I love looking at aquarium “movements” and techniques. I love seeing them rise to prominence and being embraced in our work. The so-called “Walstad Method” provides an amazing context for our botanical-style aquariums- and we need to study it more closely....

The philosophy of meeting Nature where it is, and appreciating the constant changes occurring in a natural aquarium is fundamental to what we do. No where in the aquarium world is this more evident than in the botanical-style natural method that we love...

Let’s be a bit more accurate- less “superficial”- in our interpretations of the natural aquatic habitats of the world! You might just fall in love...

The continuous replacement and supplementation of leaves and botanicals as they break down is a sort of process...it not only creates a continuously evolving aesthetic- it helps maintain biological diversity and stability in the aquarium...

It’s logical to imply that botanicals, wood, and other materials, which we utilize in our aquascapes not only have an aesthetic impact- but a consequential physical-chemical impact on the overall aquatic environmental, as well. Could the concept of “terroir”, which applies to wine or coffee, apply to botanicals?

For some reason, the “myth” exists that simply adding a bunch of catappa leaves or botanicals to your aquarium filled with hard, alkaline tap water will create instant, nature-like conditions. Hey, I hate to be the buzzkill, but...Let’s talk about how this process really works- and how you CAN get there...

If there’s one thing that lovers of the botanical-style aquarium can’t seem to agree upon, its whether or not to remove botanicals as they break down. Today, a little breakdown on stuff that breaks down- and the case for leaving it in your tank!

The term “Nature Aquarium” pervades well- everything in our hobby-or so it seems. It’s an homage to the great Takashi Amano, who coined the term years ago. Yet, I think we might have veered off a bit; pushed into “artistic interpretation”, and lost sight of the origins... are we, the lovers of the natural, botanical-style aquarium, an offshoot of this? Could we be “The Lost Tribe of Amano?”

As enthusiasts of natural, botanical-style aquariums, were very accustomed to the brown color of our water. And we have a different definition of “clarity” than a lot of the aquarium-keeping world...and there is some confusion about this stuff.. let’s clear it up!

Are you they type of aquarist who insists that EVERY fish, plant, rock, piece of wood, or leaf come from the same geographic location in Nature? Are you obsessed about imposing rules about what “belongs” and what doesn’t? Does it matter? My thoughts, of course. And a confession!