The Tint
By Scott Fellman
"The Tint" is a podcast dedicated to lovers of natural aquariums. A place to discuss unusual aquarium concepts and ideas; a jumping-off point at the aquarium hobby's "bleeding edge." Join us for inspiration, ideas, and a sometimes provocative point of view!
The Tint Sep 27, 2019
00:00
56:55
The Romance of the Aquarium Hobby
There is something amazing about going to the LFS and stumbling upon fishes that youâve read about for years, but have never seen.. or just acquiring that fish youâve been coveting for so long.. hers to the âromanceâ of our hobbyâŚ
Dec 05, 202310:26
When is Enough, âEnough?â
When we create aquariums based on that idea in our heads- or that natural ecosystem that weâre enthralled by, we sometimes need to grasp restraint. We need to hold ourselves back.. letâs discuss this and other great ways to bring your dream tank to life!
Oct 30, 202323:44
The journey is the fun partâŚ
We as a hobby donât do enough to share the basics.. there, I said it. Weâre too caught up in making cute social media posts without disseminating more than superficial information. Thereâs a real hunger- and need- for us to go beyond the basicsâŚ
Oct 30, 202323:50
Changing Course or Staying Put?
Reversing course, changing direction, and rethinking our aquariums are par for the course in the hobby. When is it appropriate to hold on.. or to switch direction?
Oct 17, 202312:08
TanksâŚA LOT
I have thousands of tank ideas. Why am I not able to find execute on them?
Oct 10, 202321:24
âLessons learned on the road to global dominationâŚâ
People ask me all the time how Tannin started; what the ideas that drove- and do tie to drive it- are. How lessons Iâve learned along the way validated thoughts I had, and challenged me to improve. And we look at how the mindset Iâve learned on my journey can help you with yours..
Oct 10, 202319:24
Where the magic liesâŚ
As botanical method aquarium fans and vendors, we tend to speculate quite a bit about what exactly is in those botanical we use. One thing we donât speculate about is what they do ecologically when theyâre in our tanksâŚ
Oct 04, 202318:03
Streaming alongâŚ
Of all of the habitats we play with in botanical method aquariums, few are as compelling as tropical streams. Letâs take another look at streams and the opportunities they offer to replicate them in aquariums..
Oct 03, 202313:26
Ecology First.
When we eschew ecology, weâre setting ourselves up for difficulties with our aquariums. Itâs a lesson learned throughout hobby history. One which, as botanical method aquarium lovers, we need not be destined to repeat!
Sep 27, 202316:01
The Risk of the New?
There is always risk to trying new stuff in the hobby. There is risk in collecting your own botanicals. Hell, thereâs risk in keeping an aquarium, for that matter. Donât be overly risk adverse!
Sep 25, 202319:52
Like What Nature Does
Iâve pounded it into your heads before: Our botanical method aquariums are little microcosms; beholden to Natural processes just like their wild brethren. And how we manage them and indeed, perceive them, is as important as anything else we do in the hobby.
Sep 18, 202317:56
Itâs not âdirtyâ- itâs Perfect!
Your botanical method aquarium is an elegant, simple to manage, yet complex ecosystem. It can run with a minimum of intervention on your part. They key is to understand whatâs happening, why itâs beneficial- and to make the mental shifts necessary to make it all work.
Sep 13, 202317:45
IS bigger âbetter?â
For some reason, a lot of people in the aquarium hobby seem to feel that you need to have a large aquarium to be considered a âseriousâ hobbyist- or a âsuccessfulâ one. Where the hell did THIS idea come from? Letâs discussâŚ
Sep 13, 202310:40
The Change is Here..
How do hobby practices develop? What makes us do things the way that we do? And why are we sometimes hesitant to change, to learn, to evolve? What kinds of changes have we made in the hobby- and what kinds of changes will we do tie to make?
Sep 11, 202326:06
What we do is cool.
We do this incredible thing- we replicate the function of natural aquatic habitats in our aquariums. And weâve had to adapt, evolve our techniques, and take criticisms from others to do it. Yet, itâs all worth it.. we just have to look at the âhow and whyâ of what we do sometimes to appreciate it!
Sep 05, 202330:08
A big idea for small fishes?
Yeah, itâs been a while since Iâve talked about tearing fry a more natural way. Fish breeders wonât like this, Iâm sure, but for âcasualâ breeders like me, the idea of incorporating a botanical method aquarium to feed young fish fry is amazing!
