The Tint

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?

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...