New to the botanical-style aquarium world? Perhaps a little discussion about what to expect is just what you need!

We love the fact that so many hobbyists are trying botanical-style/blackwater aquariums. Yet, that term “blackwater” seems to mean different things to the hobbyist that it does to the scientist? What’s it mean? What do we call every tank with tinted water a “blackwater aquarium?” What can we learn here?

Few fish are influenced as deeply and profoundly by their environment as killifishes are. They’re the perfect “case study” for the concept of “environmental intimacy”, and a perfect group of fishes which can garner more popularity if we explore their husbandry with a different mindset!

Substrates are perhaps one of the most dynamic aspects of an aquarium. They are not just there for looks; rather, they foster an enormous amount of biodiversity, and okay a huge role in the evolution and function of the botanical-style aquarium.

The idea of employing “filtration” in botanical-style aquariums makes perfect sense. You can use all sorts of filters. However, when we think of the very aquarium and the micro biome it contains as the “filter” in our aquarium, not only does it mess with our head- it starts changing the way we think about “filtration”

It’s been 6 years since Tannin Aquatics has launched, plowing the unknown seas of this unique botanical-style approach to aquariums. Thanks to you being fearless, and making mental shifts, this little hobby segment is more popular than ever!

For ages, aquarists have been advised to “cure” wood outside of their display tanks. I suppose the rationale is sound. However, when you think about it, there might be some unique advantages to letting this “curing” process occur within the display tank! Let’s dig down on this idea!

In the aquarium hobby, we love referring to Nature and how our tanks resemble it. Are we deluding ourselves? Sometimes we might be. We need to think about what “Nature” and “Natural” mean in the context of what we do…

WARNING: This is a full fledged rant! Let’s talk about the responsibility that goes with being a “content creator” or an “influencer” in the hobby. There is a bit too much drivel out there right now, and we need to face it. If I didn’t scare you off, have a listen…

Our botanical-style aquariums are strongly ecologically-driven. They relay on a myriad of life forms of all sizes- some very familiar to us, and others a bit less so. However, they all provide valuable “services” for our miniature ecosystems. Say “hello” to our little friends in the micro biome!