The Tint

After the establishment of a botanical style aquarium, a certain set of predictable occurrences happens- and how we accept them can dictate the further evolution of our tanks.

It has been a long time coming. A tank “refresh” in time for Fall. Always run! And when you’re coming out of a “funk”, as I was- it represents a chance to bring back a missing element- FUN!

In an episode that is as much about philosophy as it is about execution, Johnny Ciotti, Tannin’s Creative Director, and world-class aquascaper, shares his thoughts. Filled with insights, stories, and humor, this episode has something for everyone!

It’s amazing how a serious of events, and being on the receiving end of attitudes- can take you into the darkness- and back into the light- better off for the journey..

When our fishes “spontaneously” spawn in a botanical style/blackwater aquarium, it’s easy to rush to the conclusion that it was “something” released by the botanicals. I mean, sure- it could have been.. could there be “something” In the water? Or perhaps...a,combination of factors?

When we relax a bit in our aquarium design and aquascaping- and allow Nature to do some of the work- we can create works which are as compelling, intriguing, and beautiful as any “high concept” ‘scape around.. We just need to get out of the way, right?

Nature is an imperfect place...And our interpretations of Nature involves making some mental shifts and adjusting our aesthetic expectations. It’s a quantum shift in our hobby...it compels is to find the beauty in things that we previously might have looked at as “dirty”, “unkempt” , or just plain “ugly.” It makes us review what we’ve previously thought about as “Authentic” in this regard...

Ever wonder why we don’t see rock in igapo habitats? Are any rocks found in blackwater habitats? Well, they are, but the rocks likely didn’t form there.. the story of their formation and how they arrived in these habitats is a fascinating tale of incongruous elements coming together... so, yeah- You CAN have rocks and leaves together and be faithful to Nature...in context.

All of the processes which occur in our aquariums are dictated by Nature- yet comprise a sort of “dance”- a combination of moves that require our monitoring, understanding, and on occasion- intervention. But, how much?

Like most of you, I’m set in my ways in some aspects of the hobby. I have a definite “comfort zone”, and when I’m forced to make quick changes.. well, it can be “challenging.” Yeah, we’re all like this....