We’ve all seen outrageously expensive fish while shopping at local fish stores. What makes a pricey fish “worth it?” This episode’s discussion is all about splurges, and how rarity and accessibility drive cost of some unique fish to astronomical levels. With a special guest, Ben, Amy, and Charles pitch their top 5 picks for rare and expensive freshwater fish, and determine if the price tag is justified.

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:

Sometimes, planted aquariums can be hard. But worry no more, because the Water Colors team is here to discuss their easiest plant picks! Some of the species in this episode are even easier to keep than plastic plants! From species that can grow under a desk lamp, to others that can thrive in blue plastic gravel, this list has got you covered. Also mentioned in this podcast are some illegal plant species, which are often prohibited because they’re SO easy that they can thrive in nearly any environment. Remember to handle your aquatic plants and animals responsibly, and abide by your local regulations.

Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Support the show by shopping a wide variety of aquarium plants, equipment, merch, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

If you enjoy this content, consider becoming a member on YouTube for exclusive access to livestreamed events! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

The Water Colors team, with special guest Dr. Alisha Davidson, discuss the potential for harm as a result of the sale and distribution of several floating plants in the aquarium trade. Some very common plants in our hobby pose a huge risk to our native waterways if mishandled. Water lettuce, water hyacinth, salvinia, and more – all are species of concern in regards to the risk associated with their sale. With input from our invasive species expert, we discuss the criteria used to designate potentially harmful plants, how to dispose of them properly, as well as suggest some safer alternatives to use in your home aquariums.

Referenced in this episode is Alisha Davidson’s published paper on aquatic plant risk assessment:

“Assessing progress in regulation of aquatic nonindigenous species across the

You can access this publication here: https://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2021/3/MBI_2021_Davidson_etal.pdf

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

Support the show by shopping aquarium plants, merch designed by your hosts, aquarium supplies and much more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

If you enjoy this content, consider becoming a member on YouTube for behind the scenes access to livestreamed events! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Species mentioned in this episode:

Let’s face it – some of the most beautiful fish look plain and boring at your local fish store. It’s not until you bring them home, condition them, and spoil them, that they truly shine. Some species go from brown and dull to bright and illuminating in the right conditions! Others are shy and evasive, until you allow them to settle in at home and suddenly they’re bold and confident! This episode is all about the overlooked favorites that can become incredible if you take the time to condition them.

What fish have you kept that only got better with time? Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Support the show by shopping aquarium plants, custom merch, additives, equipment and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

If you love the show, consider becoming a member on YouTube! Get behind the scenes access to livestreamed events: https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Species mentioned in this episode:

Learn all about your hosts in this intimate, deep dive episode! This topic takes a different tone than our typical discussions. In this episode, we discuss Ben, Amy, and Charles’ backgrounds, philosophies, and current standings in the hobby that we all love (most of the time). When you become so invested in an industry such as this, it’s important to occasionally take a step back and analyze where you stand, as well as your mental wellness, and what keeps you going.

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

Become a member on YouTube to see livestreamed recording sessions, behind the scenes, and bloopers! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

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

In this episode, we’re talking about fish from the family acanthuridae! This discussion is an overarching tutorial on the 6 different genera, as well as some of the species you may encounter in the aquarium hobby. Everyone seems to think they need a tang in their reef tank, but they are frequently kept in undersized aquariums. Be sure to study up on the requirements for each species, or you may risk angering the Tang Police!

Support the show by shopping merch designed by your hosts! Along with other great aquarium supplies and equipment, only at: https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

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

Some species mentioned in this episode:

The term LPS corals, or large polyp stony corals, is a hobbyist classification used to try to categorize coral species based on care and needs. This episode is all about our favorite LPS coral species, as well as how to care for them. Growing coral can be scary, and buying some of your own can be a real investment. From this discussion, we hope to demystify some of the care requirements of LPS corals and help you improve your reef at home, or even start a brand new project!

Support the show by shopping Water Colors merch, coral care products, reef tank equipment and more at: https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com

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

Species mentioned in this episode:

Stem plants are a very general hobbyist classification of aquarium plants comprised of a huge variety of species. They range from incredibly easy to very demanding and difficult. We can observe a great variation of growth from these plants depending on their environment, which makes them useful for both decoration and utility. In this episode, the team discusses their top 5 species and how to care for them!

Looking to discuss aquariums with like minded people? Join the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Support the show by shopping high quality aquarium plants, equipment, and merch designed by the hosts here: https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Species mentioned in this episode:

Freshwater shrimp make an excellent addition to many aquariums, or better yet, a huge multi-generational colony all on their own! There are many varieties and colors, and they can be some of the most effective organisms in your clean-up crew. The Water Colors team breaks down how to care for some popular shrimp species, as well as some rare ones, and dispels some myths surrounding their care.

Are you keeping shrimp of your own? Join the discussion or share a pic on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Support the show and shop aquarium products and merch here: https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Some of the most exciting and diverse fish in the world come from South America, and we definitely have our favorites! In this episode, the Water Colors Team discusses our top 5 SA cichlids – as well as why they make our list, and how you can keep them at home! From eartheaters to pike cichlids, we’ll discuss some of the coolest species of fish to come out of this biologically rich region of the world.

Which species are your favorite? Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Looking for aquarium goods and merch? Support the show by shopping our selection: https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Species mentioned in this episode: