The Tint

Easing into it...

This hobby that we love so much is really supposed to be...relaxing, right? 

Yet, for some of us, what may qualify as relaxing is shockingly stressful for others!

Do you know one of those fish people who just "freaks out" every time you find a snail in your planted tank, or see a little spot of algae, or- perhaps-maybe-just that the tank doesn't look "right" this morning (even though it looks the same way it did yesterday morning...)?

Or, are YOU that person?

I think I used to be.

Sort of.

I was one of those fish geeks who, upon seeing some little "problem" in one of my tanks- say, a piece of wood slightly askew, or an aggregation of sand blown into one area by a powerhead-would freak the f--- out and have a towel down on the floor and sleeves up, and be "in contact" with the water in like under a minute to "correct" the issue!

Like, "Drop everything!!!!"

Yeah, my fishy friends thought I was a bit "overly-reactive" when it came to my tanks.

And I admit, I probably was.

And I think the origins of this aquarium behavioral "issue" could be traced back to the days when I had my aquarium(s) in my bedroom as a kid...One of the "conditions" my mom placed on me was that everything and to look "presentable" at all times...And of course, I quickly learned that "presentable" to a mom is far different than "presentable" is to a 14-year-old fish geek with 7 tanks in his bedroom, and that compliance was...well, really freaking important if I were to ever get that 8th tank in there!

Survival skills. That's what it was about. It's sort of guided my thinking in the hobby for a long time.

So I learned to deal with "small problems" quickly and efficiently. Always did- even as a "grown up." 

However, there was this...thing...that would happen when I "dealt" with stuff in my tanks. You know- those "small problems" that would crop up from time to time.

And of course, many of these "small problems" led to me rationalizing the "need" to make "one more adjustment" to the wood stack, or a little trim of this coral or plant...or maybe tweaking the orientation of a couple of pieces of rock... ("Well, I'm already IN there...")

Easy stuff, right?

I became a sort of "perpetual editor", if you will,  of my aquariums! And it was really easy to lose myself in these "little projects." 

Stuff that innocently starts at 7:30AM and results in a four hour, call-in-sick-to-work,  "5-towel project" of serious proportions. FYI, I often refer to the number of towels required for a project as a "measure" of its seriousness and complexity- a pretty good measure, IMHO! A "1-towel project" would be something easy, like shaking a piece of errant plant debris from the filter intake, whereas a "3-towel project" would be something like a water exchange/internal algae scraping/filter cleaning and media replacement.

A "5-towel project" is an all-hands-on-deck, "man your battle stations!" sort of prospect! You know, the innocent "I just have to move that one piece of wood" thing that starts out innocently and morphs into an all-morning, mind-bending "total re-do" sort of thing- new look, empty tank, stuff everywhere...Full-on "restart" mode. You really didn't want to be around me during a "5-towel project" back in those days.

Yeah, those "5-towel projects..."

I think that since I really dedicated a huge part of my fish keeping life to the blackwater/brackish, botanical-style aquarium genre, I learned to relax...a lot. The reef keeper in me still has a very serious side who wants things "just so", and who wants to keep his tanks "visitor ready" at all times, but with the cool vibe and natural aesthetic of our kind of aquariums, it's a lot easier to "explain away" the small patina of algae on the wood; the biofilm on the botanicals, or some decomposing leaves- part of the deal, and something that actually can educate the uninitiated about our strange, yet earthy obsession!

So, yeah, I suppose you could say that natural, blackwater/brackish, botanical-style aquariums have made me a lot less of a drama queen about my hobby. I mean, it's such a chill vibe and almost yoga-like approach to aquariums that you kind of can't help it! And it really doesn't matter how complex the "job" is- or how unusual the 'end product" is- it's enjoyable and chill and...fun!

And, once you look at enough underwater pics or videos of flooded igapo forests in Brazil, you kind of come to the realization that all of this stuff- the detritus, the biofilms, the decomposing leaves, tinted water- all of it- is simply the way many natural systems look, and that you are working WITH nature, rather than resisting it.

Nature seems to find ways to do stuff way better than we can- even though it may not always fit the "conventional aquarium definition" of beauty. And once you accept this, you'll find yourself creating aquariums that actually try to replicate what you once thought was "ugly."

You come full-circle.

That little "imperfection" you see in your tank, which used to cause such stress, is just Nature doing her thing as part of a cohesive whole...and an existential crisis is easily averted when you make this "mental stretch" and understand just what this botanical thing is really all about. When you realize that it's all part of a process, a system- one that was perfected billions of years before you were born- you'll get it.

It's mind-blowing. Humbling. And altogether inspiring. 

The stuff that used to send me into "red alert" mode is simply not that big a concern in the grand scheme of things to me anymore. Accepting this- appreciating this- changed my perspective on the way I keep aquariums forever.

Healthy. 

Well, comparatively, lol.

I mean, I still hate water spills, clutter around my tanks, etc. I still like to keep the front glass clear at all times. However, if a piece of decomposing Mangrove leaf is blowing into the current, or a piece of wood has a strand of biofilm on it...I chill.

No freak outs.

No existential crises!

Of late, the "everyday challenges" of maintaining this type of aquarium are simply making sure that everyone is healthy, and that all the equipment is functioning nominally. You know, the usual stuff that most aquarists do. Sure, I still worry about the new fishes that I added, or if that small female Dicrossus is getting her fair share of food- but these are the inescapable, common parts of the game of aquarium keeping- and they'll continue to crop up wether your water is bright white and clear or dark, tinted, and murky.

It's how you approach this stuff that is the difference.

A lesson taught to me...by nature.

Ease into it. Love it.

Stay chill. Stay calm. Stay cool. Stay engaged. Stay proactive. Stay healthy...

And always...Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

The underwater "garden": Meeting Nature halfway...

Our art is truly one where we set the stage, and Nature does most of the "heavy lifting", right?

We work in tandem with her to create a collaboration of at and science...

"The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway."-Michael Pollan

An aquarium is very much a "garden" of sorts, isn't it? It's a well-worn analogy, yes. But fitting for what we do.

And I'm not simply referring just to a well- managed, planted system, either. To me, the "garden" part is that it's a little microcosm of nature, although not necessarily a perfectly manicured, high-concept, "ratio-correct" planted aquarium design. Reef tanks, botanical-style tanks, African cichlid tanks, etc. There are a lot of these kinds of concepts.

Each one has something in common: An acceptance and appreciation for a variety of life forms- plant and animal- working together to create a closed ecosystem. Each life form a valued component of a greater whole...much like a "garden", indeed.

As we're progressing in the art and science of more natural, botanical-style aquariums (blackwater and otherwise), we are seeing so many hobbyists are accepting and utilizing various elements of Nature in their aquascapes, and not over-thinking it.

Okay, I'm getting a bit philosophical again today. I know, I do it a lot. Yet, perhaps,  it's good for us to look at what we do in the hobby in a more introspective light.

One of the things I find "liberating" about the natural blackwater, botanical-style aquarium is that it teaches us to accept our aquariums where they are- and to look at nature as it is- not necessarily as we idealize it. As we have reiterated many times, the idea of putting terrestrial botanical materials into water creates not only varying environmental conditions, but an evolving aesthetic as well.

When you accept that seed pods, leaves, and other botanical materials begin to soften, change shape, accrue biofilms and even a patina of algae- the idea of "meeting nature halfway" makes perfect sense, doesn't it? You're not stressing about the imperfections, the random patches of biofilm, the bits of leaves that might be present in the substrate.

Sure, there may be a fine line between "sloppy" and "natural" (and for many, the idea of stuff breaking down in any fashion IS "sloppy")- but the idea of accepting this stuff as part of the overall closed ecosystem we've created is liberating.

It's liberating because we are not allowing ourselves to fall into the trap of other people's guidelines and "rules" about what goes where, or how many there should be, etc. Now, there is nothing wrong with a concept, or even a "design" for an aquascape- I think that's really important. However, where I think it's critical to our success is the point where we lay out a basic idea, bringing our sense of design to it- and then let nature "fill it in" a bit.

You select the materials you like, arrange them in an attractive "hardscape" that you like, and then accept that nature will "modify" them as she sees fit. By NOT allowing ourselves the "luxury" of freaking out every time a leaf is out of place, or a spot of algae appears on a piece of wood, we are learning to work WITH nature, rather than push against her.

When you look at those amazing pictures of the natural habitats we love so much, you're literally bombarded with the "imperfection" and randomness that is nature. Yet, in all of the "clutter" of an igapo flooded forest, for example, there is a quiet elegance to it. There is a sense that everything is there for a reason- and not simply because it looks good. It IS perfect. Can't we bring this sense to our aquariums? I think we can...simply by meeting nature halfway.

I was thinking about this the other day while reminiscing about my favorite home blackwater aquarium from a couple of years back. There was just "something" about that tank...Ever had an aquarium like that? I couldn't exactly put my finger on what I loved she much about it...Everything just sort of came together beautifully and naturally.

Specifically, I was recalling the  accumulation of biofilm and gasp- algae!- that would appear on parts of the mangrove branches which formed the foundation of my 'scape. The "patina" the water had...And rather than be repulsed and have this urge to reach for the algae scraper or siphon hose, I consistently found the look to be utterly tranquil, natural-looking, and beautiful in that random way which only nature can create.

I look back incredibly fondly on that tank!

What's more, seeing fishes like Nanostomus eques and Dicrossus filamentosus picking contentedly at the biocover between feedings made me realize that what bothers many of us aquarists is of no consequence whatsoever to our fishes. Rather, they accept it as a part of their world which has been with them from day one. They utilize it as a feeding ground. A place that they are naturally drawn to, engaging in ingrained behaviors that are a result of eons of evolution. 

And I thought to myself, "How strange is it that we spend some much concern, time, money, and effort trying to eradicate some of the very things which our fishes have embraced for eternity?" And further, I couldn't help but consider what audacity we have as humans to feel the need to "edit" nature to fit our own aesthetic "sensibilities!"

Now, I realize that there are many who will take issue with my thinking. Many who would suggest that I am the one who's being dogmatic, and that it's open for us to enjoy our aquariums how we choose. And of course, I'm 100% in agreement with that! Never said it isn't. Do YOU. You no doubt envision "beautiful" I na different way than I do...and that's okay.

However, what I find interesting is that, in many decades of aquarium keeping, we have been "counseled"- even chastised- by our community to keep aquariums free from visible algae, to remove any and all detritus, and to arrange and manicure plants in such a way as to embrace specific "design principles"- all the while spurning the very processes- and the aesthetics- of what nature actually does underwater. 

It's just sort of a "dichotomy of inconsistency", IMHO.

Not necessarily "bad"- or "good"- just...interesting.

Like, it seems to me that we've worked so hard to create some idealized, "clean" version of nature, that we've ended up in some cases creating the incorrect impression to many that nature is this perfectly ordered "fantasy world" that we've concocted. I think we need to be a bit more careful in how we present our work to the non-hobbyist crowd.

Again, it's my skewed opinion, but I think it's a valid point.

To me, the art of aquascaping is not only creating the wonderful designs which so many hobbyists do- it's also the ability to convey the wonder of how nature really is. Granted, in the end, we're trying to recreate our own, scaled-down version of The Amazon in a glass box- but the idea of re-creating- both aesthetically, and perhaps functionally- a "slice of the bottom", as they say- is incredibly alluring.

And never possible to do it more realistically than it is today.

Sure, we can't get every functional detail down- every component of a food web- every biochemical interaction...the specific materials found in a typical habitat- we interpret- but we can certainly go further, and continue to look at nature as it is, and employ a sense of "acceptance"- and randomness-in our work. 

Perhaps the aquarium- much like a garden- really IS a place where we can "meet nature halfway."

I think it is.

Stay open-minded. Stay proud of what you've accomplished. Stay creative. Stay studious. Stay thoughtful...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Can you start your aquarium hobby with a botanical-style aquarium?

We all have to start somewhere, right?

In the hobby, it usually involves some simple steps- a small aquarium, basic equipment...and big dreams, right?

Yeah.

We all dream of having that elusive "slice of the bottom" in our living room..That "thing" everyone seems to aspire to in the hobby. And some of us do actually get that. Eventually.

Now, as you recall, I recently celebrated the mindset of a beginner...that hopeful, appreciative, excited, often beautifully ignorant condition where everything is possible, and you're so taken by the adventure and beauty that you operate in a "bubble" of innocence...

Yeah.

So, here we are in "Tannin World", throwing out sexy images of exotic tropical blackwater locales, deeply tinted aquariums filled with spawning fishes, etc.

You know, kind of "selling the dream", right?

Lots of hobbyists are finding this compelling, interesting, and want to give it a go in their own tanks, for which we are grateful.

And, more and more often, we are visited and patronized by people who are at he very beginnings of their aquarium hobby journey...That's a nice way of saying outright beginners...

Now, "beginner" doesn't mean "stupid, easily-manipulated person with more money than common sense" or something similar. However, a "beginner" is defined as "a person just starting to learn a skill or take part in an activity."

Just starting to learn.

As we always say, the learning part of the aquarium hobby never stops. I've been in it literally since I could walk, and I'm still learning stuff every single day. There are tons of things I'll never even begin to understand in the hobby. I make mistakes all the time. Part of the game. You can't know everything and do it perfectly from the start. Or, ever. It's almost impossible for any single person to know everything that there is about tropical fishes and aquarium keeping.

However, you can specialize in something early on that catches your fancy, and become a serious, ultra-experiences speciality hobbyist...you know, like a cichlid breeder, Betta keeper, aquatic plant enthusiast, etc.

The key is learning some fundamentals, first, right? You have to walk before you can run...all of that cliche shit.

So, where was I going with this?

Oh, yeah. 

So, when we are approached by outright beginners in the aquarium hobby- people maybe keeping their first ever aquarium, or even some who are even "pre-aquairum", I have mix of emotions. On one hand, I'm stoked that they are open-minded and fascinated by our approach, and about Nature. A lot of times, the discussion begins with the hobbyist writing that noble line, "I want to give my (insert popular fish here) the best possible environment..."

That's a really great sign.

It's also a sort of "red flag" for me. I mean, stoked as I am- I'm equal parts scared shitless that someone is so enamored by the look and vibe of botanical-style blackwater aquariums that they may not understand the very "counter-culture" sort of way they operate...you know, the idea of creating a very different set of environmental conditions for fishes than the "plug-and-play" sort of habitats we tend to push beginners into.

So, yeah, I get a little freaked.

I mean, on the surface, we're telling people to add all sorts of botanical materials to their aquarium, which, in simplest terms, are definitely a form of "bioload"- material which adds to the "burden" placed on the beneficial bacteria which break down biological waste and organics. You know- the nitrogen cycle thing. You HAVE to have a grasp on this stuff... And it wouldn't hurt to learn about the idea of "food webs" in aquatic systems, either... a real "unlock" if you make the effort to study them.

And of course, we strive to educate beginners about the nitrogen cycle in the hobby right? RIGHT? DO WE? 

I hope so. It's so fundamental that it would be insane if we didn't. It's like the key to everything. I know we teach them a little about slowly stocking a tank, about water changes, filtration, etc.

However, when I see some of the questions asked by outright beginners on various Facebook groups or wherever, I sometimes wonder. Are we so good at presenting "Parts C, D, and F" that we forget to really reinforce the lessons of "A and B" to newbies? Like, they just want "Instant Orinoco" without having a really good grasp on how to do a water exchange or feed fishes. Or more important- WHY to perform these basic tasks. 

Like, understanding the basics of aquarium management is probably not nearly as exciting as finding the right piece of rock or driftwood for you tank, but ignorance of it will pretty much f-ck your entire adventure up from the start if you don't grasp these less "sexy" topics. We all know this. I hope that we all tell beginners this cold, hard truth. It's for the best.

And so, beginners will approach me about creating "great natural conditions" for "Ralph" the Betta, and I sort of gulp a bit. I mean, one assumes that when people want to create a botanical-style/blackwater or other type of natural aquarium system that they have at least been exposed to other types of more simplistic, straightforward approaches to aquarium keeping.

Yet, it's dangerous to assume. And in this "Instagram-fueled" age of superficial imagery over substance, it's easy to see what a truly "green" hobbyist could be enamored by this stuff and just want to zero in on it. It looks cool, sounds like "the right approach", and generally seems good, especially if the aesthetics and the look of wild habitats call to them.

So, what to do? 

Well, I'm fairly proud of the enormous volume of information- unruly though it may be these days- that we have created here for hobbyists on virtually every aspect of our approach. It's all there. Maybe not the best-organized at the moment...but it's there! You have to dig. Just like you have to google "How the nitrogen cycle works.." or whatever. Seeing a theme here?

Yeah. It makes me feel good that we have a lot of very non-sugar-coated information in our "library" about our approach, the good and the bad. If anyone ever calls B.S. on us about this stuff, they haven't read deep enough. 

I suppose at some point, we may even do a series of articles aimed at less experienced hobbyists. Notice that I didn't say "beginners"- because a beginner needs to learn the very basic hobby principles and practice them, real-world style- first.

If I suspect someone is a super beginner, I'll at least give them the cursory advice to read as much as they can and go very, very slowly before playing with this stuff. I've actually gone so far as to suggest some people just wait until they have more experience with aquariums before even playing with botanicals. Each time, it was NOT received well, to be perfectly honest, as you might imagine.

I think it's a cultural thing, right? What led the newcomer to us was the cool look that somehow resonated with them. I get it. I appreciate it. And of course, I understand the responsibility that goes with it, and the responsibility we have a s a company to tell new hobbyists that this stuff, while not difficult- has lots of variables, "best practices", and responsibilities, all of which the hobbyist who "treads in our tinted waters" needs to at least have a basic familiarity with, if not, understanding of.

We seem, as society, to be more self-assured and emboldened about knowing how to do everything that we see online. As if there is always a "hack" or shortcut to success that allows you to get to the "desired" result by skipping all of the "boring" stuff.  Gear. Additives. Monitors. Such "workarounds" are a foundation of our modern, "I-don't-have-time-for-the-details-just-get-me-to-the-main-event" lifestyles. And that is not good in a hobby like ours, which is centered around taking care of animals in a closed ecosystem.

And it takes learning and grasping fundamentals.

We, as a hobby, need to really double down on educating beginners. Not in a condescending or "preachy" sort of way, but out of concern for their long-term success and well-being I the hobby..and for the well-being of our fishes! It's about responsibility, education...patience. 

So, can a beginner keep a botanical-style aquarium for his/her first tank?

I suppose so, if he or she takes the time to understand these fundamentals. Of course, the dynamics of fostering decomposition, fungi, biofilms, lower pH, water quality management, etc all require a degree of dedication, skill, and above all...patience.

If you are just get started in the hobby and want to keep a botanical-style aquarium, please make the effort to understand the dynamics of the nitrogen cycle. Learn about how metabolic wastes and dissolved organics are handled by the bacteria and other organisms that reside in your aquarium, and how the stocking levels, the speed at which we stock, and the way we manage our tank all are impacted by this dynamic.

Make an effort to learn about the natural habitats which we seek to replicate in this speciality niche. They have dark water, lots of leaves, and decomposing plant parts for a reason. You need to be aware of the topography, the weather, and the outside factors that influence the environment surrounding these aquatic habitats. And you need to understand why fishes are found in them. You need to almost take a more "holistic" approach and mindset than you do with many other types of aquariums, in order to really grasp this stuff and be successful.

It's really not as simple as "toss in a few leaves and you have a blackwater aquarium..." You need to understand pH, hardness, and TDS, as well. The misconception that tossing in leaves into your aquarium filled with hard, alkaline tap water will give you "Amazon" conditions is one of the absurd "myths" that has been perpetuated for decades by those who (let's not sugar coat it) are completely clueless and have made no effort to understand these basic concepts.

You have to dig. You have to learn. You'll have to be patient. You have to experiment. You have to prepare. And you have to move slowly, carefully, and thoughtfully.

If you don't couple these principles and basic skills together with your use of botanicals, you'll kill everything in your aquarium. Quickly. Full stop.

Still interested after that rosy picture?

Good!

The best news here? It's not that difficult. It's not onerous. None of this is rocket science, or some great mystery. It just involves coupling basic, long-perfected aquarium principles and practices with patience, observation, and these funny looking seed pods and leaves.

Put all of those things together, and you're well on your way to a very satisfying, educating, and altogether different aquarium experience. 

So, before you hit "add to cart" when you see that interesting-looking seed pod or leaf on our site, or elsewhere- just consider what's involved. Think about the impacts of adding botanical materials to closed ecosystems, and how you have to mange them.

If you're up for it...if it really speaks to you...if you like the learning, experimenting, and sharing. If you love this look, this concept...

Go for it. Dive right in.

After you're certain you've got a grasp on the basics.

There is so much more. Welcome to our tinted, earthy, uniquely natural world. We're glad you're here. We hope you stay a while...

Stay curious. Stay inquisitive. Stay diligent. Stay open-minded. Stay excited. Stay patient...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

The art of "the art.." Easing into blackwater...

I realize we push you guys pretty hard...

We push you to look at natural aquatic habitats and create aquairums that are, in many cases, literal interpretations of them. Not just in terms of the "look", but in terms of the functions and the interactions between fishes and their environment that they foster.

Now, I realize- and have from day one of Tannin, that not everyone likes the look of a truly natural aquarium. You might not even agree with us that flooded forest floors and other blackwater systems are all that compelling...

Oh, sure, some people like a couple of seed pods, maybe a leaf or two, and possibly even the tinted water. However, you may not like the look of decomposing botanical materials, biofilms, and detritus. Some of you favor a more "artistic" look overall. And some of you perhaps like the tinted water- you just don't want the other stuff...

As I've said like, thousands of times- I totally get it.

And, even Nature provides some inspiration for a less "botanical-laden", yet still "tinted" look.  You just have to look. IN the pic below, the water is tinted, but there is nary a leaf in sight...These materials are upstream, and the soils which impact the tint are everywhere...There are numerous influences on the color of the water- clues for us to take from Nature, right?

Just because you don't like the "all-in" natural look doesn't mean that you can't enjoy some aspects of this world. You simply need to approach things a bit differently.

I can relate.

I mean, I love "artistic" 'scapes.

I like the look of an amazing "Iwagumi" scape, with a perfectly manicured lawn of Glostostigmma or Dwarf Hairgrass, or some other "high-concept" planted tank but I will likely never personally set one up. They just don't hold an allure to me that makes me want to jump in and do one. I'd love to HAVE one, but the "art" of it is not my thing. And, I don't have the patience or particular set of skills required to accomplish that. (So, perhaps that's a slightly different issue than what I'm alluding to here, lol...but the overriding concept is the same. )

I like the idea- admire the product-yet, just not all aspects of it.

However, you likely have the skills to create a very natural-looking tank...You just may not like all aspects of the look itself.

And that makes perfect sense.

So, lets say that you like the tinted water. You might even like seeing some botanicals in your tank. But not- the decomposition-it's not your thing. How would you pull it off? 

Easily, actually. 

You could start by utilizing some botanical materials in your filter. Like, just "sandwich" a piece of catappa bark between some mechanical media, where water will flow through it...Guess what? The bark will impart its tannins and humic substances into the water...You'll get a nice "tint" without ever seeing a bit of bark or other aspects of the botanicals in your tank! You could have a spotlessly clean, yet tinted tank! 

Easy.

And, unlike having to continue to dose liquid "blackwater extracts", it's a lot easier to utilize the actual botanical "source" itself, as it will "time release" the tannins for some extended period before it becomes more or less "inert." Don't believe me? Think about the last time you cured a piece of sexy driftwood in your tank...How long did it take before the water was "clear blue/white" instead of golden brown?

Yeah. A long F- #$%ING TIME! 😂

For many hobbyists, this is a great way to ease into the world of blackwater aquariums, while still creating the overall "look" or style that you love. It's a form of compromise, I suppose- but one which will perhaps unlock new ideas and aesthetic inspirations for you.

Another approach to "easing" into the world of botanical-style, blackwater aquariums without the "whole natural thing" would be to utilize more "durable" botanical materials- ones which tend to not break down too much...or break down very, very slowly over an extended period of time. So, you could utilize materials such as Sterculia pods or Cariniana pods, which have a very hard external "construction" and tend to soften extremely slowly.

If they begin recruiting algae or biofilms on their surfaces, you can simply remove them and scrub them gently with a soft bristle brush (like a toothbrush), give 'em a rinse, and return them to service. A bit more labor intensive than keeping a piece of bark in your filter, but it gets you the added benefit of an aesthetic boost, courtesy of the seed pod itself! 

Easy!

What about leaves? 

You can also use leaves...Yeah, leaves are certainly more ephemeral, but you could utilize them in your tank to get the "look" of a leaf litter bed or accumulating leaves, without some of the other aspects (like, biofilms and complete breakdown/decomposition).  I'd likely avoid guava or catappa leaves, which tend to break down fairly rapidly in most systems.

So the key to utilizing leaves in the easiest possible manner is to select some leaves that are more durable- like Yellow Mangrove, or Texas Live Oak leaf litter  (if you're a bit more adventurous, and don't mind either using all of the other materials which come with it- or sorting through the mix to remove only the leaves). Both of these leaves are durable, and will last many months, as opposed to weeks (as in the case of other leaves) before breaking down.

And of course, if you like leaves and such, but DON'T like the "tinted" look they impart into the water, you can always utilize activated carbon or other chemical media, such as Seachem Purigen, to remove it. When combined with your usual frequent water exchanges, and removal/replacement of leaves as they break down, this practice can give you the "look" indefinitely.

It's simply a matter of how hard you want to work at it...And it's not really "work"- it's simply a matter of incorporating the process of replacing leaves into your regular maintenance procedures.

Easy.

This approach is very successful, and has been executed beautifully a number of times by our friend, the talented Jeff Senske, legendary 'scaper and co-founder of  Aquarium Design Group.  If you're inspired and motivated, beautiful aquaecapes with botanicals are entirely achievable in this fashion.

It's about compromise, education, observation, and procedure. Clear or tinted- planted or unplanted- you have numerous options when it comes to utilizing botanical materials in your tanks.

There are many approaches to using botanicals in your aquascaping work besides making them the central focus of your ecosystem, like we do so often here. Our approach is just one way to use botanicals. Certainly not the "best way"- but an approach that you may or may not find appealing.

You can have the "artistic-style" tank that you like, while still easily incorporating some aspects of the botanical-style aquarium into the mix. The main "rule" is that there are no "rules"- except those dictated by Nature herself.

It's about creativity, imagination, diligence, and executing...About freeing yourself from preconceptions and daring to go down a different path.

That's the "art" of the art.

Until next time...

Stay creative. Stay observant. Stay diligent. Stay consistent. Stay obsessed...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

The "physical/structural" aspect of aquascaping...

Our art of creating natural-style botanical-influenced aquariums is constantly evolving, with new techniques and applications for botanical materials being worked out by hobbyists worldwide daily. As more and more hobbyists utilize the abundance of materials that Nature offers to create unique aquariums, the collective "body of work" and "best practices" of our craft move right along with it. 

Now, curiously- the one thing that hasn't noticeably "evolved" during the time we've been playing with this stuff is...our fishes! I mean...they kind of do what they've done for eons in their aquatic habitats, right? They are remarkably adaptable creatures, particularly when it comes to their physical surroundings.

Yeah, let's face it; pretty much no matter how we 'scape a tank, our fishes will ultimately adapt to it. They are really good at it...They'll find the places they are comfortable hiding in. The places they like to forage, sleep and spawn. 

It's what fishes do. It's what they've done for eons.

And as aquarists, what we've done for a century or so is try to create optimum conditions for the fishes we keep. This, of course, encompasses both the chemical and "physical/structural" environment. We've talked a lot about the chemical environment, vis a vs our botanical-style blackwater systems. You've heard me bandy about the term "functional aesthetics" many times before. Today, let's just think for a few moments about the "physical/structural" environment we create for our fishes, the role that it plays in their lifestyles, and why.

And of course, how to apply this knowledge to our aquarium practices!

When we're planning an aquascape, we spend an enormous amount of time selecting the right materials: Rocks, wood, botanicals, etc., to get the right "feel" to our 'scape. This is, for many of us- a most enjoyable and interesting phase of an aquarium build, for sure! Yet, it's very easy to sort of "reinvent the wheel" attempt to "edit" the way Nature looks, and attempt to configure an aquarium based on factors having less to do with an unfiltered version of Nature and more to do with an artistic interpretation of Nature that is often glorified in the hobby.

Yeah, it is!

Now, take yourself out of the "I'm-gonna-enter-THIS-ONE-in-the-aquascaping-contest-and-place high" mindset for just a second, and put yourself into the mindset of...a fish.

Yup. Think like a fish for just a second. 

I mean, sure, I'll bet that fishes like living in those insanely cool 'scapes you see in all of the contests; however, those are mainly designed and constructed for the pleasure of humans, right? They're designed for our tastes. Specifically, for human "judges", who evaluate a design-based on a set of specific criteria, which only my extreme levels of self-restraint and tact and decorum keep me from criticizing in a "scorched earth" fashion, I might add.  I mean, "Iwagumi" looks really cool, but I'd hazard a guess that you won't find many of these "submerged Stonhenge" features in the natural streams and rivers of the world.

I'm just gonna go out on a limb and make that speculation...

What would be a better approach to more "natural" aquascaping? How about considering just how the fishes will actually live in and interact with the aquascape you create? 

My suggestion on how to pull this off effectively?

Again: Think like a fish a bit more.

Really.

It might be kind of fun-and educational- to think about where your fishes are found in the natural streams, lakes, flooded forests, and rivers they come from...and "work backwards." I mean, fisherman have been doing this for eons...why not fish hobbyists?

Makes a lot of sense, right?

Yeah, I think so!

Let's look at some of the features in natural bodies of water where fishes are commonly found...this might give you some insight into how to incorporate them into an aquascape. We can kick off this process with a very cursory look at rivers and streams, where a good chunk of the fishes we keep in aquariums seem to come from. 

Here are just a few of the many features of streams and rivers that fishes LOVE to congregate in...Think about how you might consciously incorporate some of them into your next aquascape!

First off, a few "sweeping generalities."

Fishes tend to live in areas where the food and protection is, as we've talked about previously. Places that provide protection from stronger current and above-and below-water predators. Places where they can create territories, interact, spawn and defend themselves.

Bends in streams and rivers are particularly interesting places, because the swifter water movement will typically carry food, and the fishes seem to know this. And if theres a tree branch, trunk, or a big rock (or rocks) to break up the flow, there will be a larger congregation of fishes present. So, the conclusion here is that, at least in theory, if you design your scape to have a higher "open water" flow rate, and include some features like rocks and large branches, you'll likely see the fishes hanging in those areas...

In situations where you're replicating a faster-flowing stream environment, think about creating some little "rock pockets", perhaps on one side of the aquarium, to create areas of calmer water movement. Your fishes will typically orient themselves facing "upstream" to catch any food articles that happen on by. So, from a design perspective, if you want to create a cool rock feature that your fishes will likely gather in, orienting the flow towards it would be a good way to accomplish this in the aquarium. 

Among the richest habitats for fishes in streams and rivers are so-called "drop-offs", in which the bottom contour takes a significant plunge and increase in depth. These are often caused by current over time, or even the accumulation of rocks and fallen trees, which "dam up" the stream a bit. (extra- you see this in Rift Lakes in Africa, too...right? Yeah.) 

Fishes are often found in drop offs in significant numbers, because these spots afford depth (which thwarts the hunting efforts those pesky birds), typically slower water movement, numerous "nooks and crannies" in which to forage, hide, or spawn, and a more restive "dining area" for fishes without strong currents. They are typically found near the base of tree roots...From an aquascaping perspective, replicating this aspect of the underwater habitat gives you a lot of cool opportunities.

If you're saddled with one of those seemingly ridiculously deep tanks, a drop-off could be a perfect subject to replicate. And there are even commercially-made "drop-off" tanks now! Consider how a drop-off style encompasses a couple of different possible niches in the aquarium as it does in Nature!

Overhanging trees and other forms of vegetation are common in jungle/forest areas, as we've discussed many times. Fishes will tend to congregate under these plants for the dimmer lighting, "thermal protection", and food (insects and fruits/seeds) that fall off the trees and shrubs into the water. (allochthonous input- we've talked about that before a few times here!) And of course, if you're talking about a "leaf litter" or botanically-influenced aquascape, a rather dimly-lit, shallow tank could work out well.

And of course, in the areas prone to seasonal inundation, you'll often see trees and shrubs partially submerged, or with their branch or root structures projecting into the water. Imagine replicating THIS look in an aquarium. Contemplate the behavioral aspects in your fishes that such a feature will foster!

Lots of leaves, small pieces of wood, and seed pods on the substrtae- doing what they do- breaking down-would complete a cool look. For a cool overall scene, you could introduce some riparian plants to simulate the bank as well. A rich habitat with a LOT of opportunities for the creative 'scaper!

Why not create an analogous stream/river feature that is known as an "undercut?" Pretty much the perfect hiding spot for fishes in a stream or river, and undercuts occur where the currents have cut a little cave-like hole in the rock or substrate material near the shore.

Not only does this feature provide protection from birds and other above-water predators, it gives fishes "express access" to deeper water for feeding and escaping in-water predators!

Trees growing nearby add to the attractiveness of an undercut for a fish (for reasons we just talked about), so subdued lighting would be cool here. You can build up a significant undercut with lots of substrate, rocks, and some wood. Sure, you'd have some reduced water capacity, but the effect could be really cool.

Aquascaping, as we've come to know it in the hobby- is part art, part science, and every bit an interpretation of the natural world. Although we spend enormous amounts of time and energy encouraging you to look at and replicate the form and function of Nature, it is a hobby- and you should do what moves you. Yeah, in the end, design and build the aquascape that makes you happy, regardless of the "style" or "design theory" that you embrace.

However, if you're trying to create something just a bit different and perhaps a bit more true to Nature, you might want to take a little "field trip" to a nearby stream, river, creek, lake, etc., where fishes and other aquatic animals reside, and observe things from the perspective of how they interact with the features of the environment. 

At the very least, it might open your eyes a bit and give you a different perspective on the way wild aquatic habitats evolve, function, and host fishes.

You should "get outside" and do this once in a while! You'll definitely leave with some inspiration, ideas, and just maybe, a slightly different perspective on aquascaping than you've previously had! You'll notice subtle details which, when applied to an aquarium, could provide an amazingly unique look and function for your fishes!

And in the end, gaining a fresh perspective and new inspiration for your hobby is never a bad thing! So, "thinking like a fish" isn't such a bad idea, is it?

Stay curious. Stay inspired. Stay creative. Stay inquisitive. Stay bold. Stay objective. Stay focused...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Deeper, stronger, longer: Working on your "tint"

We receive a lot of questions about the long-term utilization of botanicals, and how they react and "function" in our aquariums. Specifically, we receive a surprising number of inquiries from hobbyists who either want a "darker tint" or want to know how to keep it longer.

So, first off, I need to be clear about one thing: I have no real scientific basis to back up my recommended ways of  creating "darker" tint in your aquarium. I can make some recommendations of materials and ideas to do the job based solely on my experience and the experience of others who work with our botanicals.

Sure, you could achieve a darker, deeper "tint" in your aquarium by starting with materials which seem to have a different "tint capability", ie; botanicals which seem to impart more color into the water. My top choices for botanicals to accomplish that would be materials like Catappa bark (we offer three different types!), Red Mangrove bark, Alder cones, Red Mangrove leaves, Catappa leaves, Nypa Palm pods, Coco Palm bracts, Texas Live Oak leaves, oak twigs, and Banana stem pieces.

Although not an exhaustive list, these are some of the materials which have reliably and consistently produced darker "tint" in many of my personal aquariums and those of our customers. The bark and cones are, in my opinion, among the best of the best at releasing tannins for creating that nice dark color which so many of us love. If I had to select ONE item to do the most consistent job at imparting dark color, it would have to be Red Mangrove bark. This stuff can really color up water in a very short period of time!

Now, remember a couple of things: First, the color or intensity of the color is NOT an indication of the pH of the water! It's merely an indication that tannins are being imparted into the water. The extent to which they will do so is likely dictated by things as diverse and seemingly unrelated as the starting pH/carbonate hardness of the water, temperature, etc.

Oh, and botanicals will likely have limited impact on pH and NO impact on hardness of the water at all. If you're using reverse osmosis for water pretreatment, which yields pure water essentially devoid of carbonate hardness, the pH is much more easily and significantly impacted by botanical materials.

And of course, if you utilize many chemical filtration media- such as activated carbon or materials such as Seachem Purigen- to any significant extent, you're almost certainly removing a good percentage of the coloration as fast as the materials are imparting it into the water. These media excel at removing the tint and color which botanical materials impart into the water.

Sure, you can use these materials for their ability to remove dissolved organics or impurities and still keep some coloration (I do)- but you'd want to use significantly less than the manufacturer's recommended "dosage" in your tank. So, my first question when people ask me, "Why is my tank not staying tinted?" is, "Are you using chemical filtration media in your aquarium? How much?"

Other hypotheses which I have come up with about why some tanks don't achieve or maintain a significant tint is that we are often simply not using enough of the botanicals required to do the job. Notice that we offer very little in the way of "dosage" instructions about how much or how many botanicals to use in your aquarium. There are simply too many variables- some of which we brought up above- to make any kind of reasonably accurate or responsible recommendation. Rather, it's more about selecting the materials you like and adding them until the desired coloration is achieved and maintained.

The other thought I have (and this is where my weak understanding of chemistry is on glaring display) is that tannins (of which there are many)might have some sort of "half life", in terms of their ability to produce colors. And there might one some validity to this supposition. Think about wine, in which the coloration or taste imparted by tannins can degrade over time.

Well, just a thought, anyways!

And this thought brings to mind a concept that we have embraced as long as we've used botanical materials in our aquariums:

Botanicals are ephemeral- they decompose steadily, at a speed dictated by their environment, their physical size, how much tannin is contained in the tissues of a given seed pod or leaf, and chemical and physical composition of your water- among other factors- and in order to maintain consistent conditions/coloration, we advise continuous replacement of these materials as they break down. Particularly in situations where you're doing a lot of water exchanges, or utilizing significant amounts of the aforementioned chemical filtration media. Consider botanicals as "consumable" items, requiring regular and consistent replacement in the aquarium.

And of course, drawing our inspiration from Nature- this makes sense...In natural aquatic habitats in which leaves, seed pods, and other botanical materials are present, there is typically a continuous "replenishment" of them. As some materials completely decompose, new materials are continuously falling from the trees or being washed into the water via external forces (ie; weather, seasonal leaf drop, etc.). This continuous parade of materials into the aquatic system helps maintain a stable, consistent environment.

Oh, and a final "hack" that we've mentioned before: If you make up water ahead of time, utilizing some form of pretreatment (like reverse osmosis/deionization), add some botnaicals into the storage containers to "pre-tint" the water. Now, I'll admit that this is literally trial and error- and you will simply need to experiment to see what the impact on your makeup water is.

SO, in summary- 

*Select materials which are known to impart significant tannin-derived coloration.

*Limit the use of chemical filtration media, like activated carbon (hint- try Poly Bio Marine "Poly Filter- an amazing adsorbant media which seems to not affect "tint").

*Use quantities sufficient to achieve the "look" and conditions you want, and consider doing them slowly and carefully, while gauging the impact of these additions to the life forms in your tank...particularly an established one.

*Continuously replace the botanicals which you are using as they decompose. 

*Observe your aquarium carefully and frequently. Test the basic water parameters regularly. Record your results and develop your own regimen/procedures accordingly.

Bottom line: You need to do some experimentation...there are no "absolute dosages" and "simple formulas" to determine how much/how often, etc. to add materials. Just too many variables at play to responsibly do so. That's part of our reason why we question the efficiency/reliabilty of so-called "blackwater extracts" for this purpose. I mean, sure, they probably can be dialed in with a greater degree of accuracy once you're able to test and establish baseline conditions for your tank, but it requires effort and time. I bet that they're not better or worse than simply adding seed pods and such...and at least seed pods have the added advantage o aesthetics and "time release" of tannins as they decompose!

The best we can do is utilize some scientific-influenced thoughts and practices to enhance what is really an art...

And that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just requires work.

Who's afraid of that?

Not us...right?

Stay diligent. Stay consistent. Stay inquisitive. Stay observant...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

"Beginner's luck?" Or the benefits of taking a different view...

No matter where you are now in your hobby "career"- you had to start somewhere, right?

Yeah.

You WERE a beginner at one point.

And think about this- beginners might have it pretty good in the aquarium hobby. Despite their inexperience, they don't have the "burden of experience" holding them back. There are tons of resources and support if they want it...And they can simply jump in and get after things, too.

Perhaps the beginner knows something we don't?

I often think that we- that is, more "advanced" hobbyists...know too much. We've "seen it all", know what to expect, and we let this guide- or perhaps, taint- our experiences...

Seriously.

And I don't mean that from an arrogant perspective or anything.

I just can't help but postulate that I- like so many hobbyists at my level of experience- tend to overthink every aspect of the aquarium hobby, particularly during the new tank startup phase, rather than just letting ourselves enjoy the moment- the wonder, and the awe that comes from doing something special, beautiful, and, let's face it- incredibly cool!

I mean, setting up a "slice of nature" in your own home?

This IS something amazing, huh? 

Something that nine-tenths of the world will never get to experience or even comprehend.

And yet, perhaps- just maybe...as a result of doing this incredible thing regularly...we know too much.

Yes.

We understand all of this stuff. Well, most of it, anyways. Enough to think about multiple angles and concerns...

We've experienced it many times over the years, and have watched- and even reassured- others that "All of this is normal" and instruct them often to "...just be patient and it will pass..."

You know- "aquarium stuff."

Outright beginners actually have it much easier in this regard, I think.

I mean, when just having a glass or acrylic box of  freshwater or saltwater in your home is a novelty- a cause for rejoicing! You tend to live in a bubble of gentle "ignorance" (eeehw- that's kind of harsh)- okay, let's call it "blissful lack of awareness about some things" that some of this stuff really sucks...

And that's actually a beautiful thing- because a beginner is taken by the sheer wonder- and joy of it all.

They don't stress out about stuff like algal films, detritus on the substrate, micro bubbles and the occasional falling piece of wood in their aquascape. They're not worried about that yucky biofilm or water moment or any other of a dozen minutiae like we are, because they don't KNOW that it can linger a long, long time if you don't manage the tank correctly at this phase.

They're not "handcuffed" by their past experiences and the knowledge of having set up dozens of tanks over the years. Nor are they thinking that they have some kind of "luck." Rather, they're just stoked as hell by the thought of Glowlight Tetras, Amano Shrimp, Glass Catfish, and "ultra-common" Bettas taking up residence in the new little utopian microhabitat they just set up in their New York City apartment! 

What could be more awesome?

And what about us- the "experienced" hobbyists? How can we get that "free and easy" feeling back? Can we?

I think it's entirely possible to release ourselves from the "burden" of our own experience, and to allow ourselves to enjoy every aspect of this great hobby, free from preconception or prejudices. To just make decisions based on what our research- gut, or yeah- I suppose, experience- tells us is the "right" thing to do, then simply letting stuff happen.

In other words, taking control of the influence that our own experience provides, rather than allowing it to taint our whole journey with doubt, dogma, second-guessing, and over-analysis of every single aspect.

And then, relaxing into it.

Embracing the sheer joy of being a beginner again. Enjoying what's happening in your aquarium NOW- rather than worrying about it; impatiently "tweaking" stuff to get "somewhere else." 

Sounds like fun to me!

We should all try it some time: Just experiencing. Observing. Learning.

Today's quick lesson on the real joys of the aquarium hobby...brought to you by those who truly understand it best.

Stay enthusiastic. Stay diligent. Stay engaged. Stay blissful. Stay grateful. Stay excited...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

Celebrating the transience of Nature...

I recently had one of those hardcore fish discussions with an old friend who is as much a philosopher as he is an aquarist..Real "Obi-Wan Kenobi", "Aquascaping Jedi"-type. He had this amazing viewpoint on all things aquarium. It was a fun talk.

We all know a hobbyist or two like him, huh? Inspiring, interesting...intelligent.

And during our long-winded discussion, we talked about the ideas of aquariums reflecting nature, and how a good segment of the hobby has been chasing a sort of filtered interpretation of nature for the last 15-20 years or so, but somehow falling a bit short. Aesthetic-wise, our systems have never been more beautiful.

However, to my friend, he felt something was lacking in many scapes. We discussed how some aquascapes- even ones set up in an "artistic" manner, just have a certain "it" factor that evokes something... 

 Yet others fall short by miles.

 Couldn't quite place it. What could it be?

I think I know what it is. Really.

I told him...and he agreed.

It's "Wabi-Sabi" again. Something that's been on my mind a lot lately.

In its most simplistic and literal form, the Japanese philosophy of "Wabi Sabi" is an acceptance and contemplation of the imperfection, constant flux and impermanence of all things. 

This philosophy absolutely is applicable to the art and science of aquarium keeping.

 Indeed, I think it's foundational.

This is a very interesting philosophy, one which has been embraced in aquascaping circles by none other than the late, great, Takashi Amano, who proferred that a planted aquarium is in constant flux, and that one needs to contemplate, embrace, and enjoy the sweet sadness of the transience of life.

Many of Amano's greatest works embraced this philosophy, and evolved over time as various plants would alternately thrive, spread and decline, re-working and reconfiguring the aquascape with minimal human intervention. Each phase of the aquascape's existence brought new beauty and joy to those would observe them.

Did you get the part about "minimal human intervention?" I mean, that all oimplies that an aquarium has to be left set up long enough for plants to thrive, decline, etc. In other words, you set it up for the long run.

Yet, in today's contest-scape driven, break-down-the-tank-after the show world, this philosophy of appreciating change by nature over time seems to have been tossed aside as we move on to the next 'scape. It's all about "sketch it out, set it up, photograph it, edit it, share it...break it the f---- down and move on..."

And that is almost tragic, IMHO. In fact, I can't help but wonder if Mr. Amano would feel the same.

Many of the beautiful aquariums you see splashed all over the internet aren't typically left up long enough for Nature to really do her thing. It's not about a few weeks- or even a few months..It's about processes which take many months or even years. 

I suppose the time frame makes it hard for many to appreciate wabi-sabi in many ways...We're not used to looking at things in our aquariums over long periods of time, the way Nature organizes, evolves, and operates.

Now, when we talk about the use of natural materials in our aquatic hardscape, such as the use of leaves and softer aquatic botanicals, which begin to degrade after a few weeks submerged, one can really understand the practicalities of this philosophy. It could be argued, perhaps, that the use of botanicals in an aquarium is the very essence of what "Wabi Sabi" is about.

I think  we can learn to appreciate this transient nature, and I think in order to do that, a slightly different approach to aquascaping is warranted. A way that allows hobbyists to experience this in a slightly faster time frame...patience still is huge- but the lessons are learned more quickly, perhaps.

We do it with botanicals.

Sure, a carefully constructed hardscape, IMHO, should have some more or less "permanent" things, like rocks and driftwood. Yet, these should be complemented and enhanced by "degradable" items, such as Catappa, Guava, and other leaves, as well as the "softer" pods and such, which not only offer enhanced aesthetics- they offer enrichment of the aquatic habitat through their release of tannins, humic acids, vitamins, etc. as they decompose- just as they do in Nature.

Leaves and such are simply not permanent additions to our 'scapes, and if we wish to enjoy them in their more "intact" forms, we will need to replace them as they start to break down. 

This is not a bad thing.

It is simply how to use them to create a specific aesthetic in a permanent aquarium display. Much like flowers in a garden, leaves will have a period of time where they are in all their glory, crisp and fresh-looking, followed by the gradual, inevitable encroachment of biological decay. At this phase, you may opt to leave them in the aquarium to enrich the environment further and offer a new aesthetic, or you can remove and replace them with fresh leaves and botanicals.

This very much replicates the process which occur in Nature, doesn't it? Decomposition, addition, renewal, change....

This is absolutely the crux of wabi-sabi.

With the publishing of photos and videos of leave-influenced 'scapes in the past few years, there has been much interest and more questions by hobbyists who have not really considered these items in an aquascape before. This is really cool, because new people with new ideas and approaches are experimenting.  

And we're looking at nature as never before. We're celebrating the real diversity and appearance of natural habitats as they really are...Diverse, rich, often turbid and decidedly "messy"- and there is real beauty in them that is both compelling and obvious. 

Some hobbyists have commented that, as their leaves and botanicals break down and the scape as initially presented changes significantly over time. Regardless of if they know it or not, they are grasping wabi-sabi...sort of. One must appreciate the beauty at various phases to really grasp the concept and appreciate it. To find little vignettes- little moments- of fleeting beauty that need not be permanent to enjoy.

Some people just "don't get it", and proffer that this is simply sloppy, not thought-out, and seemingly random. I recall vividly one "critic" on a Facebook forum, who, observing a recent botanical-inspired aquascape created by another hobbyist, commented that the 'scape looked like "...someone just threw in some pods and leaves in a random fashion.." 

Yeah, this guy actually described the aesthetic to a certain (although unsophisticated) degree...but he couldn't get past the superficial "classification" of the look, and therefore concluded it was, "...haphazard, sloppy, and not thought out."

A shame. I think if he glanced at a natural habitat and then looked at the tank again, he'd gain a new appreciation.

But on the other hand, that was the charm and beauty of such a conceptual work. The seemingly random, transient nature of such an aquascape, with leaves deposited as in Nature by currents, material flows, etc., settling in unlikely areas within the hardscape.

Real, unedited, unfiltered, "uninterpreted" Nature.

It's not the way we've defined it in the aquarium world. 

Not everyone likes this nor appreciates it this way. Not everyone thinks that a botanical-style aquarium is even remotely attractive. And that's perfectly fine. It's not the "best" way to run a tank.

Just "a way."

Yet, when you look at Nature...the inspiration for this is everywhere.

Wabi-sabi in its most pure, unadulterated form.

Regardless of how you choose to manage an aquarium with leaves and non-permanent botanicals, you can enjoy the beauty of their "Wabi Sabi" existence. The fact is, you're embracing it simply by including such materials in your work.

The "Urban Igapo" approach that we talk about so much lately; the approach that proffers running a tank in multiple "phases", from fully terrestrial to "inundated"- encompasses all of these things. Perhaps the idea will speak to you. Perhaps it will awaken some idea you've had...or a longing to experience aquariums in a different way.

The real beauty is that there are no real "rules" when conceiving botanical-style 'scapes, which seek to replicate- on some levels, the wild habitats we love. Well, no "rules" other than those imposed by Nature herself, which govern decomposition and water chemistry- the real factors that dictate just how the aquascape will ultimately evolve.

Accepting this inevitable change and the aesthetic imperfection is the very essence- and beauty- of the "Wabi-Sabi" principle, IMHO.

We've been discussing the idea of an aquascaping contest, and I think that the transience of Nature- wabi-sabi- will figure prominently in the evaluation of entries. It's a long game- one that requires patience, observation, and time. One that requires mental shifts, changes in perception...and a re-evaluation of what is truly "natural" and beautiful.

Please stay open to new ideas, experiences, and interpretations.

Look to Nature as a key influence in your designs..."Unedited" Nature. Share your revelations with other hobbyists.

Enjoy the benefits of such experiments...

Stay creative. Stay enthralled. Stay patient. Stay open-minded. Stay observant...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

The "Contest"- continued...

Ahh, the idea of a contest. It sounds fun and light and breezy on paper..and then comes time to actually figure out how to do it, and the proverbial "can of worms" is opened.. (Side note: Did anyone ever sell a can of live worms? Can you imagine??? My wife isn't too happy with the little fish bag of "black worms" I bring home from the LFS, so I could imagine a "can" of them wouldn't score any higher in her mind...)

Oh, back to the contest...

Part of the reason I held off for so long about doing this was that I didn't want it to become simply a "promotional vehicle" for Tannin Aquatics. I fear that it could easily become that if we simply made it a "blackwater aquarium contest", because aquarists tend to associate us primarily with that niche. Hence, the "Natural, botanical-style" thing..But wait, I suppose that could be perceived as promoting us, too.

Perhaps it's a slippery slope. I mean, a "contest" put forth by a brand who sells stuff for the purpose of creating the kinds of tanks we want to have entered into said contest? C'mon.

It IS a very fine line, when a company decides to set up a contest, isn't it?

I think that's why I've been sort of "crowd-sourcing" ideas about judging and such. As anyone who reads "The Tint" knows that we try to celebrate the art of natural, botanical-style aquariums with as little brand promotion as possible. Obviously, early on, it was really hard not to come off promotional, because well, we were the only game in town, so to speak...Occasioanlyl, it's unavoidable in the blog, because, well, it's on my company web page, and I mean, we sell...leaves and seed pods.  Of course, there are no "patents" on them, lol. We do feature plenty of work here on our page by people that, for whatever reason, obtain these materials elsewhere or from Nature...and that's perfectly okay!

I want to foster an aquarium movement. The brand is already doing its thing, and if people want to continue to support us- well, I'm honored. We promote it through lots of other means, as you're aware (I mean- I HOPE that you are, lol)

I think now, thanks in a large part to our rapidly growing global community, this type of approach to aquascpaing/aquarium keeping is now achieving a "scale" that is well beyond just Tannin Aquatics (at least, I hope it is). However, I think  that the the most important thing we can do in this contest is inspire people to learn more about the wild habitats we seek to replicate-in form and function, and to give the concept a shot in their own aquarium. That's also why I don't intend to have this be judged based on some adherence to a specific "style" or "look."

As we've said many times- Nature doesn't adhere to our expectations of style, nor should we place expectations on her. Rather, I believe the criteria should be largely based upon how closely the aquarium represents a natural habitat in look AND function. Any talented 'scaper can, if he/she tries, recreate the "look" of a natural aquatic system...but to couple it with a functioning aquarium is a different game entirely. Again, it's about what we call "functional aesthetics..." It looks like Nature because, well- it functions like Nature to some extent. That's why these "diorama" scapes will simple not even be considered for entry.

I'd happily select a winner from a half dozen muddy-bottom-turbid water- decomposing-leaf-littered flooded forest representations over any "world class" "high concept" perfectly manicured ultra-stylish "fantasy forest" setup any day of the week. Not even close.

And, another concern a lot of contest entrants have because of the current "environment" out there in "Contest Land": "What happens to the use of my pics?"

Well, they're the property of  YOU-the entrants, IMHO. On the other hand, I wouldn't get pissed off if you find your pics being shared by other hobbyists on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest or whatever. That's kind of the whole point- to get more popped into this type of aquascaping and push the "high concept" drivel that is currently promoted as the pinnacle of the hobby back to the pretentious, self-lauding hole where it belongs. You do this by allowing people to see that there is more than one way to define "beauty" in aquascaping.

If people don't want their work shared by the hobby at large, they likely shouldn't enter our contest. The whole idea IS to get more exposure for this work. I realize concerns and conflicts could arise if a vendor "appropriates" their work for commercial use- that's a real issue and a different one altogether. I'll tell you now, unless we approach you specifically to use your contest work in a promotion for our products, anything you send won't be used as such. Period.

It's simply not the point of doing this contest. We have plenty of sources and happily compensate for promotional imagery. Different thing entirely.

The last thing we want to happen is to have a contest like this end up being advertisement for Tannin and a celebration of only one narrow "style" of scaping. To this end, I think that we could even see niche Rift Lake tanks, etc., and maybe  even certain specialized reef tanks (like seagrass/macroalgae/lagoon, or other obviously "biopic"-inspired systems)...Not just brown, blackwater aquariums- in this contest. However, I believe that the vast majority of entries will likely be natural, "biotope-INSPIRED" tanks which feature botanical materials as part of the "look" and "operating software" of the system.

I think most of the entries will gather their inspiration from Nature, not other tanks...

I hope so.

We'll keep this conversation going...But for now...

Stay excited. Stay thoughtful. Stay creative. Stay enthusiastic...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

It's raining life in the "urban igapo."

Land and water...

If there's one consistent lesson in what we do, it's that land and water are inexorably linked together. And I think that when we contemplate the dynamic of how water and the aquatic environment interact, it makes us look at aquatic habitats- and our aquariums-a bit differently.

And it starts with...rain.

And I like rain.

"I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when it's complicated
And though I know you can't appreciate it
I'm only happy when it rains..."

- From the song, "I'm Only Happy When it Rains" by Garbage, 1993

Yeah, rain is cool. 

And, of course, today's topic allowed me to quote lyrics from an obscure, yet satyrical post-punk song from one of the better bands of the 90's...

We're off to a great start, I think!

So, it goes without saying that one of the most essential and life-giving processes of our planet is weather. And one of the most important components of weather is rain. 

Rain is truly the bearer of life. It's transformational, essential for our existence...and for the continued existence of many of the fishes we love, as well as the habitats from which they come.

And specifically, what interests me about rain is what happens when it rains in the wild habitats of our fishes. How do their habitats change with the coming and going of the rains?  

What happens to the fishes during the rainy season?

I know, you're gonna say, "They get wet..." 

Look, no one likes a freaking smart ass, okay? :)

Consider what happens in the "rainy season" in say, the Amazon Basin.

"What would that be, Scott?"

A lot of things, really.

The wet season in The Amazon runs from November to June. And it rains almost every day. And what's really interesting is that the surrounding Amazon rain forest is estimated by some scientists to create as much as 50% of its own precipitation! Think about THAT for a minute. It does this via the humidity present in the forest itself, from the water vapor present on plant leaves- which contributes to the formation of rain clouds.

Yeah, trees in the Amazon release enough moisture through photosynthesis to create low-level clouds and literally generate rain, according to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.)!

That's crazy.

But it makes a lot of sense, right?

Yet another reason why we need to protect these precious habitats. You cut down a tree in the Amazon- you're literally reducing the amount of rain that can be produced.

It's that simple.

That's really important. It's more than just a cool "cocktail party sound bite."

So what happens to the (aquatic) environment in which our fishes live in when it rains? What does the rain actually do?

Well, for one thing, rain performs the dual function of diluting organics, while transporting more nutrient and materials across the ecosystem. What happens in many of the regions of Amazonia, for example- is the evolution of our most compelling environmental niches. The water levels in the rivers rise significantly. often several meters, and the once dry forest floor fills with water from the torrential rain and overflowing rivers and streams.

The Igapos are formed. 

Flooded forest floors.

The formerly terrestrial environment is now transformed into an earthy, twisted, incredibly rich aquatic habitat, which fishes have evolved over eons to live in and utilize for food, protection, and spawning areas.

All of the botanical material-shrubs, grasses, fallen leaves, branches, seed pods, and such, is suddenly submerged; often, currents re-distribute the leaves and seed pods and branches into little pockets and "stands", affecting the (now underwater) "topography" of the landscape.

Leaves begin to accumulate.

Soils dissolve their chemical constituents- tannins, and humic acids- into the water, enriching it. Fungi and micororganisms begin to feed on and break down the materials. Biofilms form, crustaceans multiply rapidly.  Fishes are able to find new food sources; new hiding places..new areas to spawn.

Life flourishes.

So, yeah, the rains have a huge impact on tropical aquatic ecosystems. And it's important to think of the relationship between the terrestrial habitat and the aquatic one when visualizing the possibilities of replicating nature in your aquarium in this context.

It's an intimate, interrelated, "codependent" sort of arrangement!

And I think we can work with this stuff to our fishes' advantage!

We've talked about the idea of "flooding" an aquarium setup designed to replicate an Amazonian forest before. You know, sort of attempting to simulate some of the processes which happen seasonally in nature. With the technology, materials, and information available to us today, the capability of creating a true "year-round" habitat simulation in the confines of an aquarium/vivarium setup has never been more attainable.

The time to play with this concept is now!

We've been testing the idea for a long time, and have been formulating some soils which attempt to replicate some of the attributes of those found in these habitats during the "dry" season. When flooded, you get an effect that's similar to what happens in the igapo.

Sure, the water gets cloudy for a bit. The water is tinted, turbid, and sediment-laden. Eventually, it settles out. If you planted grasses and plants which are able to tolerate submersion for some period off their life cycle, they'll "hang on" for a while- until the waters recede. Just like in Nature.

To replicate this process is really not difficult. It mimics the "dry start" method that many aquatic plant enthusiasts play with. Except our goal isn't to start plants for a traditional aquarium. It's to replicate, on some levels, the year-round dynamic of the Amazonian forests. We favor terrestrial plants- and grasses-grown from seed, to start the "cycle." SO, those of you who are ready to downplay the significance of experimenting with this stuff because "people have done 'dry start' planted tanks for years" , take comfort in the fact that I recognize that, and acknowledge that we're taking a slightly different approach here, okay?

You'd need to create a technical means or set of procedures to gradually flood your "rainforest floor" in your tank, which could be accomplished manually, by simply pouring water into the vivarium over a series of days; or automatically, with solenoids controlling valves from a reservoir beneath the setup, or perhaps employing the "rain heads" that frog and herp people use in their systems. This is all very achievable, even for hobbyists like me with limited "DIY" skills.

You just have to innovate, and be willing to do a little busy work. You can keep it incredibly simple, and just utilize a small tank. You must be patient.

Or, you can purchase an off-the-shelf product like the Biopod, which our friend Paulie Dema of Vivariums in the Mist in New York has used to create some amazing setups, some incorporating our botanicals! 

Think about the possibilities here. Not just for unique aesthetics, either.

As the display "floods", the materials in the formerly "terrestrial" environment become submerged- as in nature- releasing nutrients, humic substances, and tannins, creating a rich, dynamic habitat for fishes. 

Again, we have the opportunity to recreate aspects of this dynamic in both form and function.

Recreating a "365 dynamic" in an aquatic feature would perhaps be the ultimate expression of a functional biotope-inspired  aquarium- mimicking the composition, aesthetics- and the ecological/biological functions of the natural habitat. A truly realistic representation on a level previously not embraced.

Now, I have no illusions about this being a rather slow, perhaps even labor-intensive process, but it's not necessary to make it complicated or difficult.

It requires some "active management", planning, and diligence- but on the surface, executing seems no more difficult than with some of the other aquatic systems we dabble with!

Like, hello- reef tanks, for example! Or vivariums.

Sure, you'd have to make some provisions for "relocating" the terrestrial inhabitants of your system, like frogs, to "higher ground" (i.e.; another vivarium) during the "wet season"...or your could create a paludarium-type setup, with both a terrestrial and an aquatic component simultaneously...

As mentioned above, you'll have to deal with some "aesthetic challenges"- the likes of which you haven't before- as you "flood" the system. The turbidity, biofilms, decomposition, deeply tannin-stained water...Stuff that we as botanical-style aquarium enthusiasts are already pretty well "trained" to accept and embrace.

One could even represent various "phases" of the inundation, as I have done in one of my latest aquariums. Not everyone's cup of tea...but remarkably similar to what you see in Nature during the latter part of the inundation cycle, where terrestrial vegetation is largely dormant, and only lingering turbidity and a smattering of living vegetation remains.

The possibilities for education, creative expression, and experimentation are really wide open here! 

And of course, you're certainly not limited to the igapo (blackwater flooded forests) and varzea ("whitewater" flooded forests) of South America. There are numerous other habitats around the world which you could replicate on some level.

One could mimic all sorts of geographic locales and niche habitats, including those found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Annual killifish would be another beneficiary of such a process/system, with the ability to literally "desiccate" their environment for the "dry season", and flood it once again when "the rainy season" returns! We kind of do it already with the old "peat moss in a bag" trick to incubate their eggs...this is just a more interesting (and probably a bit more tedious/less efficient) way to do it...but one which may yield interesting insights into their natural habitats and behaviors!

There are so many possibilities here...Well- it literally could create an entirely new "sub-hobby" within the aquatic hobby...not just biotope replication- biotope "operation!" The idea of a "365 Dynamic Aquatic Display"- what we've dubbed the "Urban Igapo"- has never been more approachable! And you can, as the name implies- recreate it in the comfort of your own home.

I'm just gonna stop here, because I could easily go on and on and on....

Think about it. Build it. Play with it. Learn from it. Share it.

Stay fascinated. Stay creative. Stay excited. Stay imaginative. Stay observant. Stay patient. Stay open-minded...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics