The Tint

Risk, and the responsibility that we take on, are huge parts of the hobby. What we choose to take on isn’t the most difficult thing in the world; however, it’s important that we understand what risks we face, the responsibilities that we have to learn about them, and the opportunities that risk creates.

The wild aquatic habitats are often dynamic, ephemeral, always changing environments. They are often being re-worked, re-assembled, and changed entirely by the simple process of movement. It’s the same in the aquarium. It’s something that we need to consider as an “evolutionary opportunity” as opposed to an annoyance! Ahh, another mental shift!

Mangroves and brackish water aquariums may be about to have a “moment” in the hobby. And, if we really want to understand them, learn from them, and enjoy them- we need to learn a few things about how they grow and their place in the ecology of our aquariums. And yeah, we need to make some mental shifts!

There is something incredibly compelling about utilizing materials like twigs and bits and pieces of roots and such to help form very interesting, dynamic substrates. It’s something we talk about a lot here. However, to those of you who may not have heard about this stuff before- let’s take a few minutes to tempt you again!

In this very special episode, I'm excited to welcome one of my favorite all-around aquarium hobbyists,Jake Adams. Jake is a lifelong aquarist, and is the Sr. Editor of the wildly popular Reef Builders blog. Jake is a rare breed of hobbyist who operates at a high level on both sides of the “salinity line.” One of the reef hobby's most knowledgable and talented people, Jake is eminently qualified to...

Very tank we do helps us move forward in the hobby. Even the ones that we think are. I good. Even the ones that break the rules we set for ourselves.. it’s what we get out of them which determines their real value!

In one of the most enjoyable episodes we've ever done in "TheTint", noted aquascaper and uber-fish-geek Jen Wiliams stops by and we discuss a ridiculous variety of fish geek topics! This episode literally has a little something for everyone! You'll want to listen to this one again and again!

In this special edition of "The Tint", we're excited to welcome our friend, author, aquarist, and aquairum industry entrepreneur, Chris Englezou. One of our favorite biotope aquarium people, Chris is a man of diverse talents and interests, and shares some of his insights and experiences with biotope aquariums, his conservation work, and the challenges and joys of being an aquarium industry entrepr...

The botanical-style aquairum is a living, breathing entity that depends upon natural processes to provide for the needs of all sorts of aquatic organisms. The botanicals provide the foundation for an ecosystem. The "essence" of a botanical-style aquarium, if you will. 

What is it about those subtly colored fishes that compels us to play with them. What makes a “common” fish “common?” Or, for that matter, what is so wrong with coddling “common” fishes in our tanks? Absolutely nothing!

Are you obsessed with making your aquarium a 100% faithful representation of Nature in every way possible? Or, do you just do the best possible job replicating the aspects of their natural habitat that you can? Do your fishes know this? Do they care?

Yeah, we’ve probably talked about the ins and outs of botanical preparation hundreds of times here on “The Tint”- let’s hit on it again!

Algae. The mere mention of it freaks hobbyists out. Yet, in our tinted, botanical style aquariums, we don’t see to much of it. We don’t have the same nightmares about the stuff that other hobbyists do. Why? And what do we do when we do encounter it? Let’s talk about it!

We all have our fave fishes for botanical- style aquariums. I have many. Yet, there are only a couple which really grab and hold me. Here’s my take on them!

There are lots of approaches that you can take to stocking your nee aquarium with fishes. How about an approach which follows the natural evolution of wild aquatic habitats, and the progressive availability of food sources?

Ever had a tank that just didn’t “hit?” Like, you had an idea, but for water eve reason, you couldn’t pull it off? So you let it go? Perhaps, maybe, it’s better to let go of your doubts, fears, preconceived notions- and let the tank evolve. It might just turn into something incredible.

The idea of the aquarium as an ecosystem is nothing new. The idea of letting it develop without interference- despite possibly disturbing aesthetics- is. And understanding WHAT it is that we’re trying to achieve with our aquariums as we embrace ecology is profound, exciting, and a key to success…

Yeah, the relationship between land and water is well known to all who study natural aquatic habitats. As aquarists, we’ve tended to overlook this relationship. It’s time to reconsider this for the amazing benefits fostering it can bring to the aquarium!

What’s the philosophy behind this whole botanical-style aquarium movement? What should you try to set one of these tanks up? What makes them differ t. As we kick off the second half of the year, I thought it might be a good idea to share some of these thoughts- so that you can share them with others who might as you “Why?”

There is something appealing about how simply we can manage our botanical-style aquariums. About how well they can run without tons of gear, lots of “hands-in-the-tank” intervention, and just basic water exchanges. Simplicity and function to hand in hand.

As you likely know, I’m as obsessed with reef aquariums as I am with botanical-style aquariums. They’re similar, but different. Too many freshwater hobbyists are intimidated by reefs. Don’t be. Just learn. This is not your ordinary “pep talk...” it’s an honest and quite possibly brutal breakdown of what to consider before you try a reef tank. It’s a bit of tough love, but it’s all good. Don’t “fea...

If you’re like me, you’re constantly thinking about- and executing- new aquarium ideas. Sometimes you switch ideas so fast your tank isn’t even “wet” yet.. You are easily inspired, always excited..if you’re like that, don’t despair.. it’s a gift!

If you really think about it, am aquarium evolves continuously. If we don’t interrupt it, it can go indefinitely. And if we use some of the biological material in an established aquarium to help “kick start” a new one, couldn’t it be argued that we’re perpetuating a form of “immortality?” Sit down, listen to this one...and ponder! 🤔

The hobby has for generations treasured crystal clear, “invisible” water. That’s all well and good, but it’s not exactly what you get when you place a bunch of leaves, seed pods, and sedimented substrates in your aquarium. We do things a bit differently around here- and that means accepting a different type of water “flavor!” Let’s chop this up a bit...

One of our personal fave pods is the unique Kielmeyera pod. Actually a fruit capsule, but it looks sort of like a leaf.. it’s not a super-popular botanical, but it sure is interesting! Let’s take a closer look!