WELCOME

🎬 FULLY EDITED SPECIAL: Indian Native Fishes with Beta Mahatvaraj (Meenkaran) Featuring Underwater Footage in Natural Habitats! In this enhanced version of our Live AMA session, we go beyond the conversation and take you into the water with exclusive underwater footage captured by Beta himself — showcasing India’s native freshwater fishes in their natural environments. If you’re passionate about: ✅ Authentic biotope setups ✅ Native fish behaviour in the wild ✅ Habitat structure, flow, substrates & vegetation ✅ Conservation and field observations ✅ Breeding insights from nature …then this is a MUST-WATCH! See the fish as nature intended. Hear the stories behind every discovery. This episode combines in-depth knowledge, real-world exploration, and rare visuals — a treat for every serious aquarist, biotope creator, and nature enthusiast. 🗓 Premieres Tonight – 8:30 PM (India Time) 📺 On The Weekend Aquarist Podcast (YouTube)

Join us for this 'invite-only' Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Beta Mahatvaraj a.k.a. Meenkaran. This special AMA session is being organised exclusively for the subscribers of The Weekend Aquarist magazine. Join us in the live interactive session with Beta - Ask him anything on Indian Native Fishes!

Conversations with Tom Barr – Part 2 (Premiering 12th October!) 🎙️ In this unmissable continuation, Tom Barr dives deeper into his journey as one of the most influential voices in the planted tank and aquascaping world. From sourcing the most iconic driftwood to building one of the largest forums in the hobby —this episode is packed with stories and wisdom. Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Intro 00:47 – Interview Starts 08:50 – Tom Barr talks about Aquascaping (then vs now) 10:34 – The Magic of Manzanita – how he collected and sold the world’s favourite driftwood 16:26 – High-profile client projects (big names, big tanks!) 19:48 – The Barr Report Web Forum – building a global knowledge hub 27:40 – Closing Thoughts If Part 1 explained the science… Part 2 reveals the stories behind the legend. Premieres 12th October 🕘 9:00 PM India 🕣 8:30 AM Pacific Time Set your reminder—this one’s special! Loved this episode? Take your passion even deeper with The Weekend Aquarist Magazine – India’s only dedicated aquarium hobby magazine packed with expert interviews, stunning aquascapes, native fish spotlights, tips, inspiration, and more. Subscribe today at: www.weekendaquarist.in International visitors can subscribe to the Digital edition via Magzter on https://www.magzter.com/IN/The-Weekend-Aquarist-Media-Co/The-Weekend-Aquarist/Animals--Pets/ Don’t just watch the hobby… be part of it!

The Origin of the Estimative Index Explained by Tom Barr | The Weekend Aquarist Podcast (Part 1) In this first part of an exclusive two-part interview, Tom Barr — aquatic botanist, educator, and creator of the world-famous Estimative Index (EI) — sits down with The Weekend Aquarist to share the untold story behind one of the most influential plant-fertilisation methods ever developed. From the early days of keeping discus in California to founding The Barr Report, Tom recounts how curiosity, experimentation, and a love for plants led him to challenge long-held aquarium myths — especially the belief that phosphate causes algae. His method of non-limiting nutrient dosing and weekly “reset” water changes forever changed how aquarists and horticulturists think about plant growth. 🎧 What you’ll discover in this episode: How Tom’s early experiments with discus tanks led to the creation of the Estimative Index. Why limiting nutrients isn’t the answer — and how plants actually outcompete algae. The science behind water changes, CO₂, and Liebig’s Law of the Minimum. The hobbyists and researchers who inspired the foundation of EI. Tom’s philosophy on learning from plants, practising patience, and keeping the hobby simple yet scientific. Whether you grow aquatic plants, houseplants, or bonsai, this conversation is filled with insights that connect science, art, and the joy of growing. Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:47 – Interview Begins: Meet Tom Barr 04:54 – Liebig’s Law Explained: The Science of Plant Growth 11:44 – How the Estimative Index Took Shape 14:41 – Are New Hobbyists Losing Patience? 15:26 – Inside The Barr Report: Building a Global Plant Community 21:20 – Tom’s Advice for Hobbyists and Plant Lovers 24:30 – What Tom Recommends for Thriving Aquariums 33:15 – EI vs Lean Dosing: Which Works Better? 41:17 – Stay Tuned for Part 2! 41:45 – Outro & Closing Thoughts Subscribe for more conversations with the world’s leading aquascapers, biotope explorers, and plant scientists. Read this Exclusive interview in the latest issue of The Weekend Aquarist magazine (September issue). Subscribe on https://weekendaquarist.in

🌿 The Weekend Aquarist Podcast – Featuring Shivansh Rajput of NaturesQue In this episode, we sit down with Shivansh Rajput, the young aquarist behind NaturesQue, Kanpur’s first Nature Aquarium Gallery. At just 29, Shivansh balances a full-time IT career with his passion for aquascaping, running a gallery that has quickly become a hub for hobbyists. His story is one of dedication, discipline, and love for the craft. 📌 Timestamps for Easy Navigation 00:00 – Intro 00:59 – Start 03:44 – An Award-winning Biotope 07:17 – That’s a Secret Scape 07:42 – NaturesQue Services 09:05 – Support Local Fish Store Initiative 10:23 – Services continue 12:43 – What else would you like to share 15:36 – Parting words by Shivansh to new Hobbyists 18:19 – Outro 🎙️ Premieres today at 9 PM on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of aquariums! Subscribe to The Weekend Aquarist Magazine - India's First & Only Magazine focused on the Aquarium Hobby. Subscribe on http://weekendaquarist.in

Marine Chronicles ft. Shanmukha Sainath (Shaan) — Premiere Premieres: 21 September, 12:00 noon (IST) From reef ethics to home aquariums, we dive deep with Shanmukha Sainath (Shaan)—marine biologist, aquaculture consultant, wildlife rescuer, and snakehead (Channa striata) breeder. A PADI-licensed diver who’s worked with NFDB and research institutions, Shaan bridges field science and hobbyist reality with clear, practical guidance. Shaan shares his insights on: How he went from freshwater hobbyist to marine biologist & consultant India’s marine legality landscape: what’s allowed, what’s not, and why Ethical sourcing: how to spot red flags (cyanide/blast fishing) and choose right Beginner-friendly marine fish: hardy picks vs. species to avoid early on Seahorses & conservation: captive breeding, threats, and what helps Government support: subsidies and pathways for marine ornamental breeding Life at Winning Fins: integrated farming, hatchery work, and native fish breeding Who should watch Hobbyists starting marine tanks, advanced aquarists refining their ethics and husbandry, educators, and anyone curious about India’s reefs, regulations, and responsible fishkeeping. Call to action If this conversation helps you, subscribe, like, and share to support The Weekend Aquarist. Credits Guest: Shanmukha Sainath (Shaan) — Marine Biologist & Aquaculture Consultant; founder, Winning Fins Host: The Weekend Aquarist Podcast (Editor: Amar Salvi) Series: Marine Chronicles Timestamps 00:00 - intro 00:48 - From freshwater hobbyist to marine biologist 05:54 - scuba diving 10:01 - what is illegal and not 14:39 - starter fishes 18:32 - fish buying guide 24:38 - sea horses 27:56 - Government support 30:12 - Life at Winning Fins 33:18 - Word of advice 34:50 - outro Disclaimer This episode discusses general information about marine aquariums and conservation in India. Regulations vary by location and are subject to change over time. Always verify current laws and obtain necessary permissions before collecting, keeping, breeding, or trading marine organisms. #MarineChronicles #TheWeekendAquarist #MarineAquarium #IndiaReefs #Conservation #Aquaculture #Seahorse #Clownfish #EthicalSourcing #WinningFins #PADI #Snakehead #ChannaStriata #ReefHobby

This podcast has two parts. Part 2 drops on 14 September 2025 at 12:30 PM IST (India) / 3:00 PM SGT (Singapore) https://youtu.be/tXYc2lbjifU The Weekend Aquarist in conversation with Dennis Wong, Dennis Wong is one of the founders of the 2Hr Aquarist brand and website. He’s known for pushing the limits of planted tanks—specialising in newly discovered, challenging aquatic plants and popularising their use. His evidence-led articles appear on 2HrAquarist.com and in publications like The Aquatic Gardener, Scaper’s Magazine and Aquarium Hobbyist Magazine, and he has served as a judge at contests including AGA 2018, Aquajaya 2018 and AIAC 2023. Today we dive into the philosophy and science behind the 2Hr approach—and the practical habits that deliver lush, algae-free scapes. #Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:38 – Interview starts 05:21 – The philosophy behind The 2Hr Aquarist 08:22 – Mentoring aquascapers 10:49 – The science behind the 2Hr Method 15:35 – Plants live on a different time-scale 21:30 – Maintenance tips from The 2Hr Aquarist 26:17 – End of Part 1 & outro Dennis shares his thoughts on • Core principles behind the 2Hr approach to fast, healthy growth • How light, CO₂ and nutrients interact—and what really limits success • Why plant responses take time (and how that shapes troubleshooting) • Practical maintenance habits to keep algae at bay Enjoyed this episode? • Subscribe to The Weekend Aquarist Podcast and tap the 🔔 so you don’t miss Part 2 https://youtu.be/tXYc2lbjifU • Love in-depth fishkeeping content? Subscribe to The Weekend Aquarist Magazine (print + digital): https://weekendaquarist.in #DennisWong #2HrAquarist #Aquascaping #PlantedTank #APT #AquariumPlants #TheWeekendAquarist