In this episode, we discuss invasive species education and outreach with Paige Filice of RIPPLE. This campaign aims to work with aquarium retailers to ensure Michigan’s waterways are protected against invasive species. We’ll learn all about some of our state’s species of concern, as well as what we can do as a retailer to better inform our customers. We also hope this episode can share how hobbyists at home can get better informed.

You can learn more about the RIPPLE campaign at https://www.canr.msu.edu/invasive_species/ripple/

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Let’s face it – the aquarium industry causes a lot of harm. From invasive species to over harvesting, the need for regulation in this industry is greater than ever. In this episode, the Water Colors team discusses some recently passed and proposed regulations, as well as dissecting some of the process behind their creation and implementation. Often, hobbyists panic at the thought of being regulated – with some of the loudest voices calling for outrage and opposition. The reality is that we need regulation; for the sake of our planet, the animals we love, and the longevity of the aquarium industry.  We hope to encourage listeners to not only accept this concept, but also learn how we can all have a seat at the table and discuss our opinions.

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

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In this new episode format, the Water Colors team each comes to the table with their own mystery topic. The topic is randomly selected live, and the discussion is led by one host. This episode is led by Charles, discussing live foods and their use in aquariums. Live food cultures are an excellent way to feed your fish, and a great way to encourage breeding and to feed fry. There are countless varieties of species you can culture at home, ranging from tiny copepods to large roaches – and everything in between. Some of these cultures are easy projects with minimal effort needed, while others are tricky to pull off and potentially not worth the hassle. Sustaining your own live food cultures at home can be a great way to save money and minimize waste.

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In this new episode format, the Water Colors team each comes to the table with their own mystery topic. The topic is randomly selected live, and the discussion is led by one host. This episode is led by Ben, discussing a variety of saltwater fish that don’t seem to be successful in hobbyist reef tanks. This is meant to be a thought experiment – dissecting some possible theories on why some of these fish don’t do well in captivity. Many of these species are readily available in the hobby despite their low success rate in home aquariums.

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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Species mentioned in this epsiode:

In this new episode format, the Water Colors team each comes to the table with their own mystery topic. The topic is randomly selected live, and the discussion is led by one host. This episode is led by Amy, discussing general cichlid compatibility. These are some of the most common questions we receive at the gallery; “can this go with that?” This is an extremely broad question, given that cichlids are one of the largest families of fish! We’ll discuss some common pairing dos and don’ts, the 3 metrics for compatibility, and some great examples of cichlid focused aquariums.

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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Brine shrimp are one of the most ubiquitous fish foods in the history of fish keeping. These extremophiles cover the globe thanks to wind and birds, which can transport cysts to new locations – creating new populations and ecotypes. The use of brine shrimp has unlocked many monumental breakthroughs in fish breeding and rearing. This episode will break down the nutritional value of brine shrimp, the many ecotypes, various grades, sources, and more.

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The past several decades have brought some monumental advances to the aquarium hobby. From marine breeding breakthroughs to taxonomic discoveries, we have a better understanding of our aquariums and animals than ever before. Technological innovations give us more efficient equipment in smaller, sleeker packages. The world of reef keeping is becoming more accessible with each passing day. What new discoveries are you excited about?

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

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The art of mimicry is a fascinating topic. Some animal use this skill to trick their prey, while others can use it to trick would-be predators. This episode is all about our top 5 favorite examples of mimicry in aquatic environments. From freshwater to saltwater, we have a range of impressive animals that have evolved to use mimicry to their advantage in creative ways.

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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Species mentioned in this episode:

Conventions, clubs, carnivals, and more! This episode is all about our favorite community events in the aquarium world. Aquarium clubs truly are the backbone supporting small aquarium shops and local fishkeeping scenes. Getting involved in your local club could be the difference in keeping the hobby alive in your area! Some events discussed in this episode are massive, public conventions – while others are comprised of close-knit groups with specialized interests. There’s surely an event for everyone!

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2024 Events/organizations mentioned in this episode:

Some of the most recognizable aquarium fish belong to the family poeciliidae, including the well-loved guppies, endlers, platys, and more. The term ‘livebearing’ refers to fish that are ovoviviparous; meaning the offspring are hatched within the body of the parent. The Water Colors team shares their top 5 favorite fish from this family, including discussions on species characteristics, care, and personal experiences. We cover some classics, such as mollies, and some rare species, such as predatory livebearing pike minnows!

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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Species mentioned in this episode: