The Tint

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!

The idea that our aquariums are and can be authentic functional representations of wild aquatic ecosystems is alluring. It involves looking at Nature- and whet we’ve been taught in the hobby for generations- a bit differently. Are you ready for this?

Yep, we have a large list of cool things to tackle in the aquarium hobby. We have a world filled with inspiration upon which we can draw. Today, let me share a few fave ideas from the list. If you’re stuck, looking for inspiration, or just plain interested in doing something different, have a listen!

Risk is a fundamental part of the aquarium hobby. We play with live organisms. Risk is sort of “baked in” the hobby at all levels. Taking risks is important. It moves the hobby forward. Not taking risks limits advancements, and potentially denies us great hobby breakthroughs. Don’t shy away completely from risk.

The aquarium hobby gives us numerous opportunities to mess things up. To miscalculate. To act on crazy ideas...and to fail. Yet is it a “failure” when it leads to improvements and knowledge that create success? I don’t think so. We can turn every “failure” into success- by sharing.

Nature has figured out a lot of things...Including how to persevere. How to get through what we see as the "undesirable" parts of your aquarium's evolution. She can figure out a way to accomplish almost anything....If we let Her!

On today's very special episode of "The Tint", we're happy to have Sumer Tiwari, fish breeder, master aquarist, and overall fish geek for an engaging discussion on breeding fishes, and all kinds of related topics! Sumer's wealth of knowledge and practical ideas and experience will inspire you, and the discussion we had is going to fill you with ideas, guaranteed! 

When I was a young fish keeper, the basics of the hobby were instilled into me by my “tribe”- my dad, the LFS people, and the magazines and books I studied religiously. These lessons served me well- to a point. There was that one time- and that ONE fish- for which I flaunted them. And learned a lesson that I never forgot!

The “common” Bumblebee Goby is a surprisingly adaptable, endearing, and “specialized-tank-deserving” fish.. and it’s found in brackish and soft, acidic environments- a truly versatile fish! Let’s take a little closer look...

Okay, time for me to get all philosophical on your ass! No, seriously, it’s kind of fun to look at how our aquariums can teach us some important “life lessons!” I rant, I share- and hopefully- I reach you!

In today's very special episode, aquarist/adventurer/photographer Thomas Minesi, our "man in The Congo", discusses soem of the amazing fishes and aquatic habitats of his homeland, The Democratic Republic of Congo. Thomas' knowledge of the beautiful habitats and fishes of this amazing country is an invaluable resource, and we're excited to hear the stories behind his amazing pictures, which have gr...

The aquarium hobby is filled with amazing people who inspire, uplift, and support. It’s also filled with some people who will bring you down. Here’s our not-so-concise guide to recognizing these various personality types, so that you have a better hobby experience!

Establishing an aquarium is an exciting and amazing process. It’s a time when we’re recruiting a diversity of microorganisms and other life forms to create the ecology of our tank. So why has the hobby made this a “barrier” that needs to be broken? Some unpleasant process on the road to “finished.” An aquarium is never “finished.” It’s an evolution; a continuous “dance.” Enjoy it at every stage.

Every once in a while I get “a bug up my ass” and feel that it’s necessary to light a fire under the collective aquatic world. Today’s one of those days. Many hobbyists are working on their upcoming entries into the big aquatic contest. What not shake things up with something truly unique? Something that will inspire, confuse, perhaps even upset the status quo in a contest (and social media) world...

The ability to facilitate microbial and infaunal growth in our née botanical-style aquariums is fundamental. Helping develop the aquarium ecology before adding fishes leads to a stable, productive, dynamic, and beautiful aquarium. Making the mental shift to be patient as this ecosystem develops is the key.

Yes, everyone seems to love a good mangrove tree! And you’ll love them a lot more when you see how adaptable and hardy they can be!

This episode is really the sort of “basic” introduction to the idea of botanical-style aquariums that you might share with someone who’s considering jumping in. Perhaps it’s going to serve as your “talking points” for a “pitch” you want to give to a fellow fish geek, or to your local club. This one’s for all of you...

Even the most common, captive-bred, pervasive fishes in the aquarium hobby came from somewhere “out there” once, right? Like our friend the Zebra Danio- staple of the hobby for a century. Let’s see what we can find when we delve into scientific, rather than hobby treatises on this fish. Let’s go “off the grid” with The Zebra Danio!

The idea of a botanical-style aquarium as an ecosystem is foundational. The idea of it functioning as whet we’d call a “filter”, by embracing ecological processes at many levels, is evolutionary in nature.

The idea of natural aquatic habitats as densely-filled, dyanamic, and intricate ecological niches, begging for us to replicate in the aquarium is hugely compelling. Understanding that Nature is not a crystal-clear, perfectly “laid out” space is the unlock to embracing the concept of “functional aesthetics.”