What is it about those subtly colored fishes that compels us to play with them. What makes a “common” fish “common?” Or, for that matter, what is so wrong with coddling “common” fishes in our tanks? Absolutely nothing!

Are you obsessed with making your aquarium a 100% faithful representation of Nature in every way possible? Or, do you just do the best possible job replicating the aspects of their natural habitat that you can? Do your fishes know this? Do they care?

Yeah, we’ve probably talked about the ins and outs of botanical preparation hundreds of times here on “The Tint”- let’s hit on it again!

Algae. The mere mention of it freaks hobbyists out. Yet, in our tinted, botanical style aquariums, we don’t see to much of it. We don’t have the same nightmares about the stuff that other hobbyists do. Why? And what do we do when we do encounter it? Let’s talk about it!

We all have our fave fishes for botanical- style aquariums. I have many. Yet, there are only a couple which really grab and hold me. Here’s my take on them!

There are lots of approaches that you can take to stocking your nee aquarium with fishes. How about an approach which follows the natural evolution of wild aquatic habitats, and the progressive availability of food sources?

Ever had a tank that just didn’t “hit?” Like, you had an idea, but for water eve reason, you couldn’t pull it off? So you let it go? Perhaps, maybe, it’s better to let go of your doubts, fears, preconceived notions- and let the tank evolve. It might just turn into something incredible.

The idea of the aquarium as an ecosystem is nothing new. The idea of letting it develop without interference- despite possibly disturbing aesthetics- is. And understanding WHAT it is that we’re trying to achieve with our aquariums as we embrace ecology is profound, exciting, and a key to success…

Yeah, the relationship between land and water is well known to all who study natural aquatic habitats. As aquarists, we’ve tended to overlook this relationship. It’s time to reconsider this for the amazing benefits fostering it can bring to the aquarium!