April 01, 2016

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Good advice not taken?

This one is dedicated to all of those hobbyists out there who find themselves in a position to give advice to others...Perhaps you might take some comfort in this story.

Like many in the industry, I receive a fair number of emails and calls from other hobbyists, some who just want to "run something by me"- others who have some pretty serious issues with their tanks and need some help.

I've always been a big fan of taking everyone's advice with the proverbial "grain of salt"- in other words, not taking every single thing even your most respected "mentor" tells you as "gospel." Let's face it- there is no single hobbyist who has ALL of the answers to EVERY question, right?

Besides, as the person giving the advice, your ego shouldn't get in the way- but you hope that the person asking at least takes some of it to heart.

So, about a month or so ago, I had a hobbyist, who was good friends with a good customer of mine, contact me about that most classic of problems- algae! She had that gnarly "Black Beard Algae" all over her driftwood and rocks, and was apparently fed up with trying "all sorts of stuff" to get rid of it. (as an advisor, "all sorts of stuff" immediately sends red flag up- along with the fact that the customer who referred her to me was VERY knowledgeable and experienced)

We went through the usual questions about when it started appearing, physical setup, bioload, maintenance practices, water parameters, etc., etc. After just a few minutes, it was painfully obvious that she had an aquarium that was absurdly overstocked, pitifully maintained, and improperly equipped...And worst of all, she seemed like she actually knew this- heard it elsewhere- and simply wanted to keep asking advice from people until she heard what she wanted to hear.

And her tank had an inch infestation as well.

Yikes.

And of course, I "prescribed" the usual course of action: Lower the population of fish to a realistic level, "fallow" the tank while treating the sick fishes in a separate aquarium, manage water quality, upgrade filtration, etc. The usual stuff- the CORRECT stuff. the stuff I know works after a lifetime in the hobby. Good advice, in my opinion.

She wanted to use a liquid algaecide.

I tried to explain to her that algaecide is like the "nuclear option", and that you would only use that in the most grave of circumstances- even then, I'd still recommend other courses of action. Yeah, yeah, yeah- she's heard that all before. Besides, this stuff supposedly worked quickly and effectively.

I admonished her yet again to try a different course of action- explained to her that this was a "band aid" at best- poison at worst- and would not take care of the longer-term issue at hand.(the old, "give a man a plow..." argument, right?)

She didn't want to here any of that. She just wanted my "blessing" to go ahead and employ the algaecide.

I told her that I wouldn't. 

She of course, ended the call with an explanation that she had the stuff already and that she "might as well use it"- blah, blah, blah.

A few days later, I received a call from her "thanking me" for my advice, but that the algaecide did its job- killed all of the algae. Along with a bunch of her fishes...but that didn't seem to phase her. It was "acceptable collateral damage" in her mind...Besides, the rich, which seemed to be running rampant in her tank was gone. I think- actually- I know- that she called to "gloat."

In my mind, I wrote it off. Rationalized that, if something is toxic enough to kill fishes (the stuff she used has chemical constituents which MSDS says are fish poison, despite the manufacturer's allegations that it's safe to use "as directed"- gulp), it could have some impact on parasites as well.

Regardless...The fact that her flaunting of the conventional approaches "worked" for the short term, and the fact that it was easy (for her, not her fishes!), didn't involve waiting, lots of re-tooling of her system, or other labor made even the collateral fish deaths somehow "worth it" to her.

I wanted to speak up. Tell her that she was foolish, stubborn, etc., and that she may have "won the battle and lost the war", but I knew it would fall on deaf ears...

You simply can't win an argument with this kind of personality. About all you can do is point out the foible of their ways- however, when she's staring at an algae-free aquarium (for now), with apparently "healthy" fishes, it's hard to reconcile. And the problem is, there is always that 1 time out of 50 where everything DOES work out okay, despite the absurdity of the hobbyists's course of action. You know- everything somehow cones together to make it work out....

In this case, I know that it was a big loss for the fish, for the hobby, and for the hobbyist herself, who could have dialed down the arrogance for just a minute, and learned something that would pay long-term dividends...and that could be a lesson that she could in turn share with others.

In the end, it was not to be. But I did indeed learn a lesson myself...and that lesson is that you simply cannot "win 'em all." Sometimes, you just have to realize that you did your best, and that it was one of those "no-win" situations.

I had occasion to talk to my customer (the guy who referred "Ms. X' to me) a week or so ago. I asked here how "Ms. X' was doing...

The reply was as tragic as it was predictable:

"Oh, this sucks- she lost ALL of her fishes over a week...ALL of 'em. Broke the tank down. She's taking a break from the hobby."

Did I feel "vindicated" in any way? 

No. Not one bit. In fact, I felt bad that I couldn't make a more persuasive argument.

On the other hand, I though about it and realized that this is one less person in the hobby who would be spreading bad advice to others...You know, perhaps even using the same warning I give before dispensing her potentially disastrous solution: "Don't believe everything everyone tells you..."

Yikes.

I guess that's how the hobby weeds out the "unworthies?"

That may sound arrogant, but it provides a small degree of comfort for a guy like me, when good advice remain untaken, and no lesson is learned asa result.

Something to think about.

Stay helpful. Stay humble.

Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

 

 

March 30, 2016

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The case for going brown...Just a few points...

So, one of the questions we receive often here at Tannin is, "What are the advantages of a blackwater-type aquarium, and why would I want to try one?"

It's a broad, but very logical question, which I can attempt answer in broad, hopefully logical terms!

In no particular order, here are some of the many reasons why you might want to embrace "The Tint" in your next aquarium:

1) It's different.- Yeah, anyone can set up a planted tank with clear water, colorful fishes, and natural gravel. It takes an adventurous aquarist to try something truly different- brown water, crumbling leaves, the occasional spot of encrusting algae...just like in nature! A totally different aesthetic experience than we're used to. I remember, during my tenure as co-owner of Unique Corals, the funny comments I'd get from reefers who came into my office and checked out the "high concept" 20 gallon blackwater tank I had: "Umm, I think you need to change the water in there...kinda dirty, huh?" Priceless.

2) Many fishes come from "blackwater" habitats, and this a more natural environment for them.- Although many fishes, such as Tetras, cichlids, and Discus (a few that come to mind) are bred in captive conditions, I personally have yet to see one of these which doesn't seem to look better, be healthier, and act more naturally in a blackwater environment. Yes, you need to acclimate them slowly, and yes, you need to apply common sense, but the benefits for your animals will become very evident over time.

3) A blackwater environment embraces different elements than a traditional planted aquarium does.- Yeah, you're not able to keep every type of aquatic plant in a blackwater tank. You'd want to research which plants specifically hail from these environments and can adapt and thrive under these conditions. Blackwater tanks lend themselves to amazing hardscape, consisting of wood, botanicals, and stones. A completely unique aesthetic experience for many hobbyists.

At Tannin Aquatics, we've done our best to aggregate many different natural materials for you to work with to create unique biotope displays. We're constantly researching, refining, and tweaking our offering to help you enjoy different aesthetic experiences!

4) You'll be able to more realistically replicate a wider variety of biotopes than before.- Yeah, since there are many environments, like the "Morichals" of South America, and the temporary creeks of Central Africa, that have been replicated and represented on a very limited basis in the hobby, you'll be able to more faithfully represent them in an aquarium by utilizing aggregations of different natural materials!

5) You'll be in on the ground floor of a "New Botanical" movement.- Sure, people have played with wood and leaves before, but I don't think with the mindset that we've seen lately. In other words, hobbyists who incorporate botanicals and such into their aquarium nowadays are looking at things more "holistically', embracing the natural processes, such as the breakdown of materials, accumulation of biofilms, and even the occasional spot of algae, as part of the environment to be studied and enjoyed, rather than to be loathed, feared and removed. We're learning more about the interactions between our fishes and these unique environments, and the opportunities to share this new knowledge are endless!

Okay, that's the most cursory, quick list of some of the reasons why "blackwater" is something we feel you should be playing with in an aquarium. The endless opportunities for experimentation, creativity, expression, and education are just a few of the wonderful benefits that you'll enjoy as you open your eyes- and minds- to a new and very different approach to aquarium keeping.

Stay creative. Stay open-minded.

Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

 

March 29, 2016

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Recipes for success?

Have you ever noticed that everything we do in fish-keeping, from setting up our aquariums, to adding fishes, feeding them, breeding them, maintaining our tanks- is like a sort of "recipe?"

Yeah, think about it: Although there are generally accepted ways of doing things in the hobby, based upon time-honored husbandry principles, well-known biological realities, and practical applications, every hobbyist "edits" things to fit his/her own needs, priorities, resources, and style. 

What triggered this for me was when, the other day, I carefully tossed three "Nano-sized" Catappa leaves not one of my 5-gallon RO water storage containers before I filled it. This practice allows some of the tannins, humic acids, and other substances in the leaves to "steep" for several days before I utilize the water in my aquariums. "Pre-tinting" I call it.

A simple, little adjustment, based on my preferences and the needs of my animals; the quantity and timing tweaked and honed over years of practice, to the point where it's "automatic" to me. A "recipe", if you will. One of hundreds of little things I, you, and every hobbyist who has ever lived practice every day to make our hobby more enjoyable, successful, and easier.

We all have our own "recipes" for fish keeping practices, much as every family has its favorite recipe for spaghetti sauce or meat loaf, or..whatever.

Yeah, the art of aquarium keeping- and it is an art- is based on common guiding principles, customized to fit the individual's needs, much like the art of cooking is.

Think about fishes that you breed on a regular basis. You pretty much know exactly what it takes to start the process, condition the breeders, handle the spawn, and rear the resulting fry. You know what type of environmental manipulations you need to do, how much water to change, what to feed, etc. It's become almost systematic for you, huh?

And guess what? Much like a chef, you do it just a little bit differently than anyone else in the world. Oh sure, you may use the same basic procedures as every other fish breeder working with a particular species, but you have your won unique "hacks", developed from your personal experiences, problems, successes, and necessities. Subtle nuances that make something work for you.

That is the "art" part of aquarium keeping.

The best part about this is that we can share what works for us with other hobbyists, so that they can apply our techniques to theirs, and perhaps, a little "mashup" of ideas from  you and other sources will be exactly what they need to push them over the edge towards success with a given issue.

The hobby of aquarium keeping, as I pointed out many times, is governed by some immutable "laws", such as the Nitrogen Cycle. However, the "laws" are mere;y the framework under which we operate. The real magic takes place when the individual hobbyist works within the "framework" to create processes which lead to successful outcomes that can be replicated time and again- by him/her, or others.

"Recipes", if you will. Recipes for success.

You have some. I have some. Every hobbyist who has ever lives has some. And, in this incredibly connected age that we live in, it's never been easier to share, collaborate, iterate, and practice them, for the benefit of all.

Never forget to share that hard-earned knowledge with other hobbyists.

Now, you're cooking!

Stay creative. Stay imaginative. Stay focused. Stay open to the process.

And Stay Wet.

 

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

March 28, 2016

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Events that shape us in the hobby...

Ever had something happen with your fishes-good or bad- in which you had no clue how to proceed?

I remember when I was about 14 years old, I had a 20 gallon "community aquarium", consisting mostly of my fave fishes- characins. I woke up one early morning to see most of the fish huddled in the corner-very unusual- with the exception of my large (like 10) school of Neon Tetras, darting all over the tank in a most unusual fashion. Every once in a while, a couple would stop and sort of press together, twitch a bit...and release a cloud of eggs!

SPAWNING! MY FREAKING NEON TETRAS WERE SPAWNING!

That was so cool! And it was not something that happened every day back then...A pretty unusual occurrence- and it happened in MY tank!

And of course, it was on a school day, so I was really going to be distracted. Could I fake being sick...Umm, no- I was really sick just the week before and 100% better, so that "option" was off the table. Screwed.

How to talk to? Who to call? Where to look for information? My aquarium "library", which consisted of a few well-worn copies of Tropical Fish Hobbyist and a few basic books on aquarium keeping (save the antiquated edition of Innes' "Exotic Aquarium Fishes", which only had the initial description of the "new and exotic" Neon, and Axelrod's "Exotic Tropical Fishes", which just sort of glossed over any real details on their spawning...something to the effect that "they're egg layers, scattering them throughout the plants and substrate." Well, I knew that already!

 

My dad was a very experienced tropical fish hobbyist, but he was a guppy breeder, and had no experience with egg layers to speak of. His support and general hobby knowledge were invaluable and a huge help to me thus far in my hobby "career", but he was out of his own comfort zone with this one. He did his best to offer up some generic advice, but even he knew I needed more information from someone with experience. 

And, mind you- this was "pre internet"- I couldn't just jump on Google, Wikipedia, or any of a hundred tropical fish forums. It would take either a phone call or letter to an experienced breeder...not going to happen. 

Of course, when I had the chance, later in the day, I called my LFS, and the owner, a surly British woman named Shirley, promptly dismissed my call as a near absurdity, "Neon's don't lay EGGS!" was all I remember from that phone call..."But, it happened in my tank this morning...!"

Click.

Yikes, no help from the "friendly LFS!"

From that point on, I realized I was sort of on my own. 

So what did I do? I wanted the eggs to hatch. I wanted to raise the fry. I wanted it to happen again! 

One thing I didn't do was panic. Even at a young age, I knew that wouldn't help.

I did what any self-respecting fish geek would do. I sat down and tried to think of what I DID know that could help. One thing in my favor was that I kept a little "fish journal" with all sorts of notes, observations, and facts on my fishes...turned out to be a very good and useful habit! I could refer often to my own "body of work" if I needed it for something just like this!

WelI, having bred a number of fishes already, the idea of rearing small fry was not alien to me; and, in retrospect- other than the fact that these were a fish I'd revered and never even thought of breeding, they were egg laying fishes, much like the "Flame Tetras" and even the Zebra Danios I'd reared before, albeit semi-successfully. Just feed 'em, right?

I tried to "retrace" what it was that led to the spawning in the first place. Turns out, even back then I was experimenting with tannins. Inspired by a vintage 1970's book called "Aquarium Ecology", I decided to experiment with peat moss as a means of softening the water and lowering the pH. It certainly worked! 

I had recently started feeding live brine shrimp, chopped black worms (My mom loved that!) and some Daphnia, which I had reared from stock purchased from a member of the American Killifish Association (yeah I was a member back then!).

So, two things in my favor: Good environmental conditions, similar to their natural habitat, and a nice variety of fresh foods- things that every hobbyist knows are good for fishes.

And it went on from there- I performed a routine 20% water change just a day before the event..and it turned out that the one thing I recall about it was that I had trouble heating the water to the usual 78 degrees Fahrenheit that I kept my tank at; it was more like 75 at the time. I was a bit concerned, but everyone seemed to be okay.

A clue?

Yeah, perhaps this simulated an influx of water from a rainstorm? Don't a lot of fishes spawn after rainstorms in nature? And there was that event where my lighting timer mysteriously failed and the lights came on much later than normal...

And it just went on from there. I stayed calm, gave it a lot of thought, and noted all of the things that seemed to occur before the spawning event. Some were totally random- others, like the temperature change, could have some connection.

After a few days of intensive research, I figured I had as much information as I could garner from my limited resources, and set about to intentionally try to replicate the events that occurred just before the spawning...and...

Nothing.

Every the stubborn type, I waited a couple of weeks, and replicated the experiment again!" Sure enough, the day after the water change, and after leaving the aquarium lights off a bit longer, another spawning event!

This time, I was ready. I did manage to collect (with incredible difficulty, I recall) a bunch of eggs. And they did hatch. And I did manage to get a few of the fry through to maturity, although the ones that randomly survived in the aquarium by hiding in the plants seemed to do better and grew faster.

But that wasn't the point. The big victory was that I had acquired that skill- that experience that only the unexpected aquarium event can provide. Rallying when the stuff you don't expect to happen, happens.

And looking back, I realized that this was how I acquired many of my "core skills" in the hobby. Sure, many things were passed down from my father and the generations of hobbyists who came before. Basic stuff we simply knew to do...

However, the real innovative ideas and game changing knowledge came through stuff happening, and figuring it out.

Experience, earned by reacting to the events that occur as a result of bing in this very cool hobby.

Next time something good or bad, but entirely unexpected happens, just remember to make curiosity your "default" setting- not panic- and see what you can gain by reacting well and attempting to learn from what is happening.

These events- the ones which shape us, are one of the best gifts we can get in the hobby.

Enjoy them. Learn from them. Remember them.

Stay focused. Stay alert. Stay curious.

And stay wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

 

March 27, 2016

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In praise of plastic...?

Ever had that one piece of rock, driftwood, or plastic plant that became the "go to" aquascaping component for your aquariums?

You know, the one you could rely on to complete that scene, give that "look"- and help you achieve your abasing goals? Like an old friend, it came through every time for you, right?

I had a plastic plant that I received in fourth grade from my parents for my 10-gallon tank- a beautiful (if not kinda fake looking) "Living World Red Ludwigia"- like 8" tall, with lots of colorful green and red leaves. I was the envy of the other kids on the block who kept fish when I introduced that one into my tank!

And I used it for years- in all sorts of setups- ranging from cichlid breeding tanks, to guppy tanks, to kill rearing tanks. Before I felt comfortable keeping live plants, this thing was my "go to!" Kind of like that well-worn in pair of jeans, or your favorite leather jacket...I loved that thing.

Ever the trendsetter, I "modded mine" (a sign of fish geek accomplishments to come, right?) by clipping some of the "leaves" and branches off to give mine a more random, custom look. Too cool. 

And this planet served me very well...I mean, I even used it on my first saltwater tank...The Clownfishes felt perfectly at home with it's red and green regalia...What a look!

The plant stood by me through thick and thin, serving me in so many capacities...a true old friend.

Nowadays, in all but the most specific of circumstances, (like in a quarantine tank), I'd be hesitant- if not appalled- to employ a plastic plant. But wouldn't you know it- if I could ever find my old friend, it would be the first thing I reached for when putting together my hospital tank...

Maybe I'll just get a different one. Plastic plants are perfect for those types of setups, right?

And that is the best use I can think of for a plastic plant.

So, thanks for the memories, my little plastic friend...wherever you are. I never will forget you and the journeys you took me on...

Stay strong...Stay graceful. And hopefully,

Stay wet!

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

March 26, 2016

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Why fight it?

"Going for it..."

Kind of a scary notion for a lot of people, but not for a fish geek, huh?

I mean, a fish persona will, at the drop of a hat, fall for a fish, do intensive research, then set up an entire aquarium devoted to the fish...maybe even several.

We are not really "impulsive"- rather, I'd say fish geeks are "decisive!" We don't spend enless amounts of time over analyzing stuff from every angle. A fish persona sees an opportunity to try something cool, new, and different, does a brief evaluation- and goes for it!

That whole "doing versus talking" thing is the best part about fish people, IMHO (besides their generosity)...As fish geeks, we understand that opportunities to try new things are what keeps a hobby vital, and what increases our skill set, and enriches our lives and hobby experience. Trying new stuff keeps us engaged.

I've been to numerous club meetings, where, at the conclusion of the show, the fish auction goes on, and it seems like the person who always ends up getting the most stuff is the person who said "Nah, I'm full to capacity...no more!" at the beginning. You know, the guy or girl who has thousands of BAP points and has bred every fish around..

However, these types- most hobby types- can't resist the opportunity to try something new. It's fun to see, especially when really talented and experienced hobbyists give something new to them a try...The results are usually pretty cool! They magically "find" more space; another tank- more time...They just do.

So, my simple advice to you on a Saturday, before you head out to the local club meeting with the intentions of NOT taking on any more fish:

Clear off a space in your fish room. get an extra tank ready.

You can't fight it off...That urge, that compulsion.

Nor should you!

Stay special. Stay delighted.

Stay Wet.

 

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

March 25, 2016

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That "other benefit" of routine maintenance...

Have you noticed that, after you change the water in your tank, it just sort of takes on a....sparkle-or something?

Like that "healthy glow" on a beautiful woman's face when she's happy (sorry for the utterly chauvinistic example, but I AM a guy- and that came to mind quickly at 6:30AM...), an aquarium after a water change- routine or otherwise-just seems to "pop" with a vibrancy that is distinctive from the everyday.

I used to see this in reef aquariums in a big way- the corals would really extend polyps or open up- and I used to wonder...

Is the "vibrancy" we see in aquariums after a water change because the environment is being "refreshed" or otherwise "stimulated" via the exchange, or is it something else?

Perhaps increased oxygenation as a result of removing/adding water to the system? Perhaps some minor ionic "hit" the system takes from an influx of fresh, non-nutrient-laden water? Does it roughly simulate what happens during a rainstorm or other sort of "disruptive" event in nature, thus triggering certain positive responses in animals?

Could this be the reason why fishes often spawn after water changes?

Yeah, I'd wager so.

Beyond just the environmental benefits, that incredible look, the smell- the feeling the hobbyist gets after performing a routine maintenance on his or her tank is satisfying in a way that only those who love their animals understand. Knowing that you're doing something beneficial for animals under your care is beyond merely satisfying. It's gratifying, really.

 

So, well-being for the hobbyist, perhaps? I think that may be one of the understated benefits of routine maintenance.

Just another reason for performing regular maintenance on our aquariums. 

But I'll bet you already knew that.

Something simple to reflect upon today.

Until next time...

Stay gratified. Stay inquisitive.

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquaitcs

 

March 24, 2016

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Responsibility. It goes with the territory.

When you first started in the aquarium hobby, do you remember being told stuff like how you have to quarantine fishes? Or did you learn of the practice through necessity and heartache?

I have had a few discussion with both vendors and hobbyists of late where the topic of quarantine, responsibility, and "best practices" in the hobby came up. I've had a few hobbyists really attempt to make the case that it's solely the vendor's responsibility to only offer up healthy fishes that have been pre-quarantined, thus "relieving" the hobbyist of any responsibility- or, as many would say, the 'burden" of having to quarantine their new fishes themselves.

I think that, in all honesty, the practice of quarantine goes against some of our "modern" thought processes and philosophies about how a "hobby" should work..I've literally had hobbyists, when I implored them to quarantine, tell me stuff like, "Well, if that's what you have to do every time you get a fish, than I don't want an aquarium.." Or, "This is supposed to be FUN!"

Yuck.



Stuff like that and the "instant gratification" mindset is hard to overcome, particularly in the new generation of "serious" hobbyists, who often have no previous fish experience of any kind before jumping in with a sophisticated tank (not a problem- just a fact in some cases)...And with tons of pics of amazing tankss on social media all day long, and all of the high tech gadgetry and products promising that awesome systems are within anyone's grasp, it's no wonder why these kinds of attitudes arise. "We want what we want and we want it now!"...And a quarantine process slows that "mission" down, which, for all I know, might be enough for some "NewGen" hobbyists to lose interest in the hobby, silly as that may sound.

And we think that every vendor is somehow quarantining each fish or looking out for our best interests...it's a fallicy- even with the best vendors, in most facilities/instances, it's simply not feasible to quarantine every animal before shipping it to the consumer. Nor is it fair to place that responsibility on the vendor or LFS.

I cringe every time someone shows me a "business plan" that states that quarantining new fishes, plants and corals is part of the process...That's a great idea, but it's the wrong approach, IMHO. It just never works in an efficient and economical way. Sure, a vendor should make an effort to obtain quality, healthy fishes,plants, and corals, and maybe do some prophylactic care or a brief initial observation before putting a fish up for sale. However, IMHO, it's far better for a vendor to sell quarantine setups to each customer and show 'em how it's done. "Give a man a fish...."

In fact, personal responsibility for animal well-being is what is needed-part of the game...With an awareness of the potential problems caused by introducing fishes, plants and inverts that have not been quarantined, the need to embrace this process should be obvious to even the most "twitterized" Millenial "NewGen" hobbyist!



If this is a "barrier to entry"- a roadblock that weeds out the "unworthy" or the impatient, who would rather recklessly endanger the lives of healthy animals before following a proper and beneficial practice- then so be it!

It sounds harsh, but we simply need to make personal responsibility for the animals that we keep a huge, important part of the hobby. Most successful hobbyists do, but there is a small percentage that simply don't- and WON'T- accept this as part of the game. It's tragic, too, because it's not too hard to embrace such practice- and the benefits are SO significant that it would be glaringly obvious to even the most attention-deficit-afflicted hobbyist.

So, next time someone asks you that fateful question, "What's involved in keeping an aquarium?" don't forget to use that concise, one word answer within your explanation.

Responsibility.

It goes with the territory.

Something to think about.

Stay firm. Stay dedicated.

Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

March 21, 2016

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Defying the odds? Tempting fate? Or just human nature?

Have you ever made one of those bonehead mistakes in fish keeping, even after years?

You know, something basic- like not quarantining a new fish and getting your whole tank sick. Or using some sort of additive (like algicide or something) that you knew would have some kind of long-term (potentially detrimental) effect on your tank? You know- a shortcut. An ill-advised move. A lapse in judgement, protocol, procedure.

I have a friend who brags about his flagrant "violation" of the fundamental principles of aquaristic practice. He proudly shirks every guideline that's been offered up over the years. Happily disregards all of the common "best practices" of the aquarium hobby.

And gets away with it. Most of the time, anyways.

Yeah, I think we all have, at least once or twice, right?

I mean, it's sort of human nature to get, well..."complacent." Relaxed. over-confident.

Call it what you want.

I know I've made that bad judgement call before: "Oh, that fish looks fine, and there were no sick fish in the tank at the store- I'll chance it and just add him." Or, "I don't know why they say that fish is supposed to be so aggressive. He hasn't even chased anyone...yet." And of course, the inevitable painful lesson that arises is not soon forgotten.

Or is it?

I mean, as "advanced" aquarists, I wonder if we sometimes think that we've "paid our dues" to the "aquarium goods", and that, even in moments of irrational decision making, we'll get away with it because we're, well- "advanced?"

I think so. I know that I've made really lazy, impulsive decisions before, even when I knew that I shouldn't have. Like taking on some fish I won at the club auction when I really didn't' have the space. Or using tap water to fill a new aquarium in a hurry when I should have just waited the extra few days until the replacement RO/DI cartridges arrived.

Sometimes, I'd get away with it.

Other times, I wouldn't be so lucky, and fate would bite me on the ass and teach me a lesson.

The "lesson" isn't really even not to do the specific action that you did to cause the problem. It's not the feeding of the contaminated food, or the failure to remove the eggs from that batch of Discus with a reputation for eating them.

It's the decision to proceed when that little voice inside your head tells you- well- SCREAMS at you- to "stop, drop, and cover!"

It's not falling back on the hard-won experience that you've accumulated during years of fish keeping. 

Even as a beginner, you can "trust" what "they" say online, in books, at clubs etc., and do things the (often) slower, more tedious way- or you can tempt fate and take the shortcut. 

The problem with taking the shortcut is that you might be one of those people for whom it works. For a while.

And you'll convince yourself and others that "they" are full of it. Everyone is making too big a deal out of it- because you've done it this way for years without any of the nasty results that "they" warned you about.

And then the bad habits become a routine part of your repertoire.

The "fail safe" of human endeavour is failure, so why play into that? Why go against the grain on everything? I mean, trying something different that everyone is cool. But we're talking about breaking the rules of aquascaping, designing a different type of breeding setup, etc. We're NOT talking about immediately adding 100 Cardinal Tetras to a brand spankin' new 40 gallon tank- stuff like that.

"Fundamental guidelines" are what they are because, well- they're fundamentals!

We can't just "edit" and pick and choose what basic laws of nature we want to adhere to. Oh, we can, but the playback- which WILL come inevitably, eventually- is a bitch! Why gamble with the lives of helpless animals for our own arrogant means. It makes no sense to me.

We can change.

And my friend? The guy who defies the "laws" of aquarium keeping?

Well, his beautiful and long-established 300 gallon African Cichlid tank, the pride of his fish collection- is now a breeding ground for at least 3 different fatal diseases, all of which would have been prevented if he would have quarantined.

Did he finally learn his (expensive and painful) lesson and mend his ways?

He said no, he'll keep doing things his way. This was a fluke. An aberration. An unusual occurrence.

Of course, the battery of 20 gallon quarantine tanks in his garage fish room tells a different story!

So, perhaps you can teach an old fish new tricks?

Regardless of your level of experience, don't give in to the temptations. take the long way home, and be great.

Something to think about on a Monday.

Stay optimistic. Stay practical. Stay open-minded.

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

 

March 20, 2016

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Listening to the botanicals...

Ever look at a piece of wood, a rock, or now, an aquatic botanical and just know in your mind that it would look perfect in that design you're contemplating?

Yeah, we've all been there. It's as if the material is just talking to you; screaming out from all of the others on the shelf-telling you, "Yeah, I'm what you're looking for!"

People tell us that we have a lot of different materials on our site. And as an owner, sometimes, quite frankly, I wonder if we have too many. I mean, in a given 'scape, how many different materials would you want to use?

That's why we came up with our variety packs; we figured that we could put together some materials that work well together; play off each other from a structural, textural, and color standpoint. Some are designed for specific purposes, such as creating an interesting, diversified substrate- and others are for replicating a specific biotope.

We even created some new packs that are just "done"- literally "an aquascape in a bag", in which all of the materials work perfectly together, and you simply "unlock" how you want to incorporate them in your 'scape.

In the end, creating a dynamic aquascape is as much about listening to your heart as it is anything else. The materials are merely the media by which you create your art. 

It's up to you, the aquarist/artist, to be open to he process; to "listen" to both your heart and the materials, to bring to life what is already there...waiting to tell a story.

You know this already, instinctively, of course. Even if you may not have thought much about it.

We're here to help you tell stories. And it starts with listening to the stories that the materials themselves are telling. A simple concept for a Sunday morning- but interesting to contemplate, nonetheless.

Keep listening. Stay open to the process.

And stay wet.

 

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics