The Tint

Xylophagy- the consumption of wood by animals- is a fascinating process, long attributed to various Loricarridae. And interestingly, it’s a feeding strategy which seems to play right into our botanical method aquarium practices…

Substrate… is more than just the “bottom of the aquarium.” It’s a vital, highly diverse ecosystem within the aquarium- one which has profound impact. For decades, we’ve been just “mailing it in” and throwing sand or gravel on the bottom of our tanks, rather than creating more sophisticated, varied mixes of materials to facilitate biodiversity within our aquariums. Let’s change that.

As I reemerge from my self-imposed “sabbatical”, I think it’s time to explore and shatter some emerging misconceptions in our hobby sector. Let’s tackle on of the biggest ones right here and now!

Everyone’s fave aquarist- the amazing Jen Williams, stops by for another amazing visit! We talk about the hobby, life, what we’ve been up to- and how Scott got his groove back. And, as usual- Jen drops some awesomeness along the way!! A true “Tint” episode for the ages!

Nature provides us with everything we need to manage our aquariums successfully. Let’s talk about ways to embrace natural processes and mechanisms to create amazing natural “filtration systems” within our aquariums!

“Embracing Nature” sounds like typical aquarium hobby/industry marketing hyperbole, I know. However, truly embracing the function of Nature- NOT just the appearance of Nature- is the key to an incredible hobby experience.

Playing with leaves and botanicals in our aquarium is fundamental. It’s a new era of understanding aquatic ecology and it’s impact on our aquariums. It requires some mental shifts, doesn’t it?

As I return from my self-imposed aquarium industry “exile”, I once again am taken by the decidedly superficial approach to “natural” aquariums that has overtaken the popular hobby consciousness. I’m back, and it’s time to keep fighting “the good fight” to convince you to interpret Nature in our aquariums on a deeper level…

Yeah, as I jump back in to sharing ideas on botanical method aquariums in 2023, it’s good for me to just take one more opportunity to discuss the color of the water in our tanks, and what it means…

The legends in the aquarium hobby have provided us with everything that we need to know to be successful. Their knowledge, passed down over the decades, helped foster and refine the techniques which have evolved into the modern aquarium hobby. Simple truths, shared freely…