Episodes

  • Aquariumania - Episode 97 Going Back to the Future of Fish Medicine with Aquarium Fish Medicine Pioneer, Award-Winning Veterinarian, and Author, Dr. Greg Lewbart

    Aquariumania - Episode 97 Going Back to the Future of Fish Medicine with Aquarium Fish Medicine Pioneer, Award-Winning Veterinarian, and Author, Dr. Greg Lewbart
    May 20 2024
    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 my mentor and good friend since the 1980s. Join us, as Greg looks back on the early days and forward to the future of fish medicine.

    EPISODE NOTES: Going Back to the Future of Fish Medicine with Aquarium Fish Medicine Pioneer, Award-Winning Veterinarian, and Author, Dr. Greg Lewbart
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    51 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 96 Going Native with Brian Torreano of BTDarters

    Aquariumania - Episode 96 Going Native with Brian Torreano of BTDarters
    Apr 24 2024
    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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    29 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 95 Talking Jellies with Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse

    Aquariumania - Episode 95 Talking Jellies with Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse
    Dec 20 2023
    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 science and culture forward on many different fronts. Join us, as Travis shares his journey from jellyfish novice to expert and teaches us the basics of jellyfish biology and aquarium keeping.

    EPISODE NOTES: Talking Jellies with Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse
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    45 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 94 Dr. Alex Hall, The Reef Vet, Shares His Approach to Reef Tank Diseases

    Aquariumania - Episode 94 Dr. Alex Hall, The Reef Vet, Shares His Approach to Reef Tank Diseases
    Oct 11 2023
    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 scientist.

    EPISODE NOTES: Dr. Alex Hall, The Reef Vet, Shares His Approach to Reef Tank Diseases
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    35 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 93 The Science of Fish Art: Nick Mayer’s Journey from Marine Biologist to Award-Winning Artist

    Aquariumania - Episode 93 The Science of Fish Art: Nick Mayer’s Journey from Marine Biologist to Award-Winning Artist
    Jul 18 2023
    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 from Marine Biologist to Award-Winning Artist
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    48 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 92 Cat-ching up on Catfish Nutrition with Rebecca Bentley

    Aquariumania - Episode 92 Cat-ching up on Catfish Nutrition with Rebecca Bentley
    Jun 26 2023
    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 loricariid, or “pleco” family of catfishes. Join us, as we learn more about the science of catfish nutrition from an expert on the subject!

    EPISODE NOTES: Cat-ching up on Catfish Nutrition with Rebecca Bentley
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    37 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 91 Jay Springer Shares His Wet and Wild Path from SoCal to Pet Supplies Plus

    Aquariumania - Episode 91 Jay Springer Shares His Wet and Wild Path from SoCal to Pet Supplies Plus
    May 24 2023
    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, and the future of the hobby.

    EPISODE NOTES: Jay Springer Shares His Wet and Wild Path from SoCal to Pet Supplies Plus
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    36 mins
  • Aquariumania - Episode 90 Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture - Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 2, Aquascaping and Water Chemistry Overview

    Aquariumania - Episode 90 Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture - Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 2, Aquascaping and Water Chemistry Overview
    Apr 18 2023
    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 Overview of Aquascaping and Water Chemistry.

    EPISODE NOTES: Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture - Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 2, Aquascaping and Water Chemistry Overview
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    33 mins