The Tint

Utilizing different materials in our substrates is a “foundational approach to botanical method aquariums.. we need to keep working with them and pushing the limits!

We don’t talk enough about light and it’s importance to our aquariums. And, although we’ve shared a lot of planted botanical method aquariums with plants, there is still a lot of confusion and trepidation about keeping plants in tinted, botanical method aquariums…Let’s talk about light, plants, and botanicals!

Yeah, we’re talking about leaf litter in the aquarium yet again. Why? Because there’s a bit too much talk lately about leaves as “set pieces” for creating “cool looking aquascapes!” And that is selling them sooo short- missing all of the ecological benefits of using leaves in aquariums. They’re not aquascaping props… they are a huge and important part of the ecological system in our tanks…

We do a lot of things with our aquariums, but the idea of literally “operating” them to replicate seasonal and other changes which. Occur in the wild habitats is a fascinating one. What kinds of things can we “operate” in our tanks- and what will the positive impacts on our fishes be as a result?

Botanical method aquariums are not a “style of aquascaping.” They are systems which utilize natural materials to foster functions similar to those which occur in wild aquatic habitats. They’re about ecology. Yet, they do have a certain “look”, right? Let’s talk a bit about the “art part” of the botanical method aquarium…

The art of “editing” your aquarium is something that we all should be familiar with. Sometimes, by removing elements from your botanical method aquarium, you actually end up with something that’s exactly what you dreamed of in the first place…in this episode, I share a personal example of this concept and how I got to where I wanted to be!

A little “refresher” on the basics of the botanical method aquarium. A look at some old friends- detritus, decomposition, fungal growths, and biofilms- and how they help facilitate a more natural, successful aquarium.

Don’t be afraid to leave what you know. Experiment. Share. Try. Push out of the ordinary and share your experiences. Get into those weird little hobby niches and learn all you can about them…It helps the hobby progress.

There is so much information for the botanical method aquarium geek to gain form studying streams- and stream bottoms- that it’s worthy of a two part episode! Here’s part one!

An aquarium is not just a glass box filled with water, sand, plants, wood, seed pods, and fishes. It’s not a disconnected, clinical, static display containing a collection of aquatic materials. It’s a microcosm. A vibrant, dynamic, interconnected system, influenced by the materials and life forms within it, as well as the external influences which surround it.

If you’re a hobbyist who dabbles on either side of the “salinity line”, you’ve got amazing skills that you can bring with you.. don’t be so locked into your own niche at the exclusion of everything else. See what you could bring to the other side. We call it “aquatic cross-training”, and it might just take the hobby to a new and exciting level.

I admit, we talk an awful lot about the philosophy and the minutiae of the ecology of botanical method aquariums.. today, let’s focus on a few practical aspects of them!

As a botanical method aquarium fan, you’re used to biofilms, decomposing leaves, fungal growths, and detritus in your tanks. Some hobbyists call this a mess… Your fishes call it food!

We love to create aquariums and aquascapes based on what we love and what makes us feel good. However, I sometimes wonder if there is a disconnect between what WE love and what the fishes want… my solution? Think like a fish when designing your next aquarium! It’s not as crazy an idea as it sounds, and it might just open your eyes to some entirely new approaches to creating and managing aquariums…

What happens to the little microcosms that are our botanical method aquariums over the long run? How does Nature manage the ecology that we’ve fostered in those little glass or acrylic boxes. It’s a long game, filled with subtle evolutions, gradual progressions, and change.

As fish geeks, we tend to over think. A lot. We freak out. We worry.. and we scheme. We MUST get to the bottom of every “problem.” Commendable, but is it always necessary?

Okay, it’s been a long time since we covered that most superficial aspect of botanical method aquariums…the characteristic that our podcast is named after: The tint! Let’s discuss what creates it, how it impacts our fishes, and how to create and manage it!

Yeah, it happened again: Someone hit me up for advice on how to get more “cred” on social…as if I would know.. but the ensuing conversation uncovered a common, rather detrimental problem that we encounter within the hobby: the desire to be “accepted” by others. Let’s talk about this.

Stocking aquariums is a fun thing. It’s been guided by long-established hobby philosophies and practices. And of course, I believe that some of these philosophies- good and logical though they may be- are not the ONLY way to approach stocking your tank. Like, is there a way to add way more fishes than “conventional aquarium wisdom” advocates- and to do it sustainably and responsibly? I believe tha...

Todays episode is an appeal for a healthier attitude in the aquarium hobby. A call to those who are afraid to do and share their unique work, for fear of criticism from “them.” Understand the enormous satisfaction and happiness that can come your way if you find- and stay- in your own “lane” in the hobby and do what YOU love…

What’s the best filter for a botanical method aquarium? Our discussion today addresses this oft-asked question…And our conclusion will likely NOT surprise you. Or, will it?

The idea that the botanical method of creating and managing aquariums is “messy” is one of those things that we hear from time to time from those who simply don’t get it. And it is always a good time to ask ourselves why this is…

Are you the flexible, yet consistent type of aquarist? Or “wild and wooly”- totally spontaneous? Or more of a reserved, analytical type? Can you evolve? Do you want to? Is “good enough” truly good enough for you, or do you need a higher level of analysis to determine that?

In this very quick hit, we try to open up a conversation about understanding what “blackwater” really is.. Spoiler- it’s not caused by leaves…

Yeah, we’ve been talking a lot about the processes and expectations during the establishment of our botanical method tanks.. let’s close the circle a bit and talk about another mental aspect of these tanks…