The Tint

The funniest thing in the aquarium hobby, in my opinion, is that we constantly talk about how we treasure Nature- yet try to “edit” her processes and products at every opportunity. We need to understand, study, and observe.. we need to have more faith in Nature. Because Nature’s got our back

“How do YOU” use botanicals in YOUR tanks, Scott?” Well, good question! Let’s tackle this in part 2 of our series “This is How I do it!”

An aquarium is not just a static thing. Sure, we “build” it- or part of it. Yet, it’s a process- a slow, deliberate one- in which Nature takes the lead. To try to rich things is to deny our aquariums the chance to evolve as Nature intends them to...

Yeah, in 5 plus years of doing “The Tint”, I never did a series on how, specifically, I personally start and manage my botanical-style tanks! Let’s change that and start this party! We’ll literally start at the bottom- substrates, and my approach!

Okay, I’m no chemistry guru, but I do have a slight working knowledge about the topic as it relates to our botanical-style aquariums. Let’s touch on a couple of common water chemistry questions that we receive here...

It’s fundamental. Adding botanical materials to our aquariums is a way to replicate many functional aspects of Nature. We know this. The general hobby needs to know this.

We’ve all seen and encounters them: Those aquarium hobbyists who always seem to have it out for you. Those who are ready to offer all kinds of “advice”, or “suggestions” those who genuinely want to help. And those who will steer you down some weird path, just because.. here our concise guide to taking stuff in the hobby with a grain of salt!

We’ve all had it happen. You score that incredibly rare fish at the LFS, show, or auction.. and it was sold as something far more “common.” Yeah, you scored! Feel guilty? Exhilarated? Or just content? How’d it work out?

These is something about brackish water aquariums that I just can’t pull myself away from. Maybe it’s the salt? Perhaps it’s the Mangroves! Likely, it’s the “ecosystem” approach- the botanical-style brackish water aquarium. An idea who’s time has come!

We in the aquarium hobby glorify the perfect. The polished. The finished. We’re seemingly afraid to share anything which doesn’t meet some preconceived notions of how a tank is supposed to be. What a shame.

Don’t call me am aquascaper! Maybe I’m Nature’s “interpreter” or something. But I’m definitely not an “aquascaper” in the “traditional sense!”

We can and should question the way things are done in the hobby...and why they are done that way. We can explore what Nature does. Understand Her. However, we should never try to “outsmart” Her. We can’t. And that’s okay.

Yeah, even the most basic maintenance processes in botanical-style aquariums have natural analogs- and require accompanying mental shifts that help us see things a bit differently.

Yes, once I get started on some fish geeky tangent, I seldom give up. Back in 2019, I shared with you my obsession about finding a livebearer which is naturally found in blackwater. We had a few candidates, but not much else. Fast forward to 2021, and we may have found our fish!! Prepare to geek out!

I don’t know about you, but I never tire of finding out those fish I placed in my botanical style aquarium just happened to spawn. Nothing intentional- just the by product of giving them the best possible conditions!

Yeah, once again, I’m compelled to talk about the many unique alternatives that you have for aquarium substrates. There are some amazing functional and aesthetic alternatives.. we just need to make some mental shifts to embrace them!

The idea of leaves in our aquariums is no longer an alien concept to most hobbyists. However, there are so many questions about there use, how long they last underwater, etc. let’s chat about it just a bit!

Why not examine a different aquatic habitat as a subject for a unique aquarium? Enter the morichal, a fascinating and remarkably diverse habitat, where you’ll find some of our fave aquarium fishes?

Yet another attempt to Ian through the large amount of “noise”-often incorrect- that we hear about the use of leaves and botanicals in our aquariums.

Streams are fascinating habitats. They’re the literal “jumping off point” for so many aquarium ideas too! Let’s consider them a bit differently!

When a tree falls in the forest.. an entire ecosystem arises because of it. And when the waters return, the manifold benefits of trees really become apparent. It’s time to think beyond just the aesthetic part of using wood in our aquariums- let’s chat about this for a bit!

The idea of mixing botanical materials into your substrate, and allowing them to break down is a fundamental part of botanical-style aquarium practice. And our sort of “hands off” mindset is at odds with the more traditional recommendations to siphon your substrate regularly. What gives? How can you keep your tank healthy if you’re not scrubbing it spotless? Let’s talk about it!

Every aquarium we work on- every iteration of it...should be shared with the hobby. Why? Because there is something amazing that we as a community gain when we share our work- regardless of wether or not it's in it's "ultimate" phase. Because it just might inspire someone else to finish their journey- or start one- snd share what they've learned along the way.

Today, Tannin's Scott Fellman and Johnny Ciotti address some of the lingering questions about making changes and iterating our work, and how we can progress as hobbyists by taking the occasional step back. And, we open up the email inbox to address more of your awesome questions! A cool episode with a little something for everyone! 

There is something amazing to me about the less-than-flashy fishes, and the way that they “pop” in botanical style aquariums.. what is it?