating behaviors exhibited by one of the most overlooked species in the aquarium hobby.
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 -
Freshwater Snails: Friends or Foes?
Let's talk about snails. Some aquarists are militant about the presence of "pest" snails in their aquariums, but we here at Water Colors embrace them! They play a vital role in aquariums, processing decaying plant matter, uneaten food, and even deceased fish! In this episode, the team discusses some of the common snail species in the hobby; including species profiles, care, and even some solutions for snail problems.
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 -
The Great Damsel Debate
The concept of damsel fish in aquariums goes back to the beginning of marine fishkeeping. They are often used as "throwaway" fish to cycle new tanks due to their cheap cost and hardy nature. Generally speaking, damsels also have a nasty reputation for aggression, despite their smaller size. Because of this, the aquarium community is rather split on the topic, with strong opinions on both sides. Ben and Calder debate where exactly these fish belong in the hobby, coming from different backgrounds and experiences with the fish in the family pomacentridae.
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
Species mentioned in this episode:
Yellowtail damsel, Chrysiptera parasema
Dusky damsel, Stegastes adustus
Jewelled damsel, Microspathodon chrysurus
Domino damsel, Dascyllus trimaculatus
Talbot's damsel, Chrysiptera talboti
Reticulated damsel, Dascyllus reticulatus
Springer's damsel, Chrysiptera springeri
Allen's damsel, Pomacentrus alleni
Three stripe damsel, Dascyllus aruanus
Blue devil damsel, Chrysiptera cyanea
Starck's damsel, Chrysiptera starcki
Lemon damsel, Pomacentrus moluccensis
Blue velvet damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon -
Women in the Aquarium Hobby
This episode is an open ended discussion surrounding women in the aquarium hobby. It's no surprise that women are underrepresented in the world of fish keeping, and we would love to dissect why this may be the case. Amy, with the help of three other well-respected women in our local aquarium scene, dive into this topic and speak about their own experiences as they progress as aquarists.
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 -
Top 3 Places to See Fish in the Wild
The Water Colors team discusses the importance of travel in this unique episode! There are so many reasons to explore the world, but here we discuss our top 3 favorite places to view wild fish in their natural habitat. These experiences can teach us so much about our favorite species, and give us context as to how they behave in their environments. From wild killifish to soaring eagle rays; we'll hear about some ambitious dream locations and real-world anecdotes from recent travels in this episode. How far would you travel to see your favorite fishes?
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
Locations mentioned in this episode:
Nusa Penida Island, Thailand
Steps Beach Tres Palmas Reserve, Puerto Rico
Ambergris Caye, Belize
India
San Blas Islands, Panama
Malawi, East Africa
Cameroon
Thailand
Micronesia
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Republic of Palau -
Top 5 Variations of the Blood-Red Parrot Cichlid
One of the most beloved fish in the Water Colors universe is the stunning Blood-red Parrot cichlid. They come in so many fun shapes and colors, what's not to love? Plus, they play so well with their tank mates! This episode is dedicated to our top 5 favorite variations of the most iconic aquarium fish of all time.
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
Customer Reviews
New Listener and Hooked
I just recently found the podcast and I’m really enjoying it. There aren’t too many podcasts out there about Freshwater Aquarium fish so I was thrilled to find this. I like that you dig deeper into the science and ethics etc.
Overall great job. Keep it up ! Keith - Portland, Maine
Excellent podcast!
Just discovered this pod as I prepare to set up my first aquarium, and I love it. The banter between these 3 experts is great, and I come away from each show with a ton of new knowledge.
Science schmience
Charles means well but can we keep the soap boxing to a minimum? Generalities in any shape or form is not science. And as a scientist he should be ashamed concluding the average spincasting (non fly fisher) fisherman doesn’t care about the environment they are in. Dingell-Johnson act? The vast majority of fisherman know where these taxes are going. To conservation programs. Please have the scientist actually research before opening his mouth.