Aquariumania - Tropical Fish as Pets

Aquariumania - Tropical Fish as Pets

Is your family thinking of adding a fish tank or pond to your home? Fish tanks and ponds are wonderful places to observe a habitat on a smaller scale. Its like having your very own window into a fresh water riverbed or saltwater ocean. Keeping aquarium fish is a pleasurable and educational hobby for families around the world. Keeping fish as pets has been a tradition going back to ancient Egypt and China. Today, many more different, beautiful and fascinating kinds of fish and other aquatic animals can thrive in your home if you learn the dos and don’ts and get the right equipment. Aquariums and ponds are living, breathing aquatic works of art that can be as simple or as complex as your imagination and skills allow. In these fun pet podcasts, you'll learn all about aquarium fish and other aquatic animals, the aquarium industry, and the science and art that surround this fascinating hobby! So dive in--the water is fine! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

Episodes

Aquariumania - Episode 101 Uncovering The Secrets of Aquascaping with Plant Expert Chantz Cramer

September 18, 2025 • 44 mins
Planted aquariums comprised of lush sculpted underwater gardens or evoking natural settings in nature are a thing of beauty, and experts in aquascaping are artists in their own right. My guest today, Chantz Cramer, a long-time hobbyist and award winner in competitive aquascaping has inspired many hobbyists with his beautiful aquaria. Join us, as Chantz shares his journey from hobbyist to aquascaping expert and educator.

EPISODE NOTE...
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Aquariumania - Episode 100 Aquarium Fish Expert Sam Fernald Explains Why Hillstream Loaches are Worth the Hype!

July 13, 2025 • 46 mins
Where in the world are Sunda, Wallacea, and Sahul? My guest today, Sam Fernald - a life-long aquarist, taxonomist, and founder and co-owner of Hillstream Kingdom LLC, a specialty aquarium fish wholesaler based in Maine and Guangdong - has a great appreciation for, and expertise with the fishes from these areas around SE Asia and the South Pacific – including the unusual and beautiful hillstream loaches. Join us, as Sam explains the...
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Aquariumania - Episode 99 Discussing Discus, The King of the Aquarium, with Kapil Mandrekar

January 14, 2025 • 54 mins
Freshwater fish-keepers have thousands of fish to choose from – but for more experienced aquarists, among the prized gems are the discus. Known by many as ‘the King of the Aquarium,’ these denizens of the Amazon are calm, stately, and - in addition to a unique “disk” shape - are available in beautiful wild-type and aquacultured colors and patterns. My guest today, Kapil Mandrekar - a life-long aquarist, ichthyologist, and conservat...
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Aquariumania - Episode 98 Sea Changes: University of Florida Marine Ecologist Dr. Robbie Lamb Shares His Professional Journey and Underwater

October 15, 2024 • 51 mins
Jacques Cousteau introduced many of us to a place both alien and beautiful – the underwater world. Decades later, our oceans and marine ecosystems have gone through significant changes – so what’s happening down there? My guest today, Dr. Robbie Lamb, faculty at the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and the Nature Coast Biological Station is determined to answer that question. Robbie’s work...
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Aquariumania - Episode 97 Going Back to the Future of Fish Medicine with Aquarium Fish Medicine Pioneer, Award-Winning Veterinarian, and Aut

May 20, 2024 • 51 mins
Fish medicine, now mainstream, became a recognized veterinary specialty through the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2023. But many decades ago, few vets treated pet fish and hobbyists were on their own. My guest today, Dr. Greg Lewbart was one of those vets. A foremost pioneer of aquarium fish medicine and both an award-winning veterinarian and author, Greg is a Professor at North Carolina State University and has been m...
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Aquariumania - Episode 96 Going Native with Brian Torreano of BTDarters

April 24, 2024 • 29 mins
Most common freshwater tropical fish are farmed, but originated from Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. But what about the native fishes here in the U.S.? Join us as Brian Torreano ichthyologist and owner of BTDarters explains why US native fishes truly are another great option for aquarium hobbyists.

EPISODE NOTES: Going Native with Brian Torreano of BTDarters

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Aquariumania - Episode 95 Talking Jellies with Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse

December 20, 2023 • 44 mins
Jellyfish exhibits in public aquaria have held a certain mystique and fascination for decades. Early jellyfish aquarium systems and hardy species became available to hobbyists with some success. As systems evolved further and more difficult species better understood, the interest in jellyfish keeping continues to expand. My guest today, Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse, has helped push jellyfish sc...
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Aquariumania - Episode 94 Dr. Alex Hall, The Reef Vet, Shares His Approach to Reef Tank Diseases

October 11, 2023 • 34 mins
Reef aquaria - from nano tanks to large, complex, high-tech systems - have exploded in popularity with increased knowledge and more advanced lighting and filtration. My guest today, Dr. Alex Hall, a recent vet school graduate with interest and growing expertise in reef diseases, has made a name for himself on social media as “thereefvet.” Join us, as we discuss Alex’s journey from child hobbyist to aquatic veterinarian and scienti...
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Aquariumania - Episode 93 The Science of Fish Art: Nick Mayer’s Journey from Marine Biologist to Award-Winning Artist

July 18, 2023 • 48 mins
My guest today, Nick Mayer, is an award-winning artist whose science background and passions for aquatic life and fly-fishing both inform and inspire his beautiful, vibrant works. Join us, as Nick explains his metamorphosis from child naturalist to globe-trotting marine biologist to, finally, celebrated nature illustrator - specializing in fish and other marine life.

EPISODE NOTES: The Science of Fish Art: Nick Mayer’s Journey f...
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Aquariumania - Episode 92 Cat-ching up on Catfish Nutrition with Rebecca Bentley

June 26, 2023 • 37 mins
The catfishes - members of the order Siluriformes - include over 3000 species that vary widely in size, appearance, biology, and ecology. So what do catfish eat? Fishkeepers are often confused and assume that a one-size-fits-all approach works. My guest today, Rebecca Bentley, has a lot to say on that subject! Rebecca is an ichthyologist with a broad understanding of catfishes but specializing in the feeding morphology of the loric...
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Aquariumania - Episode 91 Jay Springer Shares His Wet and Wild Path from SoCal to Pet Supplies Plus

May 24, 2023 • 36 mins
Aquarium retail stores are the primary ‘gateway’ to the hobby for many beginners. How do large retail chains work to ensure quality animals and to provide good fishkeeping information? My guest today, Jay Springer, is Director of Pet Services and Live Animals for Pet Supplies Plus, one of the largest pet store chains in the U.S. Join us, as Jay discusses his professional journey, dedication to quality service, industry challenges, ...
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Aquariumania - Episode 90 Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture - Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 2, Aquascaping and Water Chemistry Overview

April 18, 2023 • 33 mins
Coral reef tanks continue to gain in popularity, and advances in technology and coral reef biology and ecology have made reef keeping much more accessible. My guest today is Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture, a well-known coral aquaculture and wholesale facility in Plant City, Florida. In Part 1 of our Reef and Coral Keeping 101 series we discussed tanks, equipment, and accessories. Join us, as Chris continues with Part 2: an Overvi...
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Aquariumania - Episode 89 Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture’s Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 1: Tanks, Equipment and Accessories

February 17, 2023 • 41 mins
Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the sea – dense, hotbeds of biodiversity and beauty. Covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, they are believed to contain about 25% of all known marine species. It’s no wonder that interest in reef-keeping, as well advances in reef tank technology have increased exponentially over the past 10-15 years.

y guest today, Chris Meckley is an aquarist with a passion for the aquarium hobby ...
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Aquariumania - Episode 88 Fish Veterinarian Dr. Jessie Sanders: From Marine Biology to Mobile Fish Practice

January 30, 2023 • 37 mins
Fish medicine has come a long way in the past 30 years, with more and more pet owners seeking veterinary care for their sick fish. My guest today, Dr. Jessie Sanders, owner and chief veterinarian of Aquatic Veterinary Services, is helping lead the charge of this next generation of wet pet vets. Join us, as Jessie shares her professional and personal journey from marine biology in the Northeast to her mobile fish practice on the Wes...
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Aquariumania - Episode 87 Chris Englezou: Leveraging Hobbyist Expertise with Science and Conservation through the Freshwater Life Project

August 17, 2022 • 44 mins
The aquarium hobby has inspired many, myself included, to careers in public aquaria, science, aquaculture, and/or conservation. My guest today, Chris Englezou, has fused his love of the hobby and science with conservation efforts through his business C.E. Fish Essentials and the non-profit Freshwater Life Project which he co-founded and for which he is currently acting chairman of the board. Join us, as Chris shares his journey fro...
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Aquariumania - Episode 86 Rediscovering the Dragons of Gondwana with Joshua Pickett, Author of The Bichir Handbook

March 17, 2022 • 43 mins
Among the most fascinating of aquarium fishes, the bichirs - including the “ropefish” and “dinosaur or dragon eel” – share primeval features with their ancestors, some of the earliest fishes on earth. My guest today, Josh Pickett, author of The Bichir Handbook, is obsessed with, and an expert of this group. Join us, as Josh digs up some ancient dirt on these prehistoric, yet modern fishes – and explains why you’ll want to keep them...
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Aquariumania - Episode 85 Aaron Pilnick Raises a Prickly Subject: Diadema Sea Urchin Aquaculture for Coral Reef Restoration

November 3, 2021 • 42 mins
Childhood aquarium keeping has been an introduction and gateway for many professionals working in public aquaria, aquaculture, fisheries, and natural resource conservation. My guest today, Aaron Pilnick, has done all of the above – and today is a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida studying Diadema antillarum- the long spined sea urchin. Join us, as we learn about Aaron’s journey from hobbyist to aquarist to scientist,...
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Aquariumania - Episode 84 Noah Bressman Describes His Work with Fishes that Walk On Land

September 28, 2021 • 54 mins
We often use the term fish out of water to describe someone whose completely out of their element. But believe it or not, many fish have evolved with the biology, cues, and behaviors needed to move onto land and survive for long periods of time, when necessary.

My guest today, Dr. Noah Bressman, is an avid fisherman, artist, blogger, and Assistant Professor of Physiology at Salisbury University in Maryland. Noah has studied a numb...
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Aquariumania - Episode 83 Steve Bitter Promotes Education, Conservation, and Having Fun “Under” the Aquarium at the Boardwalk

August 19, 2021 • 40 mins
Setting up an aquarium requires a lot of ‘homework.’ You need to learn a lot about your fish and what kind of environment it needs to be healthy and thrive. So what goes into opening a whole new public aquarium – with many different systems and hundreds of species? My guest today, Steve Bitter, has worked for years in the industry developing and opening public aquaria in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. In November of 2020, he opened t...
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Aquariumania - Episode 82 The Aquarium Industry: A Global Look from Down Under with Ornamental Fish International President Shane Willis

May 11, 2021 • 40 mins
The aquarium trade is a billion dollar industry with commerce of animals, plants, and goods supporting the livelihoods of people all over the world. National and international organizations play a key role in managing and improving this complex business.

My guest today, Shane Willis, is Managing Director of the National Aquaculture Training Institute in Australia and President of Ornamental Fish International. Join us, as Shane dis...
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