Sep 01, 202316:30
Keeeping a good thing going: Thoughts on Long Term Management of Botanical Method Aquariums
The beauty of our approach to aquariums is that they are perfectly optimized for operating indefinitelyâŚif we manage them in a way thatâs consistent with our understanding of their ecological functionâŚ
Aug 25, 202317:17
Wherever Nature Takes UsâŚ
We at the stage in our aquariums so to speak. We deliver a âstageâ for Nature to perform Her work. We shouldnât resist this.
Aug 22, 202310:23
Beyond the âsexy looksââŚagain!
We have been preaching for almost a decade about the concept of âfunctional aestheticsâ- an appreciation for the function of natural habitats , understanding that the function contributes to the aesthetics. And itâs time once again to elaborate on my theory..
Aug 17, 202312:29
Whoâs accommodating who?
Itâs amazing how adaptable fishes are, isnât it? However, Iâm more convinced than ever that, just because fishes CAN adapt to conditions that are easier for us to provide, doesnât mean that we should force them to. Letâs discuss..
Aug 12, 202311:44
âProject 18â: The Turning Point
Okay, it sounds like a bad sci-fi movie, but itâs just a designation given to one of my aquariums..a system that changed my practice and evolved my thinking about botanical method aquariums. Everyone likely has their own âProject 18â- that tank which pushed boundaries for them. Let me share what this tank did for my aquarium hobby practice⌠then please reflect upon yoursâŚ
Aug 11, 202317:35
A Steady diet ofâŚ
Our fishes have evolved to consume all sorts of foods. And they often shift their feeding habits throughout the year, as a response to seasonal changes, abundance, etc. And our botanical method aquariums, with their leaves, seed pods, etc. are fantastic producers of supplemental nutritionâŚ
Aug 10, 202320:09
The âAcid Tripâ
Okay, sounds a bit 1960âs psychedelic, right? But itâs a good descriptor of where we are in the aquarium hobby when it comes to approaching low pH aquariums. By âlowâ, I mean below 6.0ph. A âfrontierâ that we as a hobby largely have no experience with. Yet, I think weâre getting to the point where creating and managing low ph systems (ph in the 5âs and 4âs) might become practical. We just have to understand these environments chemically, and grasp the ecology which drives them. Itâll require a new approach and way of thinking about how we do stuffâŚAre YOU experienced?
Jul 28, 202312:58
"The Tint" Special Edition with Mark Chen of Nature Design Studio- "The Ultimate Beauty Resides in Nature"
Today, in a special expanded episode, I have a great discussion with Mark Chen of Nature Design Studio here in So Cal. You've probably seen his videos on Instagram and Tim Tok, showcasing his beautiful work. Mark and his partner create amazing custom aquarium displays which incorporate his unique take on the natural aquatic environments of the world. Mark has a gift for being able to infuse his design assets and a deep understanding of atheistic into creating different natural worlds and environments within aquariums. We cover a lot of ground in our discussion, including how Mark creates some of his amazing displays, and what techniques, philosophies and design approaches he uses to construct them. He even shares some tips from his experience which's everyday aquarists can leverage to create our own unique work! Mark is incredibly smart, gifted with a talent for sharing abstract concepts in a relatable manner. Follow him on Instagram (tmk_aquarist) to see some of his amazing work. A great listen!
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Jul 27, 202301:31:24
Letting Nature Sort it Out
We love to control everything in our aquariums, donât we? Weâll, it seems like a good idea, but the reality is that we donât have to. The idea of throwing your materials into your tank and letting Nature sort it out isnât laziness. Not some crazy, alternative approach. Itâs a slightly different take on what hobbyists have been doing for generations. Itâs a way to create a truly dynamic ecosystem in your tank by letting Nature get to work immediately. Taking a longer, less conventional road may unlock tons of secrets that we can use to our advantage!
Jul 25, 202311:31
More wood in our aquariums? Why not?
For Alan soy as long as weâve done this podcast, Iâve talked about flooded forests, fallen trees, and the unique habitats which arise from them. There is something fascinating and compelling about the idea of replicating one in an aquarium. We just need to overcome our fear of taking up precious water volume with big pieces- or a lot of pieces- of woodâŚletâs discussâŚ
Jul 25, 202309:42
Fools rush inâŚ
I keep getting asked: âcan a beginner in the aquarium hobby start right out of the gate with a botanical method aquarium?â Well, my first thought is to say âNo!â However, the reality is that, if one is willing to take the time to get past the superficial aspects of what we do, and learn the methodology, the âhowâs and whysâ- the craft- it is possible. Of course, you need a few philosophical anchors, tooâŚ
Jul 20, 202317:51
Origins and EvolutionsâŚAnd You.
When did you know you had that âthingâ for aquariums? Was it a gradual transition from other hobbies and interests, or was it this thing that just hit you one day? What kind of impact does aquarium keeping have on your life. Deep thoughtsâŚ
Jul 19, 202310:30
Of Mangroves and Macroalgae with Tyler Wells (aka "Inland Reef")- EXTENDED SPECIAL EPISODE!
In this edition of "The Tint', I chat with hobbyist Tyler Wells (better known as "Inland Reef" on Instagram and hobby forums0. Tyler and I met on Instagram because of our mutual passion for mangroves (although he's probably forgotten more than I'll ever know!). We talk about his hobby journey, and his incredible, inspiring work with mangroves, macroalgae, and high biodiversity saltwater aquariums. If this episode doesn't make you want to start a saltwater aquairum, I"m not sure what will! NOTE: We had a few tech glitches that forced me to break up the episode into two segments, and I awkwardly edited together the best that I could...Hang in there and enjoy!
Jul 11, 202301:24:46
Itâs a âJungleâ in There! (And Whatâs Wrong With THAT?)
A botanical method aquarium is more than just a display or âscape.â Itâs an amalgamation of numerous life forms, working together to form the basis of a closed ecosystem. What happens if you let Nature go unchecked?
Jul 11, 202310:44
Existential Crises⌠of My Own Making?
Okay, I admit.. for a lot of my fish keeping âcareerâ, I wasnât the relatively calm, weâll adjust aquarist you hear everyday. I was a bit of a nervous wreck.. almost a âdrama queenâ about stuff with my tanks. Then, I turned to the botanical method aquarium and things changedâŚ
Jul 11, 202307:03
Past Perfect. Future Fantastic!
The aquarium hobby progresses constantly- borrowing from past discoveries, techniques, and technology. Itâs how the hobby moves forwards. Think about some of the stuff from the past that still drives progression in the hobby todayâŚ
Jul 10, 202313:27
The Wisdom of the Ages
Our hobby has an amazing history. A history formed by thousands of unnamed hobbyists plying their craft- and by a few legendary âplayersâ making breakthroughs that transcend time. Who are your hobby âinfluencers? What did they teach you which resonates with you?
Jul 09, 202311:13
Events which Shape Us
Sometimes, unexpected stuff happens in our aquariums. Stuff way beyond our current skill set of body of experience. Stuff which pushes us- and shapes us.
Jul 08, 202308:03
Considering the âa biological Operating Systemâ of our AquariumsâŚ
The foundation for all that we do is ecology.. And the systems that we create in our aquariums are absolutely dependent upon an âoperating systemâ which a nature creates and manages. We need to play nice with HerâŚ
Jul 08, 202309:53
The âExpectation Refresherâ- Yet AgainâŚ
Most of us know what to expect when getting into botanical method aquariums. Some of us donât.. and this oneâs for you.
Jul 07, 202311:23
Good Clean Fun?
With all of the new exposure of botanical method aquariums in our world, we keep getting questions from this unfamiliar to our practice about the âcleanlinessâ of our botanical method tanks. Letâs clarify it!
Jul 07, 202309:07
Tempting FateâŚRolling the Dice..Trying to Beat the Rare âSure Thingsâ in our Hobby!
You think there are no âsure thingsâ in the aquarium hobby? I beg to differ with you. There ARE âsure thingsâ in abundance- and most of âem ainât good! Letâs go over a few âcertaintiesâ that you just donât want to go up against!
Jul 06, 202308:56
âAttitude Adjustments?â
The aquarium hobby is supposed to be fun. Itâs not supposed to be a competition, or pressure and anxiety-inducing venture. Yet, for many hobbyists, itâs become just that. Hereâs some tips on how to avoid getting caught in that nasty spiral- from a guy whoâs been there- so that you can have an e table lifelong hobby experience!
Jul 06, 202313:25
Power from the Palms!
Palm trees are pretty much the âOfficial Symbol of The Tropics!â They are fascinating trees, and the sheer number of materials and uses they can provide for the botanical method aquarium enthusiast is enormous. Letâs look at what the plans provide, and how we can incorporate them in a realistic representation of the (aquatic!) habitats in which they are often found!
Jul 05, 202316:18
Constantly Changing. Persistently Evolving.
My entire hobby experience is based upon evolution of ideas, and changes to âiconicâ beliefs