The Tint

Subtle, but significant...

I think that there are so many different things that we can play with- and so many nuances that we can investigate and manipulate in our aquariums to influence fish health and spawning behavior. I think that this could even add a new nuance to a typical biotope aquarium.

In those biotope aquarium contests, we're used to seeing aquariums which represent very specific habitats, given super-specific descriptors, like the "Preto da Eva River in Brazil, 25km from the confluence in October", or whatever...I mean, cool- but I think it would be better that instead of just the appearance, our idea would be for it to replicate some of the environmental conditions, such as water level, turbidity, amounts of allochthonous material, etc.

Not just an aesthetic representation designed to mimic the look of the habitat- but a "functionally aesthetic" representation of a natural habitat, intended to operate like one..Full time.

Nuances. Micro-influences. Subtle steps. Important steps.

Well, we make those "mental shifts" and accept the dark water, the accumulation of leaves and botanicals, the apparent "randomness" of their presence. We study the natural habitats from which they come, not just for the way they look- but for WHY they look that way, and for how the impacts of the surrounding environments influence them in multiple ways.

It goes beyond just finding that perfect-looking branch or bunch of leaves to capture a "look." We've already got that down. We can go further...

There is a tremendous amount of academic material out there for those willing to "deep dive" into this. And a tremendous amount to unravel and apply to our aquarium practices! We're literally just scratching the surface. We're making the shifts to accept the true randomness of Nature as it is.  We are establishing and nurturing the art of "functional aesthetics."

I suppose that there are occasional smirks and giggles from some corners of the hobby when they initially see our tanks, with some thinking, "Really? They toss in a few leaves and they think that the resulting sloppiness is "natural", or some evolved aquascaping technique or something?"

Funny thing is that, in reality, it IS a sort of evolution, isn't it?

I mean, sure, on the surface, this doesn't seem like much: "Toss botanical materials in aquariums. See what happens." It's not like no one ever did this before. And to make it seem more complicated than it is- to develop or quantify "technique" for it (a true act of human nature, I suppose) is probably a bit humorous. 

On the other hand, most of us already know that it's not just to create a cool-looking tank. We don't embrace the aesthetic of dark water,  a bottom covered in decomposing leaves, and the appearance of biofilms and algae on driftwood because it allows us to be more "relaxed" in the care of our tanks, or because we think we're so much smarter than the underwater-diorama-loving, hype-mongering competition aquascaping crowd.

Well, maybe we are? 😆

I mean, we are doing this for a reason: To create more authentic-looking, natural-functioning aquatic displays for our fishes. To understand and acknowledge  that our fishes and their very existence is influenced by the habitats in which they have evolved. 

Wild tropical aquatic habitats are influenced greatly by the surrounding geography and flora of their region, which in turn, have considerable influence upon the population of fishes which inhabit them, and their life cycle. The simple fact of the matter is, when we add botanical materials to an aquarium and accept what occurs as a result-regardless of wether our intent is just to create a different aesthetic, or perhaps something more- we are to a very real extent replicating  the processes and influences that occur in wild aquatic habitats in nature.

The presence of botanical materials such as leaves in these aquatic habitats is fundamental.

Consider that the next time a fellow hobbyist asks you why you toss leaves, twigs, and seed pods into your aquarium.

Stay curious. Stay observant. Stay diligent. Stay bold...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

The breakdown on stuff breaking down...

When we add leaves and other botanicals to our aquariums, it's an absolute "given" and a known quantity among our community that these items begin to soften and break down, ultimately decomposing after prolonged submersion. This is part of the game; the "process" of keeping a botanical-style natural aquarium system.

Now, some of you really like the idea of the botanical materials looking pristine and fresh, and the idea of them or anything softening or breaking down in your tank is, well- not a happy thought! It's all about keeping a fresh-looking set of materials in your tank, with little decomposition or degradation of the botanicals....

What does that mean to you, the hobbyist, on a "practical" basis? 

Well, it means that you're going to have to remove and replace your botanicals on a much more frequent basis than a hobbyist like me, who relishes the decomposition that occurs as a result of prolonged submersion in our tanks. What, exactly can you expect to see?

Leaves are among the most "ephemeral" of materials we use in botanical-influenced aquariums, and are the first materials to break down in our systems. Initially, you will typically see them "recruit" biofilms or fungal growths on their surface tissues. The extent of the blooms and the duration of time they are present will depend on a myriad of factors, ranging from water chemistry to leaf type to fish population.

As far as the physical "metamorphosis" which leaves go through when submerged is concerend- it's a fairly predictable process: Typically, leaves will start to darken, "curl up" around the edges, and ultimately, start breaking down, as bacteria and fungi act to consume them. Fishes picking though them don't exactly help the "preservation" process, either! 

Some leaves, such as Catappa and Guava, will typically soften and break down after a month or less. Leaves such as Jackfruit, Artocarpus, and Magnolia will tend to hang on a bit longer, often recruiting significant quantities of the aforementioned biofilms and fungal growths on their surfaces along the way long before breaking down. The real "long-duration players" are Mangrove, Bamboo, and Live Oak, which tend to last a very long time submerged- often several months, in my experience...and typically not recruiting as much biofilm as say, Jackfruit or Magnolia.

Obviously, along the way, leaves will impart chemical compounds, including lignin, sugars, carbohydrates, cellulose, and of course, the coveted humid substances and "tint-producing" tannins, during their submerged existence. The important thing to ponder when using leaves is that you're likely to see an initial "burst" of the desired and less desired compounds shortly after they are submerged i the aquarium. The extent and degree to which these compounds are imparted to the aquarium depends on numerous factors (environmental conditions, the age and condition of the leaves, the presence of "shredders" snd "grazers" in your tank), and the extent of your preparation process.

As you know, we tend to recommend a more thorough preparation process, which involves steeping or even boiling your leaves before using them in your aquarium. This is an important part of the process of utilizing these materials in the aquarium, because it "sets the tone" for how your system will commence its "evolution" process. Steeping or boiling of leaves helps rid the leaves of dirt, dust, and other surface pollutants on the outer tissues of the leaves, and breaks down/soften them a bit to assure greater saturation and to facilitate easier "sinking" when immersed in your tank.

Now sure, you'll often hear hobbyists suggest that "you'll lose some tannins" when you steep or boil leaves before use, and that "Nature doesn't boil leaves before they fall into the water..." Although there is a grain of truth to these arguments, they're pretty weak, iMHO. Why? Because they overlook the fact that leaves (and all botanicals, for that matter...) are the "atmosphere-facing" part of the trees they come from, and as such, will accumulate the most significant quantities of pollutants- all of which end up directly in your tank if you just "toss them in."

And my experience over almost two decades of playing with botanicals in aquariums is that the amount of tannins (those which can be confirmed by their visual impact on the water color, anyways) "lost" as a result of preparation is minimal. Remember, the leaves will continue to release whatever compounds (including tannins, of course) which are bound up in their tissues for the entire duration of their presence in your tanks.

And of course, the closed-system aquarium is not like Nature, were there is a constant influx of rain, flood water, inflow from other aquatic systems, etc.- and thus, any pollutants and other compounds introduced into the aquatic environment via leaves or botanical materials are effectively "diluted" by the vast quantities of inflowing fresh water. And of course, Nature has "capacity" (the biological/chemical systems in place) to process the influx of these compounds, whereas a closed system aquarium might not...

So, yeah- THAT'S what we prepare our materials before introducing them into our aquariums. And tis is also the reason why we are not fans of dumping the "tea" from botanical preparation into your tanks as a "blackwater tonic" of sorts...Sure, it contains concentrated tannins. It also contains a concentrated "brew" of all of the aforementioned pollutants and undesirable stuff bound up in the dermal layer of the botanicals you just boiled.

Do you really want to add a concentrated "Stew" of this stuff into your closed-stem aquarium? At least when you add prepared leaves and botanicals to your tank, they will release these compounds over time as they break down in the tank, giving your system the time to adjust biologically to handle the gradual release of these compounds.

Okay, I've beaten the shit out of that topic for like the 237th time, so...

Yeah.

And sure, the addition of botanical materials like seed pods and such also has its considerations. The harder-surfaced, more structurally "durable" materials- like seed pods- tend to recruit more biofilms and fungi on their exterior surfaces, which breaking down from the inside- where a greater concentration of lignin and other compounds which make up their interior structure are found.

This is also why you will tend to see less immediate impartation of color into the aquarium when you add stuff like "Sterculia Pods", "Cariniana Pods", "Mocha Pods", "Monkey Pots", etc. It simply takes longer for the exterior tissues to soften and release these substances, whereas the typically softer interior tends to break down faster and impart the compounds present into the aquarium water.

Some of the aforementioned botanicals are, not surprisingly- long-lasting ones when submerged, and will often remain more-or-less structurally intact for many months-or even longer. If you are not a fan of the look of the stringy fungal growths or biofilms on their surfaces, they can be "managed" with a medium-bristled toothbrush. 

As far as adding these materials to your tanks- it's largely based on personal aesthetic preference or the goals that you have for your tank. In an unpolluted stem, from "day one" you can knock yourself out and add as many materials as you please. Of course, in an existing, established, populated system that you're looking to incorporate botanicals in, you need to consider them as "bioload", adding to the demands on the bacterial population. You can't simply dump a huge quantity of materials into an established aquarium, which place significant demands on the system's ability to process them.

The result, predictably, would be disastrous.

All additions of botanicals to an existing aquarium needs to be measured, deliberate, slow, and considerate. You need to observe your fishes' reactions, monitor water chemistry, and stay alert to the changes and demands that botanicals will place on your aquarium. And they will. There's no mystery here. Adding a ton of stuff into any established aquarium creates environmental changes and impacts that cannot be ignored.

Those are the environmental considerations of utilizing botanicals in the aquarium. Of course, the aesthetic implications are interrelated to some extent, but have enough unique attributes that we need to think about.

So, from an aquascaping standpoint- leaves should be considered the most "temporary" items we utilizing in our botanical-style tanks, requiring replacement or removal as desired. Those seed pods and stems tend to last longer, and again, it's personal preference to leave them in or remove as desired.  

I personally like to leave all of these materials in the aquarium until they completely break down, which, in my opinion, looks interesting, facilitates greater biological diversity, and tends to NOT pollute the aquarium if it's otherwise well managed (ie; if you conduct regular water exchanges, filter media replacements, feed carefully, and stock sensibly, etc.). 

I think that we need to look beyond the simple "look" of the leaves and other botanicals in our tanks, and consider them more than just hardscape "props"; rather, they are functional materials, which perform biological, environmental, and physical/structural roles in the aquarium- just as they do in Nature.

So, yeah- there is a lot to consider when utilizing botanical materials in your aquarium. It's far, far beyond the idea of "dump and pray" that has been an unfortunate "model" for how to utilize them in our aquariums for many years. I hope that this generalized, brief, almost "introductory" discussion spurs you to do more research on this interesting and seminal topic in our specialized sector of the aquarium hobby. 

Yeah, that's the breakdown on the stuff that..breaks down.

Until Next Time...

Stay informed. Stay curious. Stay observant. Stay diligent. Stay engaged...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics

That which used to frighten us...

Having recently reconfigured an aquarium with a huge influx of fresh mangrove leaves, I'm in this funny mental space. As I often do when looking at new tanks, or tanks where I've just added fresh botanicals, I literally find myself longing for them to look less "crisp and new", and can't wait until they start softening and breaking down as a result of being submerged for a while.

I find the look of fresh leaves in my tanks to be too..."sterile." Yeah, I'm a bit crazy, I think! However, I think it's worth thinking about, right? Perhaps it's a sort of "reverse prejudice" against the idea that everything should be clean, neat-looking, and tidy in our aquariums. We have, as a hobby, sort of vilified the idea that stuff decomposes and breaks up in our systems. 

Those of us who love botanical-style aquariums are "all in" on the idea of these materials changing and influencing the aquatic environments in which they are immersed. We've seen the benefits. Reviewed the results. Learned some new things.

What caused us as a hobby to be so afraid of working with what Nature provides vis a vis decomposing botanicals and leaves: Fungi, biofilms...detritus?

Maybe it's because we haven't really thought much about this stuff, in terms of how it is actually beneficial, as opposed to detrimental. And how, despite it not being the most attractive thing in the world, that some of these things are beautiful, natural, and incredibly important in our closed systems if we give them a chance.

It seems that we spend so much time resisting the appearance of some of this stuff and focusing on it's removal, that it's not given a chance to present its "good side" -which there most definitely is. And, the fact is that these life forms and processes appear in wild environments for a reason.

Like biofilms, fungal growth, aufwuchs, and decomposition- is this stuff that is inevitable, natural- perhaps even beneficial in our aquariums as well? Isn't it something that we should learn to embrace and appreciate? All part of a natural process and yes- aesthetic- that we have to understand to appreciate? Have you ever tried rearing fry in a tank filled with decomposing leaves and biofilms?

Try it. Question it. Work with it. But try it. Ask yourself why it works...search for answers. There is a lot there. 

The biofilms that we as a hobby have made such a big deal out of removing from wood and other decorative items in our tanks arise for a very specific set of reasons, and perform a role in the closed aquarium ecosystem. I believe that the fact that they may look a bit unsettling to us based on our rather close-minded  view of "proper" aquarium aesthetics and a general lack of understanding about their role in aquatic habitats is what has caused this.

Please, PLEASE do look at some pics and videos of wild tropical aquatic habitats and see that the stuff we freak out about in our tanks is practically the "basis" for these structural and functional aquatic ecosystems. 

The botanical-style aquarium that we play with is perhaps the first of it's kind in the hobby to really say, "Hey, this is just like nature! It's not that bad!" And to make us think, "Perhaps there is a benefit to all of this."

We are learning-together- that there is definitely "something" to these things which our fishes can benefit from.

Our willingness to make that "mental shift" and move beyond the simple look of them is what I believe will lead to a new sort of renaissance in the hobby. Perhaps, finally accepting these life forms and their collateral products will spur new developments and encourage us to embrace the many benefits to our fishes that have made them a vital part of the wild aquatic ecosystems of the world.

The ephemeral nature of botanicals. The tinted water. The appearance of biofilms. Decay. Leaves. Wood. Water. Life.

Words, sure...But very compelling ones. Important components of a successful ecosystem...and beautiful, if we make the attempt to embrace them.

Let's keep putting our preconceptions and fears aside as we continue to create and enjoy more natural looking - and functioning- aquariums! 

Stay curious. Stay unafraid. Stay unbiased. Stay resourceful. Stay diligent...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

The finished product, or just the most recent steps on a long journey?

As I was staring at the latest re-do on one of my tanks the other day, I couldn't help but think to myself that this tank looks nothing like it will look after a period of time. In fact, it will bear little resemblance to its "early phase" self. I find this concept fascinating. 

One of the interesting things I've found over the years about botanical-style natural aquariums is that they evolve over time. Sure, you can set 'em up to look great from the start, and place everything meticulously- but the reality is, Nature will dictate not only where things end up- but in what condition. Currents and fishes can move stuff. Fungi and bacteria can break down the leaves and botanicals, etc.

Stuff changes.I personally feel that botanical-style aquariums always look better after a few week, or even months of operation. When they're new, and the leaves and botanicals are crisp, intact, and fresh-looking, it may have a nice "artistic" appearance- but not necessarily "natural" in the sense that it doesn't look established and alive.

 The real magic takes place weeks later.The whole environment of a more established botanical-style aquarium looks substantially different after a few weeks. The water darkens. Biofilms appear...it just looks more "earthy", mysterious, and alive.

It's "Wabi-Sabi" again.

Something that's been on my mind a lot lately.

In it's 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 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.

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.

Sure, this may fit our lifestyle and interest, but it denies Nature her chance to shine, IMHO. There is something amazing about this process which we should enjoy at every stage.

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, 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?

It does.

And it simply requires that we act with patience, observe our tanks carefully, and not expend too much energy waiting for some elusive "finished product."

It's a journey. One that continues for as long as our tank does.

Enjoy it.

Stay patient. Stay observant. Stay engaged. Stay enthralled...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

The Complexity of "Deconstruction..."

As I was discussing yesterday, I've embarked on a pretty significant (for me) "mid course correction" of my home Asian-inspired blackwater aquarium. It's starts with "deconstruction" and turns into a more creative process.  If you recall, the biggest thing for me was to "de-emphasize" the aquatic plants and minimize the "massive" wood structure in order to feature the leaf litter bed, create more negative space and a sense of natural "disorder."

Now, on the surface, it seemed to be one of those projects that would be relatively simple: You pull out some wood, yank a few plants, smooth over the substrate, and bam! V 2.0!

And of course, mercifully- it's never that easy. Never that quick. And never that decisive, right?  It's downright complex sometimes, right? 

Nope. More of a "project", which I actually love. Man, if it were a 1-hour ordeal, I think that this hobby would be kind of dull after a while, right? After a lifetime in the hobby, I think I actually prefer the epic 7-hour tank "red-do" over some quick thing. I mean, where's the fun in that "quick and easy" shit? Besides, when you know that something is gonna take a while, you think twice before jumping into a major "do-over"- right? 

Well, maybe. 

I admit, I've done just as many 7-8 hour "makeovers" on my tanks over the years which started at 4:30PM in the afternoon on a Thursday as I have more planned affairs which started at 9:00AM on a Sunday! And I'm willing to wager that you have, too. It goes with the territory, right?

Yep.

Getting back to my tank- it's actually good that this one started on that rather "impulsive" note yesterday late afternoon, because I knew I needed to let it "sit" for a bit after the initial "demolition." There is nothing in major tank renovation projects more luxurious than the two-to-three day process, IMHO! Over the years, I've developed a real sense of patience (or is it simply the result of not having huge blocks of time for this stuff, like I used to?) that let's me call it a day before the whole thing is done, and start fresh the next day.

You know how this goes. The critical, scary initial "yank the shit out" phase happens on day one. You've played down the marker- ripped off the Band-Aid (or whatever damn metaphor you want to apply) on that first day. No turning back...The tank will never look like it did before you started, for better or worse (almost always for the better, in my experience...). The "safety net" of "the stable, established tank" is gone. Off to the unknown!

"My God, what have I done...?"

You let all of the detritus and cloudiness that you stirred up settle and be pulled into the filter overnight. You wake up and look at what you've got...Day two is the "creative" day, when you start making the adjustments to the overall scape- move stuff into position, etc. And yeah, this can be a good- or bad day, depending upon your mind set. I mean, you're "fresh", have some dry towels, a drop cloth, a few buckets, unlike you did on the impulsive start day, when it was just full-speed ahead.

Today is a new day.

A thoughtful, deliberate day.

You're mentally ready. And yeah, this is almost always where I tend to over-think it. I mean, it's easy for me to edit my idea at this point. And why not, right?  Wait, did I really have an "idea"- or just an itch to scratch? Hmm. No point in thinking about that now. You've already given yourself permission to go. The "canvas" is blank, so to speak, so it's easy, right? And besides, isn't that one piece of wood really a bit better for the overall look if you move it a few inches to the left? Right? 

And of course, re-orienting or moving that one piece of wood or rock changes the whole thing yet again. I mean, wouldn't it look better? No? It doesn't? Arghh...Maybe I'll just put it back where it was, and...Oh, was THIS the way it was positioned before? Maybe? Hmm...looks different, though. Maybe it was a bit farther over...Didn't I take a pic with my iPhone? Arrghh, no. I guess not...

Three, four hours in now...

And you know, there is something oddly relaxing about this process, even with its challenges and inherent surprises, isn't there? I mean, wouldn't you rather be "up to your shoulders" in water, with algae-covered rocks, sand, and wet towels as aquatic "landmines" all over the floor, rather than sitting in the office doing whatever you normally do on a weekday? 

Yeah, the old bumper sticker slogan about "A bad day of ___________ is better than a good day at the office" or whatever comes to mind, right?

Okay, sure.

Yeah.

Wow, when did it get to be afternoon?

Almost done...

And that's the funniest part, really.

With me, it's not really that the project is "done", per se. I mean, an aquarium is an evolving, constantly-changing entity of sorts. It's not ever really "finished", is it? Nature simply takes over when we declare "done", and continues the process that we started.

So you keep going. Nowhere near finished just yet...

At the end of that second day, whatever time that may be- you sit back, stare at the tank to admire what you've achieved...and of course, are thinking to yourself, "Damn, I should have put that extra rock in there on the right. And why didn't I reposition that piece of wood she that knows is facing the front of the tank...?"

And that's why it's a three-day process, isn't it?

It's a pretty complex one, at that.

Don't put away the drop cloth just yet. And of course, you have more towels in the closet, somewhere. The process isn't over just yet.

Yeah, it's a process.

A form of "creative therapy." A challenge. It's easy to set up something from scratch- much more difficult to complete a "do-over" on an existing aquarium, isn't it?

But just as fun!

That's the complexity of "deconstruction."

Got to get back at it. I'm only on Day 2 here.

Stay engaged. Stay creative. Stay thoughtful. Stay diligent...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Watch what I do...

I love the idea that we as a hobby continue to inspire each other. And sometimes, we even inspire ourselves...Or sometimes, as in my personal case...We get these amazing moments of self-awareness through our hobby work.

And I think that is quite interesting. And it's important to me. It's served me well for man years.

Sometimes, this self-awareness results in a realization that what I thought was "the thing" for me...isn't.

Maybe it's because I'm getting older or something. Maybe I get a bit bored or dissatisfied more easily than I used to? Perhaps, it's that I feel an obligation as a purveyor of ideas and aquascaping materials to share some new looks from time to time...Maybe I'm simply a fish geek doing what fish geeks like to do...

Yeah, likely all of the above!

So, I have an aquarium in my family room at home...one that we've talked about before... A planted Asian blackwater theme. Lots of Cryptocorynes in a strongly wood-based 'scape. There is some leaf litter too. This was probably the most "scape-centric" design I've had in years...more "contrived" to be an artistic interpretation of Nature than a realistic replication of it.

And it shows.

Both in my execution, and interest level. It just hasn't really reached its potential...And I'm not sure if it ever will, to be honest.

This is actually good. It's my truth.

Why? Well- I just am not that into planted aquariums, myself. They're not ME.

I mean, I love them. I admire them. I'd gladly have someone create one for me and would likely love it. But I personally have like no great desire to execute one myself. At least, not in the sense of a fully-realized planted aquascape. It's not for lack of trying...It's just not my thing, ya know?

I realized that the reason the tank in my family room doesn't make my heart sing or capture my attention like my "Tucano Tangle" tank does is because it is not me "speaking to my truth", as they say. It's cool to push yourself outside of your comfort zone- quiet another to try to do something that just isn't you.

As someone who has been in the hobby his whole life, and the industry for many years, I realize that it's in my own business self-interest to feature different types of executions using our materials and others. However, it's something that I personally shouldn't be doing- because it's not me. Yeah. Like, I'll feature other, talented planted tank enthusiasts' works, but until I really "feel it", I have no reason to execute one on my own and share it.

That felt good to get that out!

And sure, it's a great excuse to tear apart my planted tank to do something that is more "me!" 😆

What am I sharing this internal struggle with you?

Because it's important to walk my walk.

I always tell you to do YOU. Straying off your path gives you obvious insights...and it's never a wasted effort, because it creates that aforementioned self-awareness. And hey, if I'm going to attempt to inspire YOU to do something, it needs to come from a place of honesty and authenticity.

So, what are you going to see from this tank?

Well, we will still keep it "Asian-themed"- more 'biotope-inspired", and it will likely have a few plants! I mean, I have some nice little Cryptocoryne specimens- might as well use them. They're perfectly appropriate for the Southeast Asian jungle stream habitat which I'm inspired to represent in this tank. 

I think that I will feature mostly leaf litter and some small to medium size botanicals, maybe some wood, but little else. It certainly won't be a massive hulking wood "superstructure"- more like some branches strewn about the substrate, offering ga tiny bit of vertical relief. But that's it.

It'll be about dark water, a dark, natural-looking substrate...and the fishes. The plants will be "window dressing" at best.  Vastly different than the previous execution of this idea. And way different from what we commonly associate with an "aquascape" purporting to represent this habitat.

And that's okay. That's cool. That feels good to me.

And it IS good.

Because if you're going to listen to what I say, you really need to watch what I do.

And what I do needs to be real.

Stay authentic. Stay bold. Stay creative. Stay diligent. Stay creative. Stay self-aware...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

Doubling down on Nature.

I see trends in the hobby. 

I mean, we all do, right?

We all contemplate those amazing glass boxes we play with, and consider the art, science, and passion contained within them.

I just probably see them and look more critically- or, lately, incredulously- than most. I had a friend ask me the other day why I look so critically at some stuff that many don't see as a "problem." What I get all worked up about the stuff that we do in the hobby. Here's the thing: No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get my mind out of the mindset that calls for me to look to Nature for inspiration. I must mention this 6 times a day to people lately.

I'm glad that I do.

Why? Because the trends in the aquascaping side of our hobby, where I play- (amazing though many of them are, BTW) tend to focus on the aesthetics of things in a sort of "reality bubble" of our own making. There is a tremendous interest in creating beautiful, over-the-top scenes in our tanks.

For example, lately, there is a trend towards big, complex, rock-only scapes, ultimately layered with low-growing plants. And the rock scapes are incredible...but they're modeled not after some scene from a river in Asia, but after a mountain range in North America, Western Europe...or worst yet, "Middle Freaking Earth!"

And repeatedly, the mantra is that these are somehow "natural" aquatic scenes.

Like, WTF?

Is this mimicking "Nature?"

Well, in short, sure, I suppose one could say that. I mean, mountain ranges are found in Nature. And you're using rock and plants found in Nature...I can't dispute that. However, I think we're reaching a bit here. When I see someone scaling down the damn Rocky Mountains or the Grand Canyon, adorning them with Glostostigma or whatever the "moss of the month" is this month, and calling it "inspired by Nature" or "a natural aquascape", my head spins.  

Yeah, you were thinking of replicating a mountain range or hills or whatever...found in Nature. Sure. I get that. But that's not what I think we should be calling a "Natural Aquarium", IMHO. That's art. A distillation- an interpretation of a greater, larger component of the natural world, utilizing natural elements, mind you, to create art.

A diorama, if you will.

Just call it art.

And there is nothing wrong with it. Not one damn thing. These 'scapes are awesome, created by immensely talented aquarist/artists. But they don't replicate a natural aquatic habitat, so I think the nomenclature causes some confusion. Really. Why am I so damn caught up in this? Anger? Jealousy? Cluelessness? 

All of the above? Like, perhaps.

I think this is important, though. Really.

I'm concerned about this trend of calling many of these scapes "Natural" or "inspired by Nature" when the reality is that they are almost absurdly contrived interpretations of terrestrial scenes that have as much to do with the extant aquatic habitats of the world as a city park has to do with a mountain meadow. The danger here is that some novice aquarist will think that this kind of stuff is the pinnacle of natural replication, stare at mountain ranges for inspiration for an aquascape, and somehow fail to look at the real beautiful of an actual underwater aquatic habitat.

Think I'm overreacting? I don't. I see a lot of posts on Instagram from aspiring aquascapers, who take breathless photos of a rocky, branch-strewn stream or some other aquatic feature. Yet, they highlight/crop edit it in such a way as to suggest that it forms an inspiring basis for an amazing-looking miniature mountain range. 

WTF?

Yikes! Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees...

I mean, just look at the damn stream and replicate that! You already think it's beautiful- and it's far, far more relevant to what we do, right? Surely, there is enough interesting stuff in the stream to inspire a hobbyist for years! I mean, I'm fascinated by the mindset that one has when one looks at a rocky river, and then comes to the conclusion that there is inspiration to create an "Iwagumi" scape in his/her tank. I mean, really? "Back-asswards..."

I worry that our popular warped view of "Nature" as put forth by the aquarium world is a very specific set of characteristics and elements, and seems to give the impression that "natural" is a tank with crystal clear water, neatly arranged wood covered in moss, and highly stylized/groomed plant growth. This tends to create a sense of great value for these things-in this case- the aforementioned perfectly "edited" view of Nature- which tends to dictate the "style" of what we create in our aquariums.

Things which don't look like our idealized interpretation of Nature are essentially dismissed as such, because they don't fit the popular perception of what we think it should be like.

That is a problem, IMHO.

It's a "problem", because the real, unfiltered natural habitats are incredibly diverse, decidedly "undisciplined", and absolutely not crystal clear, geometrically precise, spotlessly clean scenes. And the farther we actually "stray" from Nature as it really is, the more likely we are to devalue these real characteristics as somehow not worth observing or considering for replication in our aquariums. And the less interested we become in studying them and contemplating their fragility and the challenges they face at the hand of man and his/her activities.

Perhaps not as much of a "problem" as it is a missed opportunity, really. An opportunity to show non-aquarium people the beauty of Nature as it is. And I know that my viewpoint will not win me a lot of friends in some corners...but it's how I feel. And notice that I'm not degrading or "dissing" anyone who plays with stuff like this. I'm simply pointing out that we need to be a bit more honest with ourselves; more careful with the terms and labels that we toss about- and to pay more consideration to the aquatic habitats as found in Nature as they are.

Again, you should enjoy your hobby the way you like. You should create beautiful, highly artistic interpretations of Nature or natural scenes, miniature mountain ranges, beach scenes, or whatever makes your heart sing...Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

However, I think that you, me- all of us- should at least take a "time out" once in a while and consider, study, glance at images- or even pay a visit to the natural habitats from which our fishes come. Not only will this give you greater appreciation for the world as it is- how it really looks- it will give you greater insights into how natural aquatic habitats actually function.

Yes, understanding the function of natural habitats and environmental niches- and why they look and evolve the way they do- gives us the tools we need to recreate as many of their characteristics as possible in the aquarium- not just the aesthetics. And that is where discoveries, innovations, evolutions and breakthroughs in the aquarium hobby actually happen.

To our hobby's credit- there IS a lot of great work being done by many hobbyists- biotope enthusiasts, breeders, planted tank fans, vivarium creators, etc. We just need to be a little louder. We need to make a little more of a big deal about aquarium which highlight natural beauty- unfiltered, unedited, and raw. 

We need to double down on Nature. 

For the benefit of the hobby, the fishes, and the wild habitats themselves.

That's why I'm so obsessed by this stuff.

Stay observant. Stay creative. Stay resourceful. Stay independent...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

In transition...

With the emerging interest in the botanical-style natural aquariums (blackwater and otherwise) that we obsess over, it's only natural to assume that some of you want to convert (we like to say, "evolve") an existing aquarium into this type of system. And of course, there are some "best practices" and simple techniques that you can apply to make such a transition easier and more enjoyable for everyone ("Everyone" being you and your fishes, of course!)

Really, it starts with deciding what type of approach you want to play with in this arena. Are you looking to simply incorporate some leaves and other botanicals in order to come up with a cool aesthetic? Are you interested in creating an aquarium that replicates (to some extent) the form and function of specific wild habitats? Or, are you interested in a blackwater aquarium, with a lower pH, deeply tinted water, and lots of decomposing botanicals?

Deciding on any one of these will dictate both the procedures and the pace that you need in order to get moving in the appropriate direction. Now, for the purpose of this blog, and in the interest of not re-writing "War and Peace", we'll keep things sort of generalized and conceptual for now...

If you're simply looking to keep your water chemistry parameters more or less the same as they are now- likely neutral to slightly alkaline- no "tint"-than it's really a simple matter of selecting botanicals that tend to be more durable, preparing them appropriately, and gradually adding them to your tank until you achieve the aesthetic you want. Of course, you'd continue with your good husbandry procedures (ie; water exchanges) and utilizing activated carbon to keep the water "un-tinted."

The key with this approach is to prepare your botanicals carefully, to go slowly to gauge impact on water quality, and to replace them as dictated by your aesthetic preference.

Now, if you're looking to replicate many aspects of the form and function of wild blackwater environments, like the igapo of Brazil, or the peat bogs of Southeast Asia, or Amazonian tributaries- then you will want to incorporate botanicals to not only provide the aesthetics- but to impact the water chemistry and overall aquatic environment. Of course, this requires some research. It requires diligent management of water parameters, water quality, and a game plan!

So, if you're going the route of habitat replication, your process is slightly different. Likely, you've already decided on the specific habitat/environmentla niche/locale that you're attempting to replicate, so the type and quantity of the botanical materials you'll be using is known. Personally, if I were going from "straight-up tap water" conditions to something say, soft and alkaline, I'd begin the process by removing the current inhabitants to a "safe haven" during the process.

Likely, you'll be modifying the water parameters to something significantly different than what you have now, and it's easier to do the change all at once in the display tank without the fishes present, and to carefully acclimate them into the "new" tank when you're ready, than it is to complete the process with everyone present.

Adjusting water parameters is a science and an art. Much has been written about utilizing RO/DI to create water that is an ideal "canvas" for manipulating pH in the tank. IMHO, unless you have soft, acidic tap water, utilizing RO/DO is really the only consistent, reliable option to achieve these conditions in an aquarium.Remember, as we've discussed many time, the botanicals and leaves cannot do the job themselves.

Once you have the correct "base" water conditions, you can 'scape your tank as desired, utilizing the quantity and variety of botanicals you feel you need to achieve the look and function that you want. Again, this is as much an "art" (if not more so, really) as it is a "science", and you simply need to know what works with your vision and is consistent with your goals for your tank. With regards to botanicals, we've made a considerable effort to identify the species and geographic origins of our botanicals, which we hope will help you make some informed decisions, especially if you're trying for more accurate "geographic appropriateness" in your 'scape.

Repatriating your fishes into your tank is a matter of following tried and true technique...It's essentially like buying new fishes and acclimating them into a new tank. There are numerous articles and blogs and references on how to acclimate fishes, by aquarists far more skilled and knowledgable than I on this topic, so please do a little research and utilize these sources.

Now, one thing to remember when you're filling an aquarium with botanicals and leaves is that this stuff constitutes bioload. In other words, it's organic material with which your filtration/bacterial population must contend with to process. Botanical-style aquariums support a significant amount of biological diversity, including the aforementioned bacteria- and including fungal growths, epiphytic algae, and even small crustaceans- all of which can contribute to the nitrogen cycle as they process some of these materials, as well as offer supplemental food to your fishes.

And of course, most botanical materials we use are "ephemeral"- in that they will gradually soften, brake up, and decompose after submersion, so replacement or replenishment is part of the game for us. The degree and extent to which you replace your botanicals is largely subjective. If you're like me, and the decomposing materials do not offend your aesthetic sensibilities- leave 'em in until they fully break down. Or, remove them as you see fit.

What this all means is that it's possible- in fact likely- that your "re-scaped" tank will go through a "cycle" just like a brand new aquarium, and that fish additions must be moderated and due consideration paid to the fact that you might see some ammonia and nitrite during the process. Remember, it's not just an "aesthetic thing"- it's an environmental modification that you're doing!

So, this is literally an overview-from like "30,000 feet", as they say- of the "transition" process" involved when going from a more traditional aquarium to a botanically-influenced one. Sure, there are a lot more "sub-steps" and considerations to work with, but the big ones are outlined here. We can discuss the finer points of such a transition in future blogs, if you're interested! 

Remember, the botanical-style aquarium is as much of a "process" as it is a "method" or "style", and that the techniques and practices we employ are evolving constantly. There is no "absolute" set of rules- other than those Nature stipulates for how biological systems operate. These tanks- although remarkable stablehand simple to run once established- require your participation.

As a botanical-style aquarium lover, you'll have no choice but to be more attuned to these "rules" and to appreciate the elegant process by which Nature regulates our closed systems just as She does the wild habitats we admire so much.

Until next time...

Stay curious. Stay bold. Stay diligent. Stay studious. Stay consistent. Stay observant...

And Stay Wet.

The filtration fixation

When it comes to techniques and such, the best part about the natural-style, botanical influenced aquariums that we love so much is that everything is still evolving. I mean, sure, we build upon work that hobbyists have been doing for decades; however, the application of existing technique to our approach is ripe for refinement and evolution.

One of the more "basic" requirements of any aquarium is filtration. And with filtration, you have the collateral effect of water movement in the aquarium. This is a topic to which we as aquarists typically give modest amounts of thought, other than determining what type/size of filter to use in our tank. Then, it's on to sexier topics, like "Which piece of Manzanita do I use...?" 

The reality is that, in a botanical-style natural aquarium, filtration and water movement are influential and pretty important in the grand scheme of things. As with any aquarium, it's important to apply filtration that keeps up with the specific needs of your tank and its inhabitants. Of course, with the heavily botanical-influenced aquarium, there is the added consideration of all of those leaves and pods and such.

These items not only are part of the "hardscape"- their ephemeral nature makes them a component of the bioload of the system- and due consideration needs to be paid to their impact on the closed system's environment. Remember, leaves, seed pods, and the like are "ephemeral"in many respects, slowly decomposing and breaking down, releasing not only "bits and pieces", but organic materials as well. 

That's where filtration comes in.

Now, Nature provides "filtration" in the form of the nitrogen cycle and the bacteria which accompany it. Bacterial biofilms- the bane of many a new aquarist- are actually a true benefit because of what they are comprised of (bacteria, hello!), and for the potential supplemental food source they become...Oh, I"m digressing, yes. And of course, fungal growth on the botanicals also serves to physically break down and "process" some of the botanical materials and their accompanying organics.

Of course, as fish geeks, we aren't just going to rely on bacteria and fungi to do the "heavy lifting" of filtration for our tanks...Nope, we need some help. That's where filters come in. The first consideration is, of course, choosing a filter system of the appropriate size for the tank you're working with. That is kind of a "no brainer", since we typically all know how to do that (ahhh, I'm assuming)- and if we don't, we can easily research this topic on hundreds of sites all over the 'net. 

My two cents on the topic? I'd choose the largest/most capable filter your tank can reasonably accommodate. That's the reefer in me talking, but that's my take. Better to have more than you need than not enough...Notice I didn't say "too much?" Because you can never have "too much" filtration capacity, IMHO. 🤓

So, what kind of filter is best for a natural-style "botanical-centric" aquarium?  Personally, I like using "all-in-one" tanks with built-in overflows and filter compartments- but that's me- and we an chat about that some other time. The bulk of enthusiasts I work with would tell me that they favor canister filters like Eheim and the like. And it's hard to argue with that choice. They provide high capacity, the option to utilize multiple filter media (ie; mechanical, chemical, biological), are easy to service, relatively unobtrusive- and for the most part, highly reliable. 

I like filter systems that give you the option to utilize different types of filter media, so although I love air-driven sponge filters- and they work fine- they're not my top choice. And of course, hang-on-the-back outside power filters and some internal filters give you the same flexibility. It really boils down to economics, aesthetic preferences, and your ability to maintain the filter.

Keep in mind that, if you like the look and benefits of botanicals (ie; tinted water, humic substances, etc) but don't want to see leaves and crumbling, biofilm-encrusted seed pods in your tank, then the canister and outside power filters give you the option to run these materials as "media", and you can have your display tank as "botanical-debris-free" as you want, while still getting that tinted look.

Yes, media-holding filters give you options.

Now, with regard to flow or water movement within the aquarium itself, there are multiple schools of thought, of course. I'll give you my "two cents worth" as a botanical style natural aquarium geek.

So, here's the deal- many of the blackwater habitats that we obsess over have minimal to virtually non-existent water movement. You know, slow-flowing tributaries off of main streams, flooded forest floors, vernal pools, etc. And those are certainly something you can and should replicate in the aquarium. However, in my opinion, the flow that we create in the closed system aquarium is not only typically less than the velocities found even in relatively mild natural conditions- it serves the added purpose of keeping oxygenation up and preventing stratification of pH in the tank.

I mean, sure- stagnant is stagnant, right? However, most of us are not trying to create a stinking, stagnant, "malaria swamp" habitat- so some water movement is desired. Of course, Betta and killie keepers have reasons for minimal current/surface agitation's I get that it's not a hard and fast rule in every circumstance. However, for most hobbyists- and fishes- some current/water movement in the aquarium is desired. 

In a tank featuring botanicals, water movement (I've been going back and forth using the term "current" as well- which I know is confusing...Let's just call it "water movement" from now on to avoid confusion) is desired. However, you want to avoid directing filter outputs right into your leaf litter bed, for example. Otherwise, you end up with leaf litter in various states annoyingly flopping around and traveling about the aquarium. That's really annoying. 

And it's also disruptive. 

Remember, in many natural habitats in which leaves are present, the water movement into the litter bed is relatively modest. It might be greater over the litter, but it's relatively modest in the litter itself- perhaps even virtually undetectable. This affects fish population. In fact, a study on floating leaf  litter beds I stumbled upon highlighted this little gem:

"Several species show adaptations for living under low oxygen conditions, which possibly allow them to occupy confined spaces inside the banks. On the other hand, several species were observed at the periphery of the floating litter banks and may benefit from the stronger currents and higher oxygen levels that result from the positioning of the floating litter banks at the water's surface."

And of course, as fish geeks, we want to encourage healthy environmental conditions in our tanks- and to keep our fishes happy and active for long lives- so water movement and oxygenation in the overall aquarium environment is vital. In practice, I direct modest current into the tank above the litter bed. Inevitably, because of the geometry of our tanks, you'll see leaves moving about just a bit, and that's okay. Some movement in the botanical bed in an aquarium is good- it keeps excesses of fish waste or biofilms from accumulating in one specific location, assuring greater overall system stability.

So- the long and the short when it comes to water movement- it's a good thing I the botanical-style aquarium, as long as you're not blowing everything all over the place!

In the aquarium, filtration and water movement tend to go hand in hand. This is intended only as the most brie intro to the topic to "lay down a marker" for us to discuss as a community on social media on an ongoing basis. There are numerous opinions and ideas and thoughts out there on this topic- I hope this serves as a "fire starter" to ignite further discourse!

I the mean time, keep your filter on. Keep your tank water moving. Keep your eyes on your fishes...

Stay engaged. Stay interested. Stay diligent...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics 

The "terrestrial transformation" and its implications for our aquariums...

We spend much time here discussing the implications of terrestrial environments meeting-or becoming- aquatic habitats after periods of inundation. It's particularly significant in those igapo habitats in South America.

Many other fishes which reside in these flooded forest areas feed mainly on insects; specifically, small ones, such as beetles, spiders, and ants from the forest canopy. These insects are likely dislodged from the overhanging trees by wind and rain, and the opportunistic fishes are always ready for a quick meal!

Interestingly, it's been postulated that the reason the Amazon has so many small fishes is that they evolved as a response to the opportunities to feed on insects served up by the flooded forests in which they reside! The little guys do a better job at eating small insects which fall into the water than the larger, clumsier guys who snap up nuts and fruits with their huge mouths! 

And, yes, many species of fishes specialize in consuming detritus.

As we know by now, decomposing leaves are the basis of the food chain, and the detritus they produce forms an extremely important part of the food chain for many, many species of fishes. Some have even adapted morphologically to feed on detritus produced in these habitats, by developing bristle-like teeth to remove it from branches,tree trunks, plant stems, and leaf litter beds. 

Of course, it's not just the fishes which derive benefits from the terrestrial materials which find their way into the water. Bacteria, fungi, and algae also act upon the nutrients released into the water by the decomposing organic material from these plants. Aquatic plants (known collectively to science as macrophytes) grow in or near water and are either emergent, submergent, or floating, and play a role in "filtering" these flooded habitats in nature.

Terrestrial trees also play a role in removing, utilizing, and returning nutrients to the aquatic habitat. They remove some nutrient from the submerged soils, and return some in the form of leaf drop. 

Interestingly, studies show that about 70% of the leaf drop from the surrounding trees in the igapo habitats occurs when the area is submerged, but the bulk of it is shedded at the end of the inundation period. The falling leaves gradually decompose and become part of the detritus in the food web, which is essential for many species of fishes. This "late-inundation leaf drop" also sets things up for the "next round" - providing a "starter" of nutrients !

Our ability to mimic this aspect of the flooded forest habitats is a real source of benefits for the fishes that we keep- and a key to unlocking the secrets to long-term maintenance and husbandry of botanically-influenced aquariums.

The transformation of dry forest floors into aquatic habitats provides a tremendous amount if inspiration AND biological diversity and activity for both the natural environment and our aquariums.

Flood pulses in these habitats easily enable large-scale "transfers" of nutrients and food items between the terrestrial and aquatic environment. This is of huge importance to the ecosystem. As we've touched on before, aquatic food webs in the Amazon area (and in other tropical ecosystems) are very strongly influenced by the input of terrestrial materials, and this is really an important point for those of us interested in creating more natural aquatic displays and microcosms for the fishes we wish to keep.

Creating an aquascape utilizing a matrix of leaves, roots, and there materials, is one of my favorite aesthetic interpretations of this habitat...and it happens to be supremely functional as an aquarium, as well! I think it's a "prototype" for many of us to follow, merging looks and function together adeptly and beautifully.

Study this one...

Now, I think at least part of the reason why we're seeing success with utilizing botanicals in our aquariums is that fishes are instinctively "programmed" to utilize many of these materials as both feeding substrates- and as food items in and of themselves. (Yeah, "pellets and flakes" are NOT part of their natural diet... 😆)

The addition and replenishment of leaves and other botanical materials which we execute in our tanks definitely mimics, at least to some extent, the processes which occur in these habitats which transfer food and nutrients into the aquatic habitat.

And with the ability to provide live foods such as small insects (I'm thinking wingless fruit flies and ants)- and to potentially "cultivate" some worms (Bloodworms, for sure) "in situ"- there are lots of compelling possibilities for creating really comfortable, natural-appearing (and functioning) biotope/biotype aquariums for fishes.

I admit, that I sometimes fear that the burgeoning interest in biotope aquariums at a "contest level" will result in the same sort of "diorama effect" we've seen in planted aquarium contests. In other words, just focusing on the "look" (which is cool, don't get me wrong) yet summarily overlooking the reason why the habitat looks the way it does and how fishes have adapted to it...and considering how we can utilize this for their husbandry, spawning, etc.

I'm sure it's unfounded, but until very recently, it seems to me that the hobby has traditionally overlooked the real function of nature, so there is some precedent, unfortunately. I hope that "biotopers", who have a lot of awareness about the habitats they are inspired by, will at least consider this "functional/aesthetic" dynamic that we obsess over when they conceive and execute their work. 

It should go beyond merely creating the "look" of these systems to win a contest, IMHO. Rather, we should also focus on the structural/functional aspects of these environments to create long-term benefits for the fishes we keep in them.

That's a real "biotope aquarium" in my book.

And the emphasis on long-term is important. If we're setting up tanks just to function as "kinetic art" for just a few weeks or a couple of months to win in a contest, as opposed to setting up systems to operate over a long term, we're totally blowing a great opportunity to advance the art and science of aquarium-keeping!

Don't blow it! 

Leaves, detritus, submerged terrestrial plants- all have their place in an aquarium designed to mimic these unique aquatic habitats.  You can and should be able to manage nutrients and the bioload input released into our closed systems by these materials, as we've discussed (and executed/demostrated) here for years.  The fear about "detritus" and such "crashing tanks" is largely overstated, IMHO- especially with competent aquarium husbandry and proper outfitting of a tank with good filtration and nutrient control/export systems in place.

We've talked about this many times here in "The Tint."

If you're up to the challenge of attempting to replicate the look of some natural habitat- you should be a competent enough aquarist to be able to responsibly manage the system over the long term, as well.

Ouch, right?

 Hey, that's reality. Sorry to be so frank. Enough of the "shallow mimicry" mindset that has dominated the aquascaping/contest world for too long, IMHO. You want to influence/educate people and inspire them? Want to really advance the hobby and art/science of aquarium keeping? Then execute a tank which can be managed over the long haul. Crack the code. Figure out the technique. Look to Nature and "back engineer" it. These things can be done. 

There are many aspects of wild habitats that we choose to replicate, which we can turn into "functionally aesthetic" aquarium systems. Let's not forget the trees themselves- in their submerged and even fallen state! These are more than just "hardscape" to those of us who are into the functional aesthetic aspects of our aquariums.

Yeah, literally not overlooking the trees...and all of the materials which are derived from them- and how they influence the aquatic habitats that we admire so much.

A challenge- a good one- to all who venture into our little corner of the hobby.

Go for it!

Stay creative. Stay studious. Stay diligent. Stay consistent. Stay engaged...

And Stay Wet.

Scott Fellman

Tannin Aquatics