The Tint

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…

A new botanical method aquarium goes through some unique stages as it establishes itself. It challenges our expectations and aesthetics sensibilities. It defused us to a Indian what we know and to embrace a process.. can you do it? Do you have the patience and the mental toughness to persevere?

Let’s face it, substrates have never gotten the attention that they deserve! As botanical method aquarium enthusiasts, we’re really into the idea of a substrate “enriched” with botanical materials. Let’s revisit the “hows and whys” of this idea!

The “botanical method” is a little bit different from virtually every other approach to freshwater aquarium keeping. We value stuff, like fungal growths and biofilms, to power the ecology of our tanks. How does it all work?

Okay, I’m on a roll about starting new tanks for some reason. Today, can we just talk about our collective obsession with “clean” in our tanks. Like, if you don’t rinse your sand thoroughly, or soak your driftwood for weeks before adding it to your new aquarium, what will happen? Is it a food day scenario? A recipe for failure? Or a “hack” on the way to a biologically diverse, ecologically stable botanical method aquarium. Let’s talk about this a bit!

The earliest phases of our botanical method aquariums play a profound role in determining how well they’ll function over their lifetimes…

The “botanical method” aquarium follows a certain predictable path as it evolves. Yet, to many who are new to this approach, it can be a bit confusing and so different than what the hobby labels as “normal.” Let’s take a brief look at what to expect in the art days of your botanical method aquarium…