Aquarium Dilemmas

40 Episodes
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By: ScienceGal Aquatics

Fishkeeping is fantastic and extremely rewarding. Caring for Aquariums, like any other hobby, can have its struggles. Aquarium Dilemmas is a Podcast for the Aquarium hobbyist, no matter the experience level, fish kept, or if you have a low or high-tech fish tank. We are discussing the array of aquarium-related topics from a couple's point of view, driving deeper into various fish tank concerns and goals. Let's have a conversation where we can come together, be friends, and not shy away from the fishkeeping hobby's positive and negative Aquarium Dilemmas. 

Outdoor Ponds and Summer Tubs
#8
Last Tuesday at 12:00 AM

In this week's episode, we delve into the fascinating world of our outdoor pond and summer tubs. Discover how we successfully set them up and maintain them while sharing our experiences with pests and the challenges we've faced. Join us for insights that can help you create your own outdoor oasis!

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Are Aquarium Shows Worth It?
#7
03/24/2026


Join us for this week's episode as we dive into the world of aquarium shows and conventions! Discover whether these events are worth your time and money. We'll share what to expect and recount how we got involved in this exciting community. Don't miss out on valuable insights that could enhance your aquarium journey!



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How To Maintain Aquarium Equipment- Fishkeeping Tips!
#6
03/17/2026

Dive into our engaging discussion focused on the essential aspects of maintaining aquarium equipment. In this episode, we'll share a wealth of practical tips and tricks designed to make your aquarium upkeep easier and more efficient. By following some of our advice, you'll not only enhance the health of your aquatic environment but also save a significant amount of money in the long run. Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can transform your aquarium experience!

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How To Do A Water Change On A Fish Tank- Fishkeeping Tips!
#5
03/10/2026

Dive into an exciting conversation about our water change techniques! Discover the must-have tools that make the process simpler and more enjoyable. Let’s swap tips and tricks to elevate our aquarium care together—join us!

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When To Do A Water Change In Fish Tank
#4
03/02/2026

Join us for an engaging discussion on the importance of water changes in fish tanks! Discover the key signs to watch for in your aquarium that signal it's the perfect time to refresh the water—keeping your fish healthy starts here!

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Moments When Things Went Wrong!
#3
02/24/2026

Join us for an exciting discussion about the unexpected twists that can occur in the fish room! We’ll share compelling stories of mishaps and surprising moments that left us in a panic. Don’t miss out on hearing how we tackled these challenges and emerged stronger—your own fish room adventures could benefit from our experiences!

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What You Should Expect When Keeping Fish?
#2
02/17/2026

Don't miss out on this episode! We're diving into the various phases that every fish keeper experiences throughout their journey in this rewarding hobby. Understanding these stages is crucial for anyone involved, as it prepares you for what lies ahead. Join us, and connect with fellow fish keepers who can relate to this insightful discussion. 

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Why We Quit!
#1
02/09/2026

Join us for an exciting new episode as we return from a long break! A lot has happened, and we can't wait to share it all with you. Did we really quit for good? What stories and surprises await from our time away? Don't miss out on the catch-up you've been waiting for!

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COMING SOON!
#57
02/01/2026

Exciting new episodes are on their way! Stay tuned for updates! 

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Things I Wish I Knew Before Keeping Fish!
#56
04/26/2023

In this episode, we discuss pieces of advice that I wish someone would have told me before keeping freshwater aquariums. Keeping fish does not have to be complicated, but if I had learned these lessons earlier, it would have probably saved fish. Many people jump into the hobby without knowing enough information to set themselves up for success. Join us for a conversation about things I wish I knew before keeping fish; learn from our mishaps so you won’t make the same mistakes. 
Thanks for Listening!
ScienceGal Aquatics and Jesse 

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Breeding Fish Outside & Summer Tubs
#55
04/11/2023

This episode is devoted to how and why we summer tub. Breeding fish outside is super rewarding, and the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Join us for our conversation about summer tubing and breeding fish outside. How we do it, the equipment needed, and the challenges we face, but most importantly, why we recommend you try it.
Thanks for Listening!
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Betta Fish Tank Mates Ideas
#54
03/28/2023

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. This week's episode is devoted to Betta fish tank mates. For a long time, I believed there were no options compatible with Betta fish and had no choice but to keep them alone. However, this is not entirely true. If you have a smaller nano aquarium or a community aquarium and wish to have Betta fish tank mates but are unsure what to try, this is the episode for you. Join us as we discuss the best betta tank mates' ideas that we have successfully kept together, and we think you should also. 
Thanks f...


Easiest Freshwater Aquarium Fish
#53
03/10/2023

In this episode, we discuss the easiest freshwater fish we have kept. These easier-to-care-for freshwater fish are great for beginner fishkeepers, a fantastic choice for community aquariums, and an excellent addition for experts. Over the years of fish keeping, these are the aquarium fish that have the least amount of worry. Join us for a conversation about the easiest freshwater aquarium fish, what makes them easy, and how we keep them. 
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics 
Kerri and Jesse  

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


How To Maintain A Freshwater Aquarium
#52
02/28/2023

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we discussed the topic of aquarium maintenance. The first thing that comes to mind about maintaining a freshwater fish tank is water changes. However, you should pay attention to a few other necessary steps. Fish keeping is a fantastic hobby, but aquarium maintenance is fundamental to keeping a healthy aquarium. Join us to discuss maintaining a freshwater fish tank and our checklist for all experience levels.
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy! 
Kerri and Jesse @sciencegalaquatics  

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Best Algae Eaters for Freshwater Aquariums
#51
02/22/2023

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we compiled a list of the best Algae cleaners or "cleanup crew" for freshwater aquariums. If you are doing regular water changes and maintenance yet still having issues with algae, this is the episode for you. Having bottom dwellers or a few of these helpful species on this list will help you and benefit your freshwater fish tank.
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
Kerri and Jesse 
@sciencegalaquatics 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Do Fish Make Good Pets?
#50
02/07/2023

In this week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas, we discuss why freshwater aquarium fish are lovely pets. We often talk about issues related to freshwater aquariums and how to solve them but join us on why fish make fantastic pets—a conversation devoted to why you should be a fish keeper. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
Sciencegal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Why Are Bubbles In My Fish Tank?
#49
01/25/2023

Why are bubbles in my fish tank? Join us in this week's episode, where we answer this question. Generally, bubbles in your Aquarium are harmless and easily removed. However, a few causes of bubbles in your fish tank can be a little concerning. Knowing the difference between bubbles is a vital topic every fishkeeper should know. Is it microbubbles, bubbles caused by protein overload, or simply from your air stone? Join us in the conversation to help you identify the difference and reasons behind bubbles in your freshwater aquariums. 
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!

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Freshwater Aquarium Fish Temperament v. Ease of Care
#48
12/11/2022

This week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas discusses the difference between the Temperament of Freshwater Aquarium fish and the Ease of Care. Is there a correlation between how easy the fish is to care for and how aggressive the fish species might be? Join us for a conversation on what makes a fish easy, moderate, or expert and how it relates to whether the fish is peaceful, semi-aggressive, or aggressive. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


What Not To Put In Your Aquarium
#47
12/02/2022

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we have frequently discussed what works for your freshwater aquariums. However, join us for an episode of what NOT to put in your freshwater fish tanks. We put together a list of things I would not recommend you use or do for the health of your fish.
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics Kerri & Jesse  

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Easy Aquarium Fish
#46
11/20/2022

This week's episode discusses the easiest aquarium freshwater fish to keep. Since childhood, I have owned several different fish species; some have been easier to care for than others. Semi-aggressive and aggressive fish have their challenges and benefits. However, peaceful freshwater fish kept in a community aquarium or species-only fish tank will always be at the top of my favorite list. This episode is about the list compiled for the most peaceful, easy-to-care-for fish we have kept throughout the years. 

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Common Fish Tank Issues
#45
11/12/2022

On Aquarium Dilemmas, Common Fish Tank Issues is the theme. Over the years of fishkeeping, I have had some common aquarium hurdles, and this week's episode explores these occurrences. Many of the complications of fishkeeping, in my experience, are avoidable. The goal of this episode is to share and compile a list of my most common aquarium issues and how I solved them. 
Thank you for Listening! Enjoy! 
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Betta Fish Myths
#44
10/28/2022

Welcome to this week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas. Join the conversation where we discuss the most common Betta fish Myths. These common misconceptions lead to unknowingly making mistakes when keeping Betta fish. Keeping Bettas are highly rewarding fish, but do not fall for these common myths that range from environment, diet, and personality.
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse  

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


How to Feed Aquarium Fish
#43
10/19/2022

In this week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas, we talk about the issue of how to feed your freshwater aquarium fish. Over the years of keeping fish, I have made many mistakes when feeding my fish tanks. These mistakes, from not knowing what to provide, how often I should feed them, and not understanding their nutritional needs, often contributed to losing fish. The goal of this discussion is to help you not make these same mistakes to help you enjoy your fish aquariums. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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Must Have Aquarium Tools
#42
10/13/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. This week's episode is all about helpful must-haves in the fish room. I wish someone had shared some of these tips with me earlier, and I am happy to share them with you now. Caring for aquariums is not tricky; however, a few inexpensive tools will help you with caring for fish and aquariums. Join us in the conversation about must-have aquarium tools that will help you save time and money. 
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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Aquascaping 101: The Basics
#41
10/05/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas; in this week's episode, we discuss the basics of aquascaping your aquarium. Having an aquascaped fish tank was something that I could never accomplish in the past, but that's no longer the case. Making friends and talking with highly talented Aquascapers has tuned me into some helpful insights. Listen to this episode to learn some of the Aquascaping 101 basics that I have learned to help you improve the looks of your aquariums. 
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics
Kerri and Jesse 

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What is New Tank Syndrome & Old Tank Syndrome
#40
09/18/2022

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we talk about New Tank Syndrome and Old Tank Syndrome. What exactly is it, and how do you know if this is a problem in your aquarium? Listen and learn the causes and how to deal with New Tank Syndrome or if Old Tank Syndrome is why you're having difficulty adding new fish to an established tank. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics 
Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Friendly Annoyances In Fish Keeping
#39
09/13/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. This week's show discusses friendly annoyances in the fish-keeping hobby. What are some of my pet peeves in the aquarium hobby? I always enjoy it when friends and family come over to visit, but what do you do when they do something that might negatively affect your aquarium? Join us in the conversation about fish-keeping dilemmas when you and your fish tanks have visitors. 
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy! 
ScienceGal Aquatics -Kerri and Jesse  

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Everything You Need To Know About Breeding Guppy Fish
#38
09/06/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. In this week's episode, we talk about Guppy Fish Breeding. Guppies are the fish I have kept and bred the longest, and I have picked up a few tips on the easiest way to breed Guppy Fish. This episode is devoted to everything you need to know about breeding and caring for Guppies and their baby fry. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy! 
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


What You Need To Know About Guppy Fish!
#37
08/30/2022

This week on  Aquarium Dilemmas, we discuss the dos and don'ts of Guppy fish care. I have kept Guppies in many different setups over the years and have made a few mistakes. This episode discusses everything from tank requirements, water conditions, diet, and much more. Going into detail on things I wish I would have known when I first started caring for Guppy Fish. Listen and learn from my oops moments, so you don't make the same mistakes. 
Thank you for Listening!
ScienceGal Aquatics 
Kerri & Jesse 

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Collecting Wild Fish and Things
#36
08/21/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. This week we discuss our knowledge of collecting wild fish and botanicals for aquariums. We have fun as a family going out to the creek or the river looking for all kinds of secret little treasures. If you plan to go out wild collecting, you will need a few things to prepare, what to look for, and what you should do with your finds after you come home.
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


Couples and Fish Keeping
#35
08/17/2022

This week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas is devoted to couples and fish keeping. Sometimes, getting your spouse or significant other to show interest and care for aquariums is hard enough. However, some difficulties are not often talked about when joining a hobby together. When you both love fish keeping but disagree on the setup or stocking the aquariums. What should you do? Having a relationship with someone close to you in the hobby is incredibly beneficial, but how do you handle the difference in options, experience levels, and other ways you might disagree? 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!


Fish Keeping and the Next Generation.
#34
08/10/2022

Welcome to this week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas. This week we discuss the importance of the next generation of fish keepers. Bringing new fish keepers into the hobby is vital to keeping the hobby growing and thriving. Sharing this fantastic hobby with our kids, co-workers, and friends, showing them different aspects of caring for an aquarium they may not have known, allowing them to find areas of the hobby that will pique their interest. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics Kerri & Jesse 

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Losing Expensive Fish
#33
08/02/2022

This week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas is devoted to losing expensive aquarium fish when fish shopping out of town. We recently attended a sizeable club-hosted event, The Triple Crown, in  Louisville, Kentucky. We found some fantastic deals and beautiful fish; however, we encountered a significant problem when we had no equipment and almost lost an entire heavily stocked fish bag. Join us for the conversation on what we had to do to save as many as possible.
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics Kerri and Jesse 

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Questions to Ask Before Buying Fish
#32
07/26/2022

Welcome to this week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas, where we discuss what questions to ask and what you should know before buying new freshwater aquarium fish. Bringing home new fish is one of the best times; however, there are a few simple things you should know to prepare yourself better.
Thanks for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics- Kerri and Jesse 

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You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


How To Be A Better Fish Keeper
#31
07/18/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. This week's discussion is about how to be a better fish-keeper. Being a freshwater fish-keeper since childhood, I have made mistakes, learned, and picked up a few things to improve my fish-keeping skills. Join us this week, where we will talk about simple tips that dramatically improved my knowledge of fish and aquarium care. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics
Kerri and Jesse 

Support the show

You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com. 


How To Remove Aquarium Hard Water Buildup
#30
07/11/2022

Welcome to Aquarium Dilemmas. This week's discussion is all about how to remove aquarium hard water buildup, ways to prevent it, and why it's there in the first place. One of the main deciding factors of which tropical freshwater fish we keep is if they can thrive in hard water. However, maintaining hard water aquariums means you can not avoid this difficult-to-clean white hard water buildup. Next time you see a used water-stained aquarium, this episode will help you see the potential and know-how to clean it up and help you prevent water stains on your current fish tank. 


Why Do People Avoid Fish Keeping?
#29
07/04/2022

Welcome to this week's episode of Aquarium Dilemmas, where we discuss why we think aquarium fish are underrated as pets. Are fish on the list of popular pets to keep? Why do people avoid fish keeping? Several stigmas regarding fish keeping prevent people from joining the hobby. From being overwhelmed with water chemistry, or believing aquariums are high-maintenance compared to other pets available. What do you think, are fish underrated and overlooked? Listen and find out what we believe?
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics & Jesse

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Are Dirty Aquariums Bad?
#28
06/28/2022

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we discuss what a dirty fish tank is and if it is a bad thing? How do you know the difference between if your aquarium is unkempt and unhealthy versus ugly but healthy and well-balanced? In ways, having a so-called dirty aquarium is more beneficial for the fish than a spotless one. Listen to hear why this is possible and our answer to the Aquarium Dilemma, is a dirty aquarium bad? 
Thank you for Listening!
ScienceGal and Jesse

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Monster Fish Keeping Experience
#27
06/20/2022

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we discuss our Experience Keeping Monster Fish. Monster fish our extremely easy to fall in love with and a rewarding experience. However, compared to smaller nano fish, there are challenges and unique stresses in caring for monster fish. This week's episode is our experience keeping my Silver Arowana and other large fish we have supported through the years. The journey of the positives and negatives of keeping large fish, how we feed them, and the process of learning how to care for Monster Fish. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics Kerri a...


How To Do Less Water Changes
#26
06/13/2022

This week on Aquarium Dilemmas, we give some tips on how to do fewer water changes. Water changing and maintaining your fish tank is essential to the overall health of your aquarium. However, when it comes to cleaning your fish tank, it can sometimes feel like an absolute chore. This episode is devoted to talking about how to do fewer water changes so that you can enjoy your aquarium maintenance schedule. 
Thank you for Listening. Enjoy!
ScienceGal Aquatics-Kerri and Jesse 

Support the show

You are always invited to check out Sciencegalaquatics.com.