August 09, 2017

If you like...

If you've noticed, in the 500-odd posts we've done here in "The Tint", very few of them are actually Tannin-product related, or about products and stuff we offer specifically. However, today we're going to break a bit from that protocol to start, and write this little piece in response to a reader question...and then, we'll broaden it out a bit! One of our community asked if we could recommend botanicals that sort of "go together."

Now, I thought this was an interesting question, because, at least in theory, everything kind of "goes together" to some extent. Almost all of our botanicals could be used in the same aquarium and look pretty good. However, I think that the spirit of the question was like, "If I like________, will I also like_____________?

And of course, that got me thinking. We actually get these kinds of questions constantly. Now, everyone's taste is different (thankfully); however, for the most part, after having shipped to thousands of different customers, I can make some (gulp) generalized statements and be correct a fair percentage of the time! So, here goes...

If you like "Savu Pods"...

...You'll absolutely like "Jungle Pods." Yup. it's kind of a given. Although these two botanicals have radically different shapes, they have a similar "woody" exterior texture and coloration, and seem to "play off each other" pretty well in many different situations. Oh, and fishes like Apistos, wild Betta, etc. seem to love to hide in them!

If you like "Manta Pods", you'll definitely like "Teardrop Pods." Both of these have a sort of hard exterior, with a soft interior portion that breaks down pretty quickly. Slight edge to the "Mantas" as their softer, fleshier interior isn't as significant. Overall, though, shrimp, especially seem to go crazy on these pods, grazing on their soft interiors. Other than leaves, I feel that these botanicals need replacement more frequently than most others.

If you like "Coco Curls", you'll like "Coco Pedacos". Absolutely, because they are both based on the Coconut! And of course, if you like these guys, you're fairly certain to love "Fundo Tropical." All three of these guys can provide a very nice "tint" to the water, and the "Coco Curls", in my opinion, are one of the most versatile botanicals we offer. Oh, and they last a long time, too!

If you like Magnolia leaves...

...You'll most certainly like Jackfruit leaves. Although they have different "aesthetics, they both have similar "durability", impart of good amount of color into the water, and both seem to recruit biofilms on their surfaces in a similar manner. Oh, and they both last a good long time, with the slight edge to Magnolia.

Now, we can turn this "if you like" thing a bit less "commercial", and discuss stuff like technique, fishes, and aquascaping, too....

For example-

If you like "dirted" tanks, I think you'll really like the idea of a planted blackwater, botanical-style aquarium with a "deep botanical bed." Both utilize terrestrial materials (i.e.; soil versus botanicals) to "enrich" the substrate to encourage the growth of aquatic plants. And of course, the botanical-style tank offers "the tint" we geek out about so much here!

If you like a "Dutch Style" planted aquarium...

...It's a sure bet that, when the time is right, you'll love a soft coral aquarium. Both require understanding of the needs of the inhabitants, specific layout to accommodate future growth and allopathic competition. Both require diligence to maintain the aquatic environment. Both require frequent trimming. And both are highly addictive!

And if you like aquatic plants...

We're going to go "out on a limb" and assume that you'll like marine macro algae, too!

If you like the more esoteric Gouaramis...

...You're really going to like wild Betta species. While both are similar in many respects (gee, must be that Anabantid thing, right?), each offers unique color patterns, morphological differences, and behavioral patterns that are endearing, interesting, and highly enjoyable. Both require an understanding of their specific environmental niche in order to thrive and breed successfully. And each hails from wild habitats which need our understanding and protection.

And of course, if you like Apisotgramma...

...It's a virtual guarantee that you'll like Mikrogeophagus, too! I mean, they come from similar habitats, have amazing colors, ranging from subtle to outlandish...and are incredibly endearing!

And if you like Corydoras...

...We can't think of any reason why you wouldn't like Brochis! I mean, they are so similar in behavior and charm, yet different enough in appearance to make them totally unique!