The Tint

Yeah, even the most basic maintenance processes in botanical-style aquariums have natural analogs- and require accompanying mental shifts that help us see things a bit differently.

Yes, once I get started on some fish geeky tangent, I seldom give up. Back in 2019, I shared with you my obsession about finding a livebearer which is naturally found in blackwater. We had a few candidates, but not much else. Fast forward to 2021, and we may have found our fish!! Prepare to geek out!

I don’t know about you, but I never tire of finding out those fish I placed in my botanical style aquarium just happened to spawn. Nothing intentional- just the by product of giving them the best possible conditions!

Yeah, once again, I’m compelled to talk about the many unique alternatives that you have for aquarium substrates. There are some amazing functional and aesthetic alternatives.. we just need to make some mental shifts to embrace them!

The idea of leaves in our aquariums is no longer an alien concept to most hobbyists. However, there are so many questions about there use, how long they last underwater, etc. let’s chat about it just a bit!

Why not examine a different aquatic habitat as a subject for a unique aquarium? Enter the morichal, a fascinating and remarkably diverse habitat, where you’ll find some of our fave aquarium fishes?

Yet another attempt to Ian through the large amount of “noise”-often incorrect- that we hear about the use of leaves and botanicals in our aquariums.

Streams are fascinating habitats. They’re the literal “jumping off point” for so many aquarium ideas too! Let’s consider them a bit differently!

When a tree falls in the forest.. an entire ecosystem arises because of it. And when the waters return, the manifold benefits of trees really become apparent. It’s time to think beyond just the aesthetic part of using wood in our aquariums- let’s chat about this for a bit!

The idea of mixing botanical materials into your substrate, and allowing them to break down is a fundamental part of botanical-style aquarium practice. And our sort of “hands off” mindset is at odds with the more traditional recommendations to siphon your substrate regularly. What gives? How can you keep your tank healthy if you’re not scrubbing it spotless? Let’s talk about it!