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Reefkeeping is More Convenient and Accessible Than Ever
When it comes to the increase in variety of options of reef products, from aquarium kits and easy-to-use filters and skimmers to programmable controls, it’s almost like the age-old question of what came first, the chicken or the egg. Has the growing interest in reef tanks led to the development of new products? Or have […]
The New Face on Fish Food
“All-natural,” “no artificial colors,” “fresh ingredients,” “Omega-3” and “probiotics.” When you see these terms in the context of fish food, you might assume you’re talking about frozen or live food. But the past few years have seen a revitalization of sorts in the flake food category, helping this popular staple continue to earn its place […]
Keep Up With Tech Trends
By Sara Keegan Technology has become a part of our daily lifestyle, so it makes sense that it has also found its way into the aquarium tank. Fishkeepers may be looking for new products to keep up with the new times. “The consumers are always looking for something that’s going to make their life easier and have a little fun with […]
Bringing the Reefs to Life for Marine Fishkeepers
When it comes to reef systems, fishkeepers are looking for color, vibrancy and life. As the category continues to grow and evolve, hobbyists are building more balanced systems with a variety of livestock, rather than the coral-only tanks of the past. And thanks to the result of years of research and advances in captive breeding and aquaculture, these customer demands are able to be met [[...]
Crustacean Craving
Walk along the shops at a beach town this time of year, and you’re sure to come across a sign saying, “Free Hermit Crabs! (with purchase of kit).” Hermit crabs are popular items in beach town souvenir shops, in part because these prolific creatures conjure up images of the seashore, and people see them as […]
Friends in the Tank
By Sara Keegan With last year’s success of “Finding Dory” and its subsequent line of licensed aquarium products, retailers may be looking for more licensed products to stock on their shelves, as they are popular with a subset of fishkeeping customers. “As a small business, it is important to us to have a diverse line of ornaments, and for a segment of our customers, licensed [&he[...]
Get the Betta: The Gateway Fish
BY SARA KEEGAN There are many types of betta fish, and they all have two things in common: they are pretty to look at and easy to take care of. They’re also considered a ‘gateway fish’ by many fishkeepers and experts in the pet industry. “They’re a very good starter fish,” said Mike Scott, owner […]
Broaden the Base
The tide is turning in favor of saltwater fish. As many retailers know, the saltwater fish category as a whole often suffers from an image problem. Getting into the marine side of things has the reputation of being expensive, too much work and too hard to find success. But thanks to new aquarium kits, heartier fish and other innovations, the saltwater category is shaking […]
Water Care Made Easy
It’s a simple fact that fish thrive in clean water. Keeping the right pH balance and “bad” bacteria at bay helps keep oxygen levels high and infections low. While the basic science of properly balanced water doesn’t change, there are some new innovations and trends in the water treatment category that help improve customer satisfaction, […]
At Your Service
BY SARA KEEGAN Aquariums can make an excellent addition to a home or office, but servicing one’s own tanks can be time consuming and difficult. Providing maintenance services through a fish store can be a boon to a retailer’s revenue and build trust and lasting relationships with fishkeepers. Some fish stores, such as The Fish […]
Filter Features
Having a clean aquarium with healthy water is the most important element for success in fishkeeping. And as anyone who has had an aquarium knows, having the right filter for the tank is a key component to a clean aquarium. Of course, filters don’t eliminate the need for water changes and regular tank maintenance, but […]
In-Demand Aquarium Decor
By Sara Keegan When a retailer has had an aquatics store for long enough, he or she sees a lot of trends come and go. And still, tradition can’t be denied. “We are more of a natural store, but some customers are going the other way,” said Jim Kostich, manager of Aquatics Unlimited. By “the […]
