In today’s episode, we “have a chat” with Tannin’s “man in The UK”- James Sheen. We cover a bunch of different botanical-related topics! Have some fun with our very first guest!

We revive numerous questions about the best way to achieve a nice, deep tint in our aquariums- and how to maintain it for a long time. In today’s installment we look at the art- and not at all perfect science- of tinting your tank!

In this postmodern, internet-enables hobby world, it seems that the venerable local fish store is under attack from all sides. I say it’s time to rethink and celebrate this most amazing of hobby institutions!

The beginner in the aquarium hobby enjoys a very special mindset. They’re not handicapped by “experience” like many of us “advanced” hobbyists are. Can we learn from beginners?

Nature is not static. It’s transient; ever evolving- constantly in flux. And if you consider this- our aquariums can embrace it. The essence of what is known as “wabi-sabi.”

Occasionally, we become a bit “detached” from the hobby- this thing we love so much. And it’s really a sad thing. Today, a personal journey of how I fell out of touch- and got back into the game stronger than ever. If you’re out there- drifting in the current- this podcast is for you!

Rain is the most transformative element in natural aquatic habitats.. and the effects of rain impact everything. We are at a point where the idea of creating a “365 Dynamic” with wet and dry periods in our aquariums is a logical extension of what we do. Interested? I hope so!

Not everyone has the aquarium hobby “DIY gene.” We need to figure stuff out by reading, watching, referring to a “guide.” Ever noticed our hobby in general doesn’t have one?

I must admit- one of the “foundational” things we don’t touch on enough in our botanical aquarium work is filtration! Yeah, it’s basic... but there are all sorts of unique applications and benefits for botanical systems that can be derived from utilizing various forms of filtration. Let’s take a look at this stuff.. from our unique perspective!

“There’s some stringy stuff growing on my leaves..” if we had dollar for every tine we heard that.. yeah. Well, guess what- you have BIOFILM! And you should be stoked! We’ll talk about the slimy, gooey, and entirely misunderstood biofilms in today’s podcast.. and you might just come to love ‘em after all!