As aquarium hobbyists, we acquire lots of “unique” skills! Well, SOME of us do...there’s a long list of stuff in the hobby that I suck at. Here are just a few. Can you relate?

The aquarium hobby- especially our sector- has benefited from the merger of tech and technique. Allowing tech to supersede technique doesn’t always work out right. This is why we never overlook Nature’s embrace!

As we get further into the idea of replicating a “365 Dynamic” in the aquarium, it’s time to fill in a few details on the concept and the process!

Africa is amazing. The diversity of its existences remarkable. Killifishes, many of which come from Africa, are under appreciated in the hobby. Could replicating the compelling habitats themselves be the key to making killies more popular in the hobby?

The aquarium hobby loves to talk about “balanced” aquariums. And I can’t help but wonder if every aquarium is, to some extent, “balanced.” Today’s podcast is a tale of mental shifts- of acceptance, transience, and growth. Having faith in Nature by attempting to understand and appreciate Nature- regardless of appearances...

Yes, there is more to a layer of sand, leaves, and bits of botanicals in the aquarium than just a pretty “look.” There is a function and an elegant biodiversity aspect that we are only beginning to appreciate!

The hobby is truly a journey. And the best journeys start with not only knowledge of-and a desire to get to- the destination, but with an understanding of what it takes to get there. In the aquarium hobby, it seems that many have tried to run before they learned to walk. We can fix this- for the future of the hobby. Here’s how.

There is something utterly compelling about the little books and crannies in Nature where roots, branches, leaves, and sediments accumulate. Fishes are drawn to them- as are fish geeks! So, why not replicate them in functional detail in the aquarium?

Much like our obsession with botanical-style blackwater aquariums, the charms of brackish water ecosystems are irresistible to us! Studying the form and function of these habitats unlocks a ton of secrets- and parallels some of our freshwater work! Time to look at brackish- from the bottom up!!

A tree falls in the forest. Water comes, inundating the habitat. Fishes follow, exploring this newly aquatic habitat. How can we replicate the function of this process in the aquarium?