The Tint

The idea that terrestrial and aquatic habitats are closely linked together is fascinating. It creates a tremendous source of inspiration for us as aquarist, and executing aquariums based on this relationship and the seasonal transformation from terrestrial habitat to aquatic habitat is irresistible!

We talk so much about functional aesthetics and the way the work in our botanical-style aquarium. Let’s look at the ultimate expression of this concept- supplemental food production!

Ever fee like you need to just change up what your doing? Take out some wood, add a plant- or just kill the whole project and start fresh? It’s okay. It’s powerful. Do what you love.

We receive a lot of questions asking stuff like, “What botanicals are appropriate for an aquarium intended to replicate_____?” The answer? In short, almost all of them! And the processes which govern their function in our tanks are the same everywhere on the planet- a fascinating thing, when you think about it, right?

We receive a lot of questions about how much botanical materials should be added to our aquariums, and how quickly. The answer is a tale of cadence, nuance, tempo, observation, and patience.

Ever want to try something new but are a bit put off by the process of starting 100% from scratch? You don’t have to. As always, if we observe how Nature evolves habitats, we find that the answers are right in front of us!

There’s more to aquarium substrates than sand or gravel.. well, there SHOULD be! Let’s talk about some ideas and how’s and why’s behind this idea!

There are some real mental shifts that we as botanical-style aquarists are asked to make. And they’re not all that bad, or difficult. We just have to look to Nature for the reassurance that we need!

As we kick of 2021, Scott and Johnny settle in for a special chat talking about what's new, what's cool, and what direction we think we're going this year! Lots of ideas, discussion, and philosophical rambling on botanical-style aquairums- from our slightly different perspective! 

It’s amazing what we do as hobbyists. It takes a certain mindset to keep live tropical fishes in little glass boxes of water. It takes skill, dedication, and audacity. There are good and bad forms of audacity in this hobby- and a time to apply them.

Every aquarist needs a little place where he or she can keep a few little tanks, play with some new ideas, and turn dreams into little realities. Enter the “idea shelf!”

There is tremendous value in letting go of convention. To playing hunches, exploring new avenues, approaches, and ideas. Experimenting. Do this.

Manipulation of pH in botanical- style aquariums is a sort of basic “tenant” to what we do. Yet, the concept- and indeed the execution- are both filled with a significant amount of assumption, misunderstanding, and confusion. Maybe we can clear up a few things?

Geology influences so much of what we try to do in the aquarium! I suggest that we think about it a bit more when planning our tanks!

There is so much to be learned by studying the aquatic habitats from which our fishes come.. such as streams.. they are impacted by numerous factors, many of which we can replicate in our own aquariums!

I have this “thing” about setting up our aquariums to function, to some extent, as miniature closed ecosystems. This is hardly a breakthrough or a new idea. However, I believe it’s fundamental to creating amazing botanical-style aquariums, and planted aquariums, and Cichlid tanks, reef tanks, nursery tanks... you get the idea. You don’t need to be 100% hands on, either. Nature can and should do a...

We spend a lot of time creating cool aquariums for all of those sexy new fishes that come into the hobby. However, wouldn’t it be fun to try a new approach with some of the hobby’s most “common” fishes? The ones that are anointed “beginner’s fishes?” How about “repatriating” them to “actively managed” aquariums that replicate their natural habitat.. interested yet? We hope so!

The idea of fostering a miniature ecosystem within the confines of our aquariums isn’t just a crazy wish. Rather, it’s something which will happen with very little input on our part, if we don’t try to “edit” out the processes which facilitate it...

Another cool conversation with our friend James Sheen of Blackwater UK. In this episode, we tackle a wide range of subjects, ranging from inspiration for our tanks, to reef tanks to biotope aquariums, to stuff that drives us crazy. Lots of interesting banter and maybe a few controversial opinions, too! We theorize, complain,  share ideas, and laugh. Just a good natured talk between geeky fish...

Yeah, it’s time to talk more about my fave botanical subject- leaves!

With so much interest in botanical-style/blackwater aquariums, I think we need to revisit some of the “realities” that we all need to grasp when trying to create one of these tanks. Here’s a first installment of what we hope to be an occasional series on this stuff!

It’s pretty cool to be recognized as an “authority” on something in the hobby. Yet, in addition to experience, honesty, and time, it requires work. And a willingness to put yourself out there. Hers a personal tale.

As we discuss so often- we’re getting better and better at replicating many of the characteristics and functions of natural aquatic ecosystems in our aquariums. However, we can’t, and shouldn’t - try to hit every single “target number” in the process. Rather, we should strive to replicate the function and benefits which natural ecosystems provided for fishes. That’s where the action is!

To call what we create “blackwater aquariums” is to sell our work as a community short. Rather, we work with natural, botanical- style aquariums...

If there’s one thing we hit you over the head with over and over again when using botanical materials in your aquarium, it’s the need to go slowly. To be patient. To educate yourself on what’s happening- and what CAN happen in your aquarium when utilizing botanicals.