The Tint

The benefits of "compromising..."

One of the things that has been hardest for me to accept, in both life and in my "fishy career" is...compromise.

I used to sort of HATE that word.

Yes, that's always been a point of contention for me. In the hobby, for the longest time, I always saw it for its negative aspects: Having to compromise getting that fish I'd been drooling over for years,  which I finally accept achieves too large a size and could be aggressive or even predatory in the small tank I'm working with...Or the desire to keep plants in the tank with the fish that occasionally digs. Or, compromising the size of the aquarium, the location, or even the the "theme" (Oh, I guess you can't have Danios in that West African-themed tank and be true to the biotope, huh?"). 

"You can't have that, but you can have these instead" is a refrain heard at the local fish store over and over again, when the eager neophyte really wants to keep a dozen Celestial Pearl Danios in that 20 gallon tank with those sexy African Rift Lake cichlids and is (correctly) counseled to accept the limitations of his or her aquarium.

Stuff like that.

Compromise. For the best, of course. But a compromise nonetheless. However, is that always a bad thing?

And I've come to realize that, sometimes, you accept and make these so-called "compromises", and end up with something totally, unexpectedly cool. The initial disappointment of, "Damn, I really, REALLY wanted that group of 'Rio Nanay' Angels, but the reality is that I my tank can only accommodate a group of Dicrossus instead isn't such a bad one, when you look at it objectively, right?"

With botanical-style blackwater aquariums, we initially dismissed the idea of planted tanks with a variety of aquatic plants, because we felt that the conditions (both chemically and light intensity) wouldn't work for them. And of course, after a little research from members of our community, it turns out that, with a little compromise, not only can you keep the "expected" plants, like Cryptocoryne, in these types of tanks- you can actually keep many aquatic plants if you compensate with lighting, fertilization, etc. 

You can't have it all...but you can have MOST of it. Usually! 

I think it's fun to discuss concepts and application for botanicals and blackwater aquariums with hobbyists who are trying a wide range of things. In the past few days alone, I've talked about this kind of aquarium with child breeders, Raimbowfish enthusiasts, planted tank guys, and killifish fans. They question. They research. They learn the ins and outs and the potential compromises they might have to make to go with a blackwater system for their application. And it's pretty exciting! 

Compromise has such a feeling of "finality" about it, but the reality is that, in our hobby, compromising can often yield exciting results, unexpected benefits, and occasionally, breakthroughs. Sometimes, it's as simple as not being able to accommodate that one larger tank, and ending up with two, or even three smaller ones (in reality, is that EVEN a compromise for a fish geek?). Or not being able to afford or obtain the one prized specimen of Apisto or whatever, and ending up with another species that you not only fall in love with, but learn to spawn, rear, and foster breakthroughs with. Or thinking you were going be trying one type of aquascape, only to be "forced" into compromising a bit due to budget, space or time restrictions...only to end up with something amazing you never thought about before.

It happens. A lot.

The reality is that being flexible, adventurous, and being willing to accept new ideas and approaches on perhaps a smaller scale or under a different set of circumstances is really one of the best traits that you can have as a hobbyist. Compromising some aspects of an idea has, on so many occasions in my fishy "career", enabled me to accomplish stuff I never thought possible, with benefits, enjoyment, and opportunities that I could never have imagined previously.

It's all really a matter of perspective. Think about it. What "compromises" have you made, only to come to realize that they were not compromises at all?

So, the next time you face the realization that you need to "compromise" some aspect of your fishy plan- don't immediately think the worst. Consider the possibilities, the advantages, and the enjoyment that can come with "tweaking" your plans a bit. Open your mind. Meet yourself where you are. It's a pretty cool place to be in the hobby.

Trust me.

Yeah, you can't always have it all. But you sure can enjoy it all.

Stay Bold. Stay excited. Stay curious. Stay adventurous...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Bigger, better? Smaller, cooler? Or?

It's 3:00AM local time, and my plane doesn't leave for three more hours...and I can't fall back asleep...Yeah. literally "Sleepless in Seattle", as the cliche goes!

I'm coming off of a very nice speaking engagement last night  in Seattle, Washington, at the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society. Amazing group with tons of talent! I also got to visit what is arguably one of the best aquarium shops in the United States, Aquarium Zen, which specializes in "Nature Aquarium" setups and just generally celebrates the joy of aquascaping. It's owner, Steve Waldron, is a super nice guy and just "gets it" when it comes to this stuff! Truly a "must see" if you're up this way!

His store really celebrates the art of aquascaping and keeping what most of us would call "smaller aquariums"- and does it with style and skill in a way few others have before, iMHO. Get's you excited and motivated and energized...And funny, wouldn't you know it- I had a fellow hobbyist later that evening approach me tell me about her tank and sort of "apologize"  that her tank wasn't "large" and that she didn't keep "big fish."

Huh? What?

That was sad... Totally unnecessary...And it's not the first time I've heard this kind of thing. Like, what's wrong with keeping small fishes and modest-sized aquariums? Where does this stuff come from?

I Like small fishes. In fact, I like the really small fishes. I prefer them, favor them...enjoy them.

Big fishes are cool, but- well, they're BIG. AND they eat and poop a lot. And they need large physical spaces; otherwise, most tanks are the equivalent of you or I spending the rest of our lives in our (comfortable) living room. I mean, great, you have satellite TV, snacks, a comfy couch...but after a while, those four walls start to close in a bit, right? Well, in my warped mind, that's how I see it.

It's not like bigger is better. At least, not always.

And, I'm kind of militant about it, actually. I remember in my custom aquarium installation days, I used to hate it when a customer would build, say, a 500-600 gallon aquarium, and then want to stock it with BIG fishes, like full-size Triggerfishes, Morays, large Angels, and Tangs. Oh, and sharks. I have no idea what it is about keeping a shark in a relatively large- but not large enough aquarium that appeals to people. Quite frankly, I'm not so sure what it is about keeping sharks in general in an aquarium that appeals to people....that's another thing for another time.

Anyhow, my observations of the general public and a good segment of the aquarium-keeping community seems to indicate that a lot of people just figure, "I have a really large tank. Now I can keep some large fishes in there!" I never understood that. I mean, in theory, you could keep larger, more metabolic-waste-producing fishes in a larger tank- of course. Yet, then you have this group of really big fishes that can make a big mess, grow even larger, and ultimately end up with the same issue that many of us face- not having a large enough aquarium for all of the fishes you want to keep.

Why not keep MORE small fishes...lots of 'em- in an environment that provides more than enough physical space, creates an interesting environment for them, and that they won't outgrow? Like, ever. I mean, can you imagine how many Axelrodia riesei  or Tucanoichthys tucano you can keep in a 500-gallon aquarium? Umm, I dunno- a shitload of 'em, maybe? Of course, the immediate counterargument we'll hear is, "Do you know how much it would cost to purchase 250 Tucanoichthys tucano?" And my smart-ass counterargument is, "If you can afford to purchase, outfit , and run a 500-gallon aquarium, you can afford to spend $12USD a piece on some 1/2" fish!"

(Gee...I wonder why I don't do much in the way of "tank build consulting"  anymore?)

And I've not yet had my first cup of coffee today!

And, of course,  one of the most common "pro-nano" arguments is equally as dumb, IMHO. As you know, it typically goes like, "Well, the smaller aquarium allows the fishes to be closer to their food, and for you to observe them more easily." 

Urghhh.

Honestly, I can discuss the absurdities of that assertion, but it just will raise my blood pressure. We can do better than use those lame excuses as a rationale for keeping little tanks.

I love nano tanks. I think they're cool, fun, practical, economical; purposeful..and I suppose you COULD make the argument about keeping track of tiny fishes and having them be closer to their food...but man, it's sort of funny to me. There's a lot of ways to feed tiny fishes in larger aquariums, IMHO. Really. And if you look hard enough, you'll see little guys in that monster tank. Really. Hell, we find them in streams, so why can't we find those Ember Tetras in a 300-gallon tank? 

What about the fact that you can use nano's as a "testbed" for dozens of really crazy ideas...deep botanical beds, "100% Mini Mariposa Pod substrates", a huge ball of Water Sprite and nothing else, crushed leaf litter substrates, Catappa Bark "forests"- yeah...all sorts of zany stuff that's too expensive/time-consuming/experimental to do in a 50-100 gallon tank! 

Don't stop the dance....

Have you ever thought about an aquarium as a sort of "evolving organism?"

I mean, when you consider that it involves an inception, growth, and death, it's very much a microcosm of nature. An evolving, changing emerging little system, with subtle interactions and daily changes to it's "operating system" as it grows. 

A dance if you will.

As a hobbyist, you help this little microcosm along by making adjustments, tweaks, deviations, if necessary, along the way. All of these require observation, analysis, and action. Decisions, made by interpreting what you see every day and then taking actions (or not) as warranted.

You're doing this already, and probably haven't given it any thought. I mean, it's what we do as hobbyists, right? We're pretty good at it!

Every day, it seem like you have to go through dozens of "if then" scenarios on the fly: "Okay, if the water is a bit cloudy, it might be the extra fertilizer I administered to the plants; need to scale back..." Or, "The pH is drifting too far to the south. Maybe I have too many leaves in there...?" It could even be something as simple as, "The fishes look pretty hungry today. I wonder if those Apistos are guarding eggs?"

It's important to question what's happening in our aquariums. However, it's equally as important to not "freak out" over every little change; to see the "doom and gloom" in every scenario- to affect rapid interventions at every turn of events. Changes and happenings in our aquariums are often not necessarily for the worse- or even for the better, for that matter...they're just...evolutions. The aquarium will make a lot of "course corrections" on its own, with little intervention on our part, as it evolves over time.

Sure, if you're trying to breed fish, or some such experiment, it's a different matter, and actively intervening in the processes you see may make the difference between success and failure of your project. I get that. And I do it. too. However, when we're talking about a display aquarium- one set up purely for observing and enjoying..perhaps it's best to engage in the fine art of "active monitoring." 

Let me explain.

When we think about our aquariums over the long term, they will evolve in many ways, much like a natural river or stream, without much intervention on our part. As water flow decreases, plants might grow differently. As the substrate begins to take on a "life of its own",  with more life forms growing in its matrix, fishes will forage for supplemental food items in it. As wood softens, releasing more tannins into the water, it darkens. Leaves and botanicals start to decompose, enriching the environment with humic acids, tannins, and other organic materials, further spurring plant growth, etc. Algae, although often dreaded, grow based on the available nutrients, waxing and waning. Hopefully, you'll strike a balance between too much and too little. Or better yet- an understanding as to why they appear, and what it really means to your tank.

All part of a little "dance", that, although important to monitor, is not necessarily something that we as hobbyists have to intervene in. We do quite a bit when we simply perform our regular water exchanges, filter media replacements/cleanings, and occasional plant trimmings. So why not simply enjoy what's happening in your aquarium as it evolves? I know that I perennially overthink stuff, instead of merely enjoying it. "Active monitoring" is a great way to run a tank, IMHO. You do the necessary functions to keep things stable and consistent, and little more. Just observe; enjoy.

It's okay to think and postulate about everything we see in our tank. However, often times, it's equally as okay to simply accept it, and see what happens. (and I'm not talking about stuff that needs to be dealt with at once- such as disease outbreaks or filter system malfunctions, etc.)

Since I began dabbling with botanical-influenced aquariums, I am far less stressed out about stuff like the biofilms, bits of leaves accumulating on the substrate, and even those periodic algae blooms. I'm not put off that much by the appearance of biofilms on my leaves. As long as the fish are healthy and happy, the environmental parameters stable, and the tank presentable, I don't let myself worry about everything as much. Understanding that these things are natural, explainable, and often, temporary "reactions" to things going on in our closed aquatic environments has made the process of aquarium keeping over the long haul much more enjoyable to me. 

Watching a display aquarium evolve and sort of "find itself" naturally over time is proving to be one of the most enjoyable discoveries I've made in the hobby in decades. By simply following established maintenance routines, and monitoring what's occurring in the tank, as opposed to constantly trying to "pre-empt" problems, I've had more stability, more growth...more success than ever before. Accepting that there is most definitely a "dance" in our aquariums, and becoming an "active monitor" instead of an "active intervener" has added a new and rewarding aspect to my love of the hobby.

In summary...don't stop the dance. Don't interfere with it...Just watch, learn, and keep doing what you're doing.

Enjoy.

Today's simple thought.

Stay engaged. Stay enthralled. Stay observant. Stay enthusiastic...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

Should the role of "scavenger" in the aquarium be an endangered species?

I've brought up this topic before, but I can't help but wonder...

Hobbyists who create "community tanks" are always advised by "the books" or "experts", or whomever to include some "scavengers" in their fish mix to help "consume uneaten food and algae." Now, on the surface, this seems just fine and appropriate and sound, but when you think about who fishes feed in nature, with most being largely "opportunistic" or "constant grazers", it's not too much of a stretch to think, "Well, doesn't every fish sort of 'scavenge' at some point during it's day?"

Why do we need "dedicated" scavengers?

Oh, sure, if you have a tank which only contains Marble Hatchetfishes, which exclusively feed from the surface and have those upturned mouths to back it up- okay, someone has to pick up the pieces (literally) which fall to the bottom, otherwise you'll be in there daily siphoning out uneaten food. That beings said, how many hobbyists have a 100% exclusively Hatchetfish tank, lol?

Maybe a better example would be a dedicated breeding tank, where you keep some small Corys our whatever, to consume "uneaten food" that your baby guppies or Platys, etc. would miss. I suppose I can see the benefit...but you're doing water changes anyways, so you can siphon any of these "uneaten food" away just as easily when you're in there daily, right? Maybe?

Well, getting back to this concept that the role of "scavenger" is kind of an artificial construct of aquarium keeping...Sure, some fishes are better "equipped" for the role of finding uneaten food or algae, but really, most fish could do at least some of the job. Sure, the little Otocinculus are little algae eating machines, and consume just this and really nothing else...to the point where if you have too many of them in a tank without sufficient algal growth, they're going to start dropping like flies. And yet, in nature, they're found in larger groups, and we know they tend to do better in this social structure in the aquarium as well...yet the paradox exists that if you have 25 of them, they're likely to tear up all the avialble food in weeks and simply starve...

What to do?  Well, you could have smaller groups, of course.

And  you could stock your aquarium with other fishes that are not "rat-holed" into the role of "scavenger" or "algae eater"...fishes which are omnivorous or herbivores, and display "grazing behaviors"- you know, like some Mbuna and certain characins, etc. Now sure, I'm not suggesting to stock your aquarium with "Zebras" and "Labs" or whatever to use as "algae eaters"- that's ridiculous. What I am suggesting is that you can sort of "exploit" the fact that many fishes will feed on multiple food resources in the wild, depending upon what's available seasonally.

And, as we've all seen, fish will eat just about anything in the absence of other foods... The horror-like scenarios of Tetras or Danios that we've all seen, picking at the dead body of a fallen tank mate in the LFS, although incredibly disturbing for most of us, are just an example of this kind of adaptation...In nature, nothing seems to go to waste. Now, sure- there are fishes which perhaps "specialize" in consuming dead fishes or whatever, but they'll eat other stuff, too.

I've seen many cases where a tank full of characins like Pencilfishes, for example, begin picking at algal growth on rocks and wood throughout the day as part of their "routine." And If you find yourself out of town for a period of time, unable to feed them daily, you'll often return to fishes which seem just as fat as when you left them. What are they doing? They're consuming the foods that are available to them. They're taking advantage of what is in their environment. Although not significant consumers of algae and biofilms and such, many fishes will consume these items when their preferred foods are not available.

Even the dreaded "detritus" is food for many, many fishes.

So...

Do we really need to add fishes into our community setups for the exclusive role of "scavenger" or "algae eater", or could we simply stock our aquariums with the fishes we love and understand that they will be resourceful, consuming what is available as it's available...Like they've done in nature for eons? And can't we just feed carefully and remove the excess, if any accumulates?

I think we could.

Just a quick thought. 

Discuss.

Stay engaged. Stay excited. Stay curious. Stay resourceful...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Are we just full of...detritus?

"detritus is dead particulate organic matter. It typically includes the bodies or fragments of dead organisms, as well as fecal material. Detritus is typically colonized by communities of microorganisms which act to decompose or remineralize the material." (Source: The Aquarium Wiki)

Woah! 

It's one of our most commonly used aquarium terms...and one which, well, quite frankly, sends shivers down the spine of many aquarium hobbyists. And judging from that definition, it sounds like something you absolutely want to avoid having in your system at all costs. I mean, "dead organisms" and "fecal material" is not everyone's idea of a good time, ya know?

Yet, when you really think about it, "detritus" is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, providing "fuel" for microorganisms and fungi at the base of the food chain in tropical streams. In fact, in natural blackwater systems, the food inputs into the water are channeled by decomposers, like fungi, which act upon leaves and other organic materials in the water to break them down. 

And the leaf litter "community" of fishes, insects, fungi, and microorganisms is really important to these systems, as it assimilates terrestrial material into the blackwater aquatic system, and acts to reduce the loss of nutrients to the forest which would inevitably occur if all the material which fell into the streams was washed downstream!

That sounds all well and good and grandiose, but what are the implications of these processes- and the resultant detritus- for the closed aquarium system?

Well first off, let's admit that the stuff  just doesn't look that nice to most of us, and that's partially why the recommendation for a good part of the century or so we've kept aquariums is to siphon it the hell out! And that's good advice from an aesthetic standpoint- and for that matter, from a husbandry standpoint, as well. Excessive amounts of accumulating waste materials can lead to increased phosphate, nitrate, and other problems, including blooms of nuisance algae. Emphasis on the word "excessive" here...(which begs the question, "What is "excessive" in this context, anyways?)

Most hobbyists don't have the time, inclination, or optimized system set up to take advantage of a small accumulation of this stuff. However, with the importance of detritus in creating food webs in wild leaf litter communities, which we are now replicating in aquariums, could there actually be some benefit to allowing a little of this stuff to accumulate? Or at least, not "freaking out" and removing every single microgram of detritus as soon as it appears?

I think so. Really.

Is this another one of those long-held "aquarium truisms" that, for 90% of what we do is absolutely the correct way to manage our tanks, but which, for a small percentage of aquarists with the means, curiosity and inclination to experiment, could actually prove detrimental in some way?

Okay, I know that now a bunch of you are thinking, "This guy IS nuts. Letting detritus accumulate in an aquarium is bad news. A recipe for problems- or worse. And not only that, he has no idea of the implications of what he's suggesting."

Well, as far as the first part of your thought- Yeah, I could be a bit "crazy." On the other hand, I think I do have some idea of the implications of what I'm postulating here. First off, remember, I'm not suggesting that everyone throw away their siphons and just allow shit (literally!) to accumulate in their aquarium substrate in the interest of creating a "food web."  

No sir.

What I am curious about is if there is some benefit in a botanical, blackwater system, of encouraging a bit more fungal and microbial growth, utilizing, among other things, the organic detritus that inevitably is produced in a well-managed. well-populated aquarium.  I mean, if you're doing water changes and removing uneaten food, dead fishes, aquatic plant leaves, etc., you're already significantly reducing the "food inputs" available to the organisms on the low end of the food chain, right? In a typical aquarium, well-maintained with regular water changes and removal of detritus, our fishes are almost 100% dependent upon us to provide food, right?

There's usually very little for them to forage on in most aquariums, other than the occasional algal film (assuming they're herbivorous) or particle of uneaten food. Creating militant, "near sterility" in our aquariums, which do at least superficially resemble true ecosystems, might actually be detrimental in some way, right? I mean, you're removing one component of a natural cycle and replacing it with a high-octane, "shotgun approach" substitute of just taking everything out.

Can it be said that this actually Creates, perhaps (?) an unnecessary "dependency" of sorts on this human intervention, right? At the very least, are we actually making the management of aquariums more challenging by sort of "fighting" nature, and simply not thinking this through all the way? Doesn't nature, if left to her own devices, tend to keep excesses of all sorts more-or-less in check? 

I'm not suggesting to abandon all husbandry practices, of course. Just suggesting we think about the "hows and whys" just a bit more...perhaps with a different viewpoint.

So, perhaps- maybe- Is there just some merit in the idea of leaving a bit of detritus in the system- say, in the leaf litter bed, to help "fuel" the fungal and microorganism growth that forms the basis of our little ecosystems? I mean, think of some possible benefits to our aquariums. Having a more complete assortment of fungi and microorganisms could lead ultimately to a more stable, more efficient aquarium, right?

If you're not wiping out a percentage of the ecosystem's primary decomposers and  food sources weekly with ultra-intense maintenance, wouldn't there perhaps be some advantages? And don't a lot of young fishes consume "infusoria" as a part of their initial diet? Wouldn't it make sense to have larger populations of some of these organisms available to our fishes at all times in the aquarium to supplement our artificial diets? Could the fry-rearing system of the future be a tank with a big bed of decomposing leaf litter and a terrestrial soil substrate?

At some future point, perhaps we will have more commonly available laboratory pure cultures of aquatic insects and crustaceans which help break down leaves, botanicals, and organic detritus into more manageable forms for the fungi and bacteria to further process. Perhaps the basis of a more complete "food chain" in our aquariums? The concept of a freshwater refugium once again rears its head! Seems like I talk about this every other week, huh? It's something we've toyed with in reef aquariums for some time now, and the benefits have been quite tangible.

In a similar, perhaps more relatable vein- here's a question:  Why do we add fertilizers to grow aquatic plants? Is it because closed systems simply tend to be deficient in the substances plants use for growth, or that we tend to dilute/reduce them through some excess intervention...or? Okay, I Might be reaching with that one.... Here's a better question:

Why are very "rich" substrates (and "dirted tanks") proving to be so beneficial for many plants, yet we would never think of using soil, etc. as a substrate for aquariums that don't cater specifically to plants...or should we?

Is there some advantage to allowing our aquariums to harbor a greater diversity and population of life forms, in order to have a more complete "functional capability?" Is this the road to an out-of-control over-populated closed system? DO we dare experiment? Or, is it simply more advantageous to buy that new, high-powered canister filter that holds six liters of carbon, and create pristine, "drinking-water quality" conditions in the tank and call it a day?

Okay, my ignorance is undoubtedly showing through, but I think these are interesting questions to ponder as we debate the merits of managing botanical systems just a bit differently, perhaps? I don't have the answers, but there is some benefit in asking the questions, right? Would love for some of our fans who are trained biologists or chemists to chew on this stuff a bit more. In context, I think there is as much to be learned by simply pondering the questions as there might be by changing our practices and methods.

As usual, my little rambling discussion leads to more questions than answers. However, some of these questions- which address some of the most fundamental, long-held beliefs and practices in aquarium-keeping, might help us make not only more "mental shifts", but true breakthroughs as we rediscovery the utility of the elegant, yet "complex simplicity" that nature has engineered over the eons.

Embracing- not fighting- nature in a more complete sense just might be "the next big breakthrough" in aquarium keeping. 

Ask those questions. Look for those answers. Dare to question. Conduct those experiments.

Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay persistent. Stay confident.

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

More musings on mangroves!

With the launch of our brackish-water specialty line, Estuary by Tannin Aquatics, we're starting to see an increasing interest in mangroves and mangrove habitats. This is great, because it's not just an interest in the aesthetics of mangroves (they do look cool!); rather, it's an interest in understanding the habitats from which they come, and the ecology of these environments.

The most diverse and rich mangrove communities occur in tropical regions, where water temperatures are typically 74 degrees F/24 degrees C or greater year 'round. The roots of mangroves help in stabilizing and binding the soils in the areas in which they occur, and help with the establishment of microorganisms which further help stabilize soils. Mangroves not only help to prevent soil erosion- they also help to reclaim land from ocean!

Mangrove estuaries are well-known as breeding and nursery grounds for a number of marine organisms including shrimp, crab and fish species in marine habitats, and for facilitating the growth and development of numerous specialized brackish-water species.

The most interesting zone to replicate for our aquarium purposes is subject to regular tidal effect where the effects of soil accumulation and inundation is a continuous process. The mangrove species in this zone are specially adapted with stilt roots, prop roots for stability and anchorage. This is where our personal fave,  Rhizophora mangle, the "Red Mangrove" occurs.

Rhizophora species have prop roots which descend from their trunks and branches, providing a very stable support system. They also posses what are known as "stilt roots", which, in addition to anchoring the plants, serve to facilitate aeration, as  the mud in which mangroves grow tends to be quite anaerobic!

These estuary habitats are subject to tidal action, which plays a determinant role in the creation and distribution of seeds or propagules. And of course, tides also influence the salinity in an estuary. Mangroves live in rather hostile environmental conditions, like high salinity, hypoxic (oxygen deficient) waterlogged soil strata, tidal pressures, strong winds and, depending upon location, even wave action. To cope with such hostile environmental conditions, mangroves exhibit highly evolved morphological and physiological adaptations to extreme conditions.

One of the most common questions we receive is whether or not mangroves need salt, and the answer, in short is no! Mangroves are what botanists call "facultative halophytes", which means that the presence of salt in their environment is not necessary for their growth...In fact, they can grow very well in freshwater. We've even been sprouting and growing them in our office tank- in some pretty serious blackwater conditions! There are many natural habitats of mangroves which bare an uncanny resemblance to the blackwater inundated Amazonian forests that we love so much around here...

Now, one distinct advantage of growing in a salty environment is the lack of competition from other plants! Only a very limited number of plants have adapted to intertidal conditions. By contrast, in the optimum conditions of a tropical rainforest, diversity is great and the competition quite fierce, so it's little wonder why mangroves are dominant in their habitats! Interesting fact- some mangrove species have significant levels of tannins in their bark...so one need only think about the implications for our "brackish water/botanical "tinted" tanks!

Mangroves are equipped to deal with the salty habitats where they flourish in multiple ways. First, they can prevent much of the salt from the water from entering their tissues by filtering it out from their roots. R. mangle is so good at this, that it can exclude more than 90 percent of salt from the water it's growing in at the root level! Some mangrove species are also equipped with specialized salt-secreting systems in their leaves and tissues. Still others will concentrate salt in bark or in older leaves, which carry it with them when they drop. Leaf drop in mangroves also serves to enrich the environment via microorganism and fungal growth, forming the basis of a rich food chain. And of course, this is a fascinating aspect to recreate in the aquarium!

Hundreds of species of crustaceans and shellfish have been recorded in mangrove habitats, and this density and diversity is an indicator of the richness of this habitat. The significant deposits of silt and detritus in the mangrove environment are important to the many life forms which live there.  The leaves shed by mangrove trees, along with the rich sediments brought in by rivers  contribute greatly to the organic constituents of mangrove soil. As a result, a tremendous  source of food is created, utilized by all sorts of detritovorous organisms, such as crustaceans and molluscs.

As you might suspect, there is a significant zooplankton population in mangrove areas, which interestingly includes lots of crustacean larvae, which feed on the numerous suspended solids which accumulate in mangrove root systems.

The mature crustaceans which reside in these habitats create burrows which are used for feeding, shelter and reproduction. Many species filter water through these burrows, and feed on suspended plankton, nutrients, and other materials in the water. All of these interesting burrows are very important to the overall mangrove habitat, as they facilitate draining, aeration, and turnover in the very dense soil layers.  Oysters will often grow on the roots of mangroves, filtering sediments out of the water, and becoming exposed at lower tide intervals, creating an interesting aesthetic!

All of these organisms and their activities are very beneficial to the mangroves, which in turn provide them shelter- a very interesting interdependent relationship! The implications for creating unique displays are many! 

If you're looking to recreate the function and look of a rich mangrove estuary, you'd be advised to include an assortment of shells and other materials to represent the diverse community of animals which live there. One of our favorite shells to use for this purpose is Telescopium telescopium, a snail that is strongly associated with mangrove environment! In eluding a few of these scattered about the substrate is a realistic touch to your mangrove aquarium!

We could go on and on about the incredible diversity, complexity, and interest that is found in the unique mangrove habitats, but I hope that this admittedly superficial review of them has piqued your interest in recreating, on a functional and aesthetic level, some aspects of them in your brackish water aquarium! So many angles, such replicating the root/substrate interface using mangrove roots and leaf litter.

Or, you might want to totally "build from scratch", and actually sprout and grow live mangroves and the associated life forms in a more comprehensive representation of this habitat! 

There is so much to learn, and so much to experiment with when looking beyond the "straight" aesthetics and considering the fascinating interactions between the plants, animals, and the overall environment.

Get a bit salty and join us on this compelling journey.

Stay engaged. Stay creative. Stay curious. Stay (a little) salty...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

It must be the water... more blackwater musings...

We've talked a lot about what exactly makes wild blackwater habitats so acidic (As you know, natural blackwater in the Amazon region can average as low as 3.75 or so...). Recent studies found that most of the acidity in black waters can be attributed to dissolved organic substances, and not to dissolved carbonic acid. In other words, organic acids from compounds found in soil and decomposing plant material, as opposed to inorganic sources. Blackwaters are almost always characterized by high percentages of organic acids.

Interestingly, however, these waters are surprisingly low in dissolved organic compounds (DOC). In fact, Rio Negro black waters are theorized to have low DOC concentrations because of the diluting effect of significant amounts of rainfall, and because they are diluted by clear waters from nearby systems low in dissolved organic compounds. Sort of  self-regulating, to an extent, right?

In the podzol soil where black water originates, most of the of the extractable substances in the surface litter layer are humic acids, typically coming from decaying plant material. Scientists have concluded that greater input of plant litter leads to greater input of humic substances into ground water. In other words, those leaves that accumulate on the substrate are putting out significant amounts of humic acids, as we've talked about previously! And although humic substances, like fulvic acid, are found in both blackwater and clear water habitats, the organic detritus (you know, from leaves and such) in blackwater contains more extractable fulvic acid than in clearwater  habitats, as one might suspect!

The Rio Negro, for example, contains mostly humic acids, indicating that suspended sediment selectively adsorbs humic acids from black water.  The low concentration of suspended sediments in rivers like the Rio Negro is one of the main reasons why high concentrations of humic acids are maintained. With little to no suspended sediment, there is no "adsorbent surface" (other than the substrate of the river, upon which these acids can be taken hold of (adsorb).

When you think about it, all of this this kind of contributes to why blackwater has the color that it does, too. Blackwater in the Amazon basin is colored reddish-brown. Why? Well, it has  those organic compounds dissolved in it, of course. And most light absorbtion is in the blue region of the spectrum, and the water is almost transparent to red light, which explains the red coloration of the water!

And many of those organic compounds come from the surrounding land, as touched on above...

The relationship between terrestrial habitats and the aquatic environment is becoming increasingly apparent in these areas. And, the lack of suspended sediments, which create a "nutrient poor" condition in these habitats, doesn't do much to facilitate "in situ" production of aquatic food sources; rather, it places the emphasis on external factors.  Many blackwater systems are simply too poor in nutrients to offer alternative food sources to fishes.The importance of the relationship between the fishes and their surrounding terrestrial habitat (i.e.; the forests which are inundated seasonally) is therefore obvious.

Fishes depend upon the fruits, seeds, insects, and other materials which come from the forest for food ("allochthonous input", remember?). When these areas become seasonally inundated, more food sources are available to the fishes which reside in these habitats. So, it kind of goes without saying that preservation of the forests themselves is really important for the fishes! If you take away the forest, you take away the fishes, too! 

And, as we've hinted on previously- the availability of food at different times of the year in these waters also contribute to the composition of the fish community, which various from season to season based on the relative abundance of these resources.

Like so many things in nature, the complexity of blackwater habitats is more than what meets the eye. Chemically, biologically, and ecologically, blackwater habitats are a weave of interdependencies- with soil, water, and surrounding forest all functioning together to influence the lives of the fishes which reside within them. No single factor could provide all of the necessary components for fish populations to thrive. To damage or destroy any one of them could spell disaster for the fishes- and the ecosystem which supports them. It is therefore incumbent upon us to understand, protect, and cherish these precious habitats, for the benefit of future generations. 

It's not only vital for us to understand how these habitats work in nature- it's important for us to be able to replicate some of its functions if we want to be able to keep and breed the fishes that we keep which hail from these habitats.

Keep researching. Keep learning. Keep sharing.

Stay intrigued. Stay diligent. Stay devoted.

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Every sunken branch. Every single leaf...

One of the most compelling things about creating a botanical-style, blackwater aquarium is that the very process of using leaves, seed pods, and other natural materials is in essence, replicating nature.

As  we've discussed many times, numerous tropical habitats are flooded forest floors, or tiny streamiest which may be seasonally dry. Large water level fluctuations subject many of these forest areas to constant shifts between terrestrial and aquatic environments. This fact should be something we take into account in our aquascaping. When attempting to replicate an inundated forest floor or seasonal stream, think about the surrounding plant materials which are found when the environment is in a "terrestrial phase."

As we know, there are numerous materials which, once the water reach them, have significant influence on not only the chemical parameters of the water, but the physical makeup of the underwater habitat. Accumulations of materials like seed pods and leaves create territories and places for fishes to inhabit, shelter, and spawn among. In these transient habitats, materials like leaves and seed pods are important, as they decompose at varying rates, providing food sources for numerous animals during the inundation periods.

So, when you're attempting to replicate such an environment, consider how the fishes would utilize each of the materials you're working with. For example, leaf litter areas would be an idea shelter for many juvenile fishes, catfishes, and even young cichlids to shelter among. Submerged branches, larger seed pods and other botanicals provide territory and areas where fishes can forage for macrophytes (algal growths which occur on the surfaces of these materials). Fish selection can be influenced as much by the materials you're using to 'scape the tank as anything else, when you think about it!

And there are numerous 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, and other minute aquatic life forms.  

(A BIG freshwater sponge! Image by Jomegat, used under CC BY-S.A. 3.0)

Unlike the better-known marine sponges, freshwater sponges are subjected to the more variable environment of rivers and streams, and have adapted a strategy of survival. When conditions deteriorate, the organisms create "buds", known as  "gemmules", which are an asexually reproduced mass of cells capable of developing into a new sponge! The Gemmules remain dormant until environmental conditions permit them to develop once again!

To my knowledge, these organisms have never been intentionally collected for aquariums, and I suspect they are a little tricky to transport (despite their adaptability), just ike their marine cousins are. One species, Metania reticulata, is extremely common in the Brazilian Amazon. They are found on rocks, submerged branches, and even tree trunks when these areas are submerged, and remain in a dormant phase in the aforementioned gemmules during periods of desiccation!

Now, I"m not suggesting that we go and collect sponges for aquarium use, but I am curious if they occur as "hitchhikers" on driftwood, rocks or other materials which end up in our aquariums. When you think about how important sponges are as natural "filters", one can only wonder how they might perform this beneficial role in the aquarium as well! Have any of you encountered one before in your tanks?

Think about the possibilities which are out there, under every leaf. Every sunken branch. Every rock.

Stay creative. Stay curious. Stay observant. Stay excited.

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Create a "remarkable product"

One of the core principles in modern marketing is, as the title suggests- making something great.

And what defines "greatness", although subjective and perhaps fraught with opinion, is pretty simple, IMHO: Something that you're proud of. Something that moves you, inspires others, and keeps you coming back for more.

In aquarium-keeping, it's no different. Creating a "remarkable product" is not easy, but it's completely achievable.

The "best" aquariums- the truly "great" ones- are not those that have the most expensive gadgetry, the rarest fishes, or the most exotic plants. They're not the largest tank, or the one that's equipped with the latest model of_____________ .

The best aquariums are those which their creator can look at every day and tell themselves, "I really love this tank."

Your "best aquarium" might be the one you're looking at right now. Or perhaps it's the one your building this weekend. Maybe it's the one in your little notebook of ideas.

Regardless of where you are in the "build" of your next tank, make it great.

Inspire yourself. Inspire others. Bring beauty into the world.

Create a "remarkable product."

Stay excited. Stay creative. Stay ambitious. Stay relentless.

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Yes, we throw dried leaves and seeds and stuff in our aquariums....

One of my friends told me the other day that it's been a whirl since I went off on one of my ridiculous editorial "rants", and that I need to drop one of those in "The Tint" soon...

Well, here I am, ready to do just that! I had this thought...

I love healthy skepticism.

It's kind of funny, when I explain our botanical obsession to hobbyists not familiar with the process..or even to non-hobbyists. Well, interestingly, non-hobbyists- especially people who fish or spend time on the water, are usually like, "That's cool! That's what lakes and streams really look like!" And curiously, long-time hobbyists are usually the rather skeptical ones, with response like, "Why would you to that? That adds a lot of pollution to the tank. Nitrates are gonna go through the roof!" (etc., etc.). 

Yet, it's always fun to see the initial skeptics in almost anything in our hobby start slowly accepting new ideas; foreign concepts: "I want to see what all of the buzz is about. I'll just set up a small tank and try this idea...."

And that's how it starts. 

I think it's really important to maintain a healthy skepticism of stuff we do in the hobby. It's important to be a little cautious about embracing new ideas completely without any evidence or examples of success to review. And in the aquarium hobby, particularly in recent decades, we've been fed a lot of promises, ideas about "techniques", and products claiming to do all sorts of incredible things. And we, as a group, have gotten pretty smart about a lot of things! The classic "eliminates the need for water changes" claim attached to almost any product will typically send the experienced aquarist running in the other direction, and rightfully so.

We are always looking for ways to do things better, but the majority of experienced aquarists, having "been through the wars" with diseases, algae issues, and husbandry techniques, have learned to question just about anything that sounds too good to be true. And that's great!

However, I also think that we as a group sometimes tend to be a bit myopic about some things. For example, you've often see me being rather critical of some of the aquascaping contests out there, as, in my opinion, they often appear to evaluate and judge by one specific set of criteria, seemingly ruling out almost any possibility of something truly "outside the box" (or the prevailing "approved" style, anyways) ever winning. Now, I get it- there is perhaps a certain guideline for some of these things, but when so rigidly enforced, it seem to yield...a sort of...sameness. In my opinion, all that has done is create a movement and perception in the hobby under which everyone seems to feel that they have to subscribe to a specific style to be "worthy", which I find incredibly disappointing.

Now, that's not to say that there is not room for innovation and change within given guidelines and "movements"- one need only look at some of the innovative work being done by many biotope enthusiasts. Following nature rather than some tight design philosophy, the opportunity for innovation and creative expression is limitless.

I sometimes worry about us as a hobby taking ourselves too seriously.

I mean, even in our geeky blackwater, botanical-style aquarium world, it's completely possible to become too rigid in our thinking, dogmatically creating "styles" and such. Fortunately, we haven't seen too much of this. We have questioned the wisdom of doing certain things. We have screwed stuff up. We've made some minor breakthroughs, too. We have developed techniques by which we prepare, add, and incorporate botanical materials into our aquariums, but we have not seen a close-minded imposition of "rules" for creating natural-looking aquariums, for example. 

Interestingly, for the most part, the inspiration for most of the new tanks I've seen comes from nature, as opposed to " _______'s aquarium." Oh sure, there may be some inspiration taken from an aquarium we find attractive, but it's not to the point of being insanely duplicative. For example, a lot of hobbyists love utilizing palm fronds in their tanks, to the point where you could almost call it a bit of a "trend" but we have not seen a situation where every single tank using them starts looking the same.

Now, in all fairness, one might say that our tanks look the same to an "outsider", much as we might think all contest-type tanks look similar. And I suppose that is a valid argument, although we don't impose rigid style guidelines, and upon examination, every botanical tank looks completely different, because of the very nature of the materials used and how they interact with the aquatic environment. And there is no one "preaching" style.

It's amazing how the hobby in general is becoming more experimental, for the most part. However, one of the things that I hear a lot from hobbyists who want to try new stuff (and this is in all sorts of "sectors") is that they are often greeted with negativity form "experienced" hobbyists who tell them that "You can't do that!" And, although such admonitions might be done in some sort of spirit of "helpfulness" in the minds of the person delivering the "critique", it's often an expression of consternation because they know that this is "not the way it's done."

Well, that's not the way THEY have done it. Why not try something different to yield a better outcome?

Change is scary to some. Stuff works. Why change it? Incremental changes are made and technique is developed, and that is usually accepted well. However, operating far outside of the defined "boundaries" of "conventional aquarium technique" is uncomfortable for many, and often results in undue criticism, for the simple reason that it might go against what we've done for so long. I hate hearing hobbyists tell me stories of how they were criticized for trying some totally radical approach to a common practice, like breeding a certain fish or whatever.  They will often tell me that the "critics" explain to them that their approach is "unrealistic" or "too stressful" to the animals or whatever, summarily dismissing the idea without even thinking it though. 

That's not skepticism. That's negative and judgmental. Do we really need that in the hobby?

No, we don't. We need skepticism. We need concern when someone does something in a manner that could damage the hobby as a whole (like importing illegal fishes or plants). We need to question products with shaky claims without anything tangible and replicable to back them up. Yes, we need to question new techniques, offer suggestions and even constructive criticisms. We need to examine new ideas before blindly embracing them. 

However, we should support innovation, rather than simply shrug it off as "folly" on the part of an aquarist who is "outside the loop" of what is commonplace.  Give things a chance. Changes, developments, breakthroughs will happen, and we need to do our best to understand that there are those who enjoy this process. There is a need for evolution, refinement, and yes...change. And there will be change. Let's embrace it. And let's not take everything too seriously, okay?

We throw dried leaves and seeds and stuff in our aquariums...

That IS kind of weird, huh?

Until next time...

Stay innovative. Stay curious. Stay skeptical. Stay supportive. Stay creative...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics