We've been playing with the "botanical method" of natural aquariums for a long time now, and during that time, we've pushed out some unconventional ideas, haven't we? I mean, the idea of embracing fungal growths, bacterial biofilms, and detritus isn't exactly popular in the mainstream hobby, right? And there are numerous other life forms which are found on these materials as well, which we never really consider, yet are found in abundance in nature and perform vital roles in the function of the aquatic habitat. Perhaps most fascinating and rarely discussed in the hobby, are the unique freshwater sponges, from the genus Spongilla. These interesting life forms attach themselves to rocks and logs and filter the water for various small aquatic organisms, like bacteria, protozoa,...
One of the more interesting aspects of what we do is the very premise behind why we do it! A lot of people see all of the cool botanical materials that we offer and wonder what the point of it all is.. It's a pretty good question, right? I mean- think about what it is that we do here: You take a perfectly good aquarium, fill it with water, and then proceed to toss a bunch of leaves, seed pods, bark, and twigs in it and...then what? You let them accrue biofilms, fungal growths, and begin to decompose. Like, why? For one thing, there are numerous life forms which are found on these materials as well, which we never really...