Reefs and Reptiles

In this episode of Reefs and Reptiles I will be going over our latest snorkeling adventure.  If you'd like to get a book that has pictures of a lot of the fish that I talk about on the podcast, check out John Hoover's book, The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes.You can purchase that book here - https://amzn.to/3A2AJxv

In this episode of Reefs and Reptiles we will be talking about the Honey Gourami or Trichogaster chuna.  Honey or Sunset Gournami make great additions to peaceful community freshwater aquariums.  The males have stunning coloration and can be the star of your tank.  

This is the final episode of Reefs & Reptiles Season 1.  What if you could communicate with your pets?  What if we could "talk" to whales?  How would that shape our view, not only as pet keepers, but also as citizens of the planet earth?  In this episode, I'm going to explore that topic.  It is a little "out there" but I do think that communicating with animals will be the next big breakthrough for humans.  Scientists are working on understanding the codas (series of clicks) that sperm whales use to communicate with each other.  If we were able to speak with them, it could be the kind of breakthrough that causes a paradigm shift in the way we think about our planet.  I am hopeful that one day we will be able to better understand the organisms that our policies and decisions impact.  I think understanding animals better would cause us to take better care of them and of the planet.

In today's episode of Reefs and Reptiles, we will be talking about Snowflake Eels (Echidna nebulosa).  I will be going over what it is like to keep these eels in an aquarium and I will also touch on what it is like to observe them here in Hawaii.  Snowflake eels typically like to eat crustaceans and they have conical teeth to help them do so.  One thing you must keep in mind if you do decide to get a snowflake eel is to make sure you have a good lid on your tank, as eels are escape artists, much like snakes.  

In this episode of Reefs and Reptiles, I will talking about my observations over the 1st year of my 29 gallon planted aquarium.  I will also talk about the use the fertilizers in planted tanks.  My advice to new planted tank keepers is to be patient.  Let the "set up" phase of your tank last as long as possible.  It is more fun to have reasons to go back to the fish store over a long period of time than it is to stock a tank all at once.  Part of the fun of aquariums is tinkering and taking your time gives you more chances to do that.  Amazon Affiliate Links to products mentioned in this podcast:OSMOCOTE PLUS fertilizer - https://amzn.to/3P0FVHACAPSULES EXPRESS size 00 - https://amzn.to/3P6qJIO

In this episode of Reefs and Reptiles I will be talking about "alotl" Axolotls.  You might "axolotl" questions about Axolotls and I'm here to help.  I have 2 GFP (green fluorescent protein) axolotls and they are great.  I would highly recommend axolotls to anyone interested in amphibians.  The most important aspect of keeping Axolotls happy is keeping their water cool.  I mention some products that can help with that, here are links to the water chillers I recommend on Amazon:Active Aqua Chiller - https://amzn.to/3oDOY5IHamilton Aqua Euro Chiller - https://amzn.to/3uF0SAfHere is the Axolotl Pellet Food that my Axolotls like - https://amzn.to/3JedqT6Using these links helps out the Reefs and Reptiles Podcast, thanks!

In this episode of Reefs and Reptiles, I will discuss the idea of giving and empty aquarium or terrarium as a gift for the fish / reptile fanatic in your life.  An empty fish tank is like a blank canvas for an artist.  When I see an empty tank the possibilities of what it could turn into make my brain run wild.  I love the idea of bringing an ecosystem to life.  I'll give some different ideas for what your friend or significant other could do with this blank slate.  Part of the fun of this is just gifting the empty tank and seeing what the person does with it.  Will they stick with what they know, or branch out and try something different.  Some of the most compelling set ups I have seen don't have any animals in them at all, they are just plants or in the case of saltwater, simply corals.  The point is, the gift of an empty aquarium provides an opportunity to be creative, and that process is something that many of us love and enjoy.

In this episode of Reefs and Reptiles, I am going over the dreaded Water Changes!  If you are going to have a successful aquarium, you need to do regular water changes.  There have been some game changers that have allowed me to keep more fish tanks than I normally would be able to handle.  Those game changers center around making water changes easier to do.  Below is a list of items I use to make my water changes easier.  These are Amazon Affiliate links that help Reefs and Reptiles out if you use them.  Brute 32 Gallon Trash Can - https://amzn.to/31i8HzzBrute 20 Gallon Trash Can - https://amzn.to/3ps2YPp Trash Can Dolly - https://amzn.to/31jtXF910ft Braided Hose - https://amzn.to/3xSPWyr840 Gallon Pump - https://amzn.to/3xYiSoH Fritz Water Conditioner - https://amzn.to/3xPQ2XF Python Pro Clean Small - https://amzn.to/31rp6SfPython Pro Clean Large - https://amzn.to/3pnRAnY Bridal Veil Material - https://amzn.to/3pjzXFI Ryobi Temp Gun - https://amzn.to/31uXsDC Instant Ocean - https://amzn.to/3xO2jMc 660 GPH Water Pump for Mixing - https://amzn.to/3poXIMB Fluval Heater - https://amzn.to/3DjFIIj

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/3ImvmLRFoil Tape - https://amzn.to/3d5npw510 Gallon Screen Cover - https://amzn.to/3o85gnvScreen Clips - https://amzn.to/3odlkEyBN LINK Reptile Thermostat - https://amzn.to/3d8JTw5LED Light - https://amzn.to/31fZd7sFeeding 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 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.

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles, we are going to talk about one of the easiest reptile pets to take care of, the crested gecko.  Crested Geckos are very special geckos, having thought to be extinct until the mid 90's when they were rediscovered on the island chain of New Caledonia.  If you are a first time reptile keeper, cresteds make a good first reptile pet.  They are easy to house and feed and require little day to day maintenance.  I'll talk about the basics of crested gecko care along with the basics of housing them in a bioactive terrarium.  I recommend that crested live in a terrarium with living plants.    If this sounds good to you, then join me for a deeper dive into the world of the Crested Gecko.

In this episode of Reefs & Reptiles, I will be reviewing one of my favorite books of all time, The Empty Ocean by Richard Ellis.  This book was published in 2003, but its contents are still as relevant today as they were back then.  Richard walks the reader through many subjects including declining fisheries and organisms that have gone extinct under the watch of human eyes.  I have always enjoyed Richard's writing style, his books are easy to read and you feel like you learned a lot after reading them.   I will go over some of the highlights of Richard's book to give you a glimpse at the remarkable research that Richard has done.  This is a must read for any wildlife warrior.Amazon Affiliate Link to order The Empty Ocean - https://amzn.to/3rwaA6e

In this episode of Reef & Reptiles, I'll give a run down of easy freshwater plants.  All of the plants I mention are available at aquariumcoop.com - Freshwater Planted tanks are a new venture for me, and so the advise I give is from a novice approach to plant care.  There have been a few plants that have given me fits and I mention those as well.  Some of plants we will go over in include, cyptocorynes, amazon swords, anubias, monte carlo, java moss, java fern, vallisneria, pogostemon stellatus octopus,  and a few more.