In this episode of Reef and Reptiles we will be discussing some of the items needed for Fritz's new baby ball python.  Fritz has a 10 gallon aquarium so he wants to set it up for his future baby ball python.  Fritz plans to buy his substrate from THE BIO DUDE, so I'll talk about all of the other items that Fritz will need in order to set up his tank for his new buddy.

We will talk about, heating, screen lids, lighting, a few other considerations.

Amazon Affiliate Links to Products Mentioned in this Episode:
ZOOMED HEATINGPAD - https://amzn.to/3ImvmLR
Foil Tape - https://amzn.to/3d5npw5
10 Gallon Screen Cover - https://amzn.to/3o85gnv
Screen Clips - https://amzn.to/3odlkEy
BN LINK Reptile Thermostat - https://amzn.to/3d8JTw5
LED Light - https://amzn.to/31fZd7s
Feeding Tongs - https://amzn.to/3I8qw4D

In today's episode of Reefs and Reptiles, I'll be discussing my fish tanks and ponds.  I currently have about 7 different types of tanks and ponds and some are going well and other need a lot of work.  My pea puffer 20 gallon long tank in particular needs help.  This tank has no balance, and as a result it is covered in algae.  I am going to try and remedy this problem by putting my pea puffers in a 40 gallon breeder tank.  I am also moving my ocellaris clownfish into a 40 gallon breeder tank.  The take away from this episode is to "pace yourself" - as fish and reptile keepers we have a tendency to accumulate a lot of "pets" in a short amount of time.  With work, family and other responsibilities it gets hard to take care of many pets at once.  My advice to everyone is to slow down.   Take your time putting together a new tank and add the pets (fish or reptiles) last.  Let the plants or corals take hold and grow out before adding any organisms.  This will lead to longer term success.

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles we will be speaking with my friend Fritz.  Fritz wants a snake and after thinking it through, he is really interested in Ball Pythons.  We will talk about things to consider for a first time ball python keeper.  I'll talk to Fritz about morphs, breeders, caging, feeding and many other topics.  This episode is great for anyone that has been thinking about getting a ball python.  Hopefully we will be able to keep up with Fritz on his journey to joining our reptile community.  I'm looking forward to providing updates as he gets closer to getting his pet snake!

This episode of Reefs and Reptiles is a walk down memory lane with my mom.  When I was a kid my dad bought a 48 gallon Oceanic fish tank for my mom for their anniversary.  Little did I know that this fish tank would shape my life in a very profound way.  I have memories of going to the local pet store and picking out new fish.  In hindsight, it was clear that no one involved in this endeavor knew what they were doing.  The fish store employees showed my mom how to mix salt and water in a bucket and that was about it.  In this tank we kept a Clown Triggerfish, a Picasso Triggerfish, a Naso Tang, a butterfly fish (not sure which one to this day), a Domino damselfish, a Yellow-tailed damselfish, a Volitan Lionfish, a Snowflake Eel, a black and Striped Eel catfish (don't see them much today), and an Percula clownfish.  There may have been a few other members of this tank, but it was so long ago I can't remember.  If you haven't guessed yet, this tank didn't work, and we struggled to keep all the inhabitants alive.  Looking back, I wish we had known more and had received better advice from the fish store employees, but I believe this store had just started keeping saltwater fish themselves and didn't know much more than we did.  At the end of the day while I am sad that the fish didn't live longer, this tank did spark my life long love of marine fish tanks.  My hope is that sharing this experience will help you all see how far we have come and also caution people against "diving right in" and getting too many fish right away (spoiler alert, it doesn't work!)

In today's episode we will be talking about Panther Chameleons.  Pather Chameleons are true show stopping pets.  Their colors are out of this world.  If you are looking for a pet that you can have in your living room in a nice planted terrarium, this reptile may be for you.   I'll go over cage set ups and other considerations that you should keep in mind before getting a Panther Chameleon.  Ultimately these reptiles are one of the coolest pets you can have, and if you are willing to set up a high quality natural environment for one, you should definitely do it!

In this episode we will be talking about the Green Spotted Puffer - Tetraodon Nigroviridis.  While these puffers are usually sold as freshwater fish, they do require brackish or full saltwater in order to live full healthy lives.  My Green Spotted Puffer is named Arnold, and I'll be giving you insight into how I keep Arnold and some of the "friends" that he lives with.  Green Spotted Puffers give you all the character and personality of a puffer in a bright green and small package.  They really are a wonderful pet fish and are definitely worth looking into.

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles we will be talking about lessons I've learned over the past 2 years starting freshwater planted tanks.  I'll go over hardscape thoughts and ideas on substrates.  I even talk about which plants I'd buy and which ones I'd wait to buy until after I had more experience.  If you are thinking about starting a planted tank or if you are fairly new to the planted tank world this episode is for you.

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles we will be discussing Leopard Geckos.  Leopard Geckos make amazing first time reptile pets.  The hardest part about keeping a Leopard Gecko is keeping the bugs that they need to eat.  As long as you are willing to gut load crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, you will be off to a good start with your geckos.  We will talk about feeding leos and cage set ups that they will enjoy.  Leopard Geckos are one of my favorite reptiles, they are so popular because they are so wonderful.

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles, we explore the exciting world of Nano Reef Tanks.  For me this is any tank under 75 gallons, although I tend to focus on tanks 40 gallons or less.  We will talk about coral selection, equipment, and tank size.  I will give you all of the insights I have on LPS, SPS, and soft corals- which ones worked well for me and which ones never seemed to be happy.  After this episode you should have more confidence setting up and Nano Reef.  It does take forethought and planning, but if you are dedicated you can make it happen and the results can be stunning!

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles we will be talking about Betta splendens, otherwise known as the Siamese Fighting Fish.  The biggest take away from this episode is that while Bettas are typically sold in deli cup sized containers, they do so much better in larger aquariums.  I believe that because fish stores typically present Bettas in these small containers, consumers get the impression that Bettas like being in small fish bowls.  Bettas like to swim around and appreciate space and warm water.  We will go over basic needs of Bettas and talk about potential Betta tank mates.