The Tint

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.