Establishing an aquarium is an exciting and amazing process. It’s a time when we’re recruiting a diversity of microorganisms and other life forms to create the ecology of our tank. So why has the hobby made this a “barrier” that needs to be broken? Some unpleasant process on the road to “finished.” An aquarium is never “finished.” It’s an evolution; a continuous “dance.” Enjoy it at every stage.

Every once in a while I get “a bug up my ass” and feel that it’s necessary to light a fire under the collective aquatic world. Today’s one of those days. Many hobbyists are working on their upcoming entries into the big aquatic contest. What not shake things up with something truly unique? Something that will inspire, confuse, perhaps even upset the status quo in a contest (and social media) world that’s become increasingly “bland”, IMHO. Sure, this podcast will puss a few people off... but it might also inspire one or two to push the limits in a way not previously done. Do “weird” well!

The ability to facilitate microbial and infaunal growth in our née botanical-style aquariums is fundamental. Helping develop the aquarium ecology before adding fishes leads to a stable, productive, dynamic, and beautiful aquarium. Making the mental shift to be patient as this ecosystem develops is the key.

Yes, everyone seems to love a good mangrove tree! And you’ll love them a lot more when you see how adaptable and hardy they can be!

This episode is really the sort of “basic” introduction to the idea of botanical-style aquariums that you might share with someone who’s considering jumping in. Perhaps it’s going to serve as your “talking points” for a “pitch” you want to give to a fellow fish geek, or to your local club. This one’s for all of you...

Even the most common, captive-bred, pervasive fishes in the aquarium hobby came from somewhere “out there” once, right? Like our friend the Zebra Danio- staple of the hobby for a century. Let’s see what we can find when we delve into scientific, rather than hobby treatises on this fish. Let’s go “off the grid” with The Zebra Danio!

The idea of a botanical-style aquarium as an ecosystem is foundational. The idea of it functioning as whet we’d call a “filter”, by embracing ecological processes at many levels, is evolutionary in nature.

The idea of natural aquatic habitats as densely-filled, dyanamic, and intricate ecological niches, begging for us to replicate in the aquarium is hugely compelling. Understanding that Nature is not a crystal-clear, perfectly “laid out” space is the unlock to embracing the concept of “functional aesthetics.”

Have you ever wondered what the ecological impact of botanical materials is in the wild aquatic habitats of the world? It’s pretty interesting. We should talk about this a bit more... it might just lead to a better understanding of how our botanical style aquariums function

The idea of our botanical-style aquariums as “facilities” to produce food for their inhabitants is hardly new. However, it’s a viable, easy-to-work with process which we can use to our advantage to both rear fry and provide supplemental nutrients for adults. We need to deep dive on this a bit more!