Algae, biofilms, detritus… words that stroke fear into many hobbyists. Why? Because we’ve always been told that they’re a “problem?” Or because they are REALLY a problem? Perhaps they’re not- and perhaps we simply need to make a mental shift to accept them!

Botanical materials have a profound impact on the aquarium environment and ecosystem. There is so much that we have to learned- yet so much more to really grasp this concept.

Understanding that botanicals- in all of their ephemeral glory- are key components of an aquatic ecology in our aquariums is fundamental to all we do. These materials comprise a “fuel” for all of the biological processes which the fishes and other organisms we keep depend upon.

The botanical-style aquarium is a methodology- an approach to creating ecologically diverse, functional, and aesthetically unique aquariums. Let’s review some of the basic core components of our methodology and philosophy!

One of the best parts of the natural aquarium hobby is studying intersting habitats which can be replicated in the aquarium. The “Morichal” habitats of South America are just such a habitat worth studying and replicating in the aquarium. Home to a diversity of well-known aquarium fishes, and possessing fascinating physical characteristics, the Morichal is a fascinating and exciting habitat to replicate in our tanks!

We talk a lot about feeding fishes and culturing live foods for them in the aquarium hobby. However, we don’t often talk about the idea of setting up aquariums and stocking them based upon the feeding habits of our subject fishes. Let’s open that dialogue!

It comes up a lot: Freshwater hobbyists want to start a reef aquarium, amd they’re immediately intimidated for some reason. And the reefkeeping world, which I’ve been a part of for decades- has done little to kill this myth. Guess it’s time for me to speak up on it!

How much botanical materials should you add to your aquarium- and how many different types? What happens to them in your tank? We’ve covered some of this stuff before, but let’s talk about how much is enough, too much, or just right? Let’s talk about restraint.

Meet the “Monkey Pot”- one of our fave botanicals- one which you should play with in your aquariums!!

(Another installment of an occasional series about, well- reef aquariums!) so many of you have told me you want to hear me talk a bit more about reef tanks, and my years of experience playing with them. I thought it might be a nice thing to talk about now and then, especially because I’m a few months away from building my first reef tank in like 6 years! Today, let’s hit you with a little reality on choosing your aquarium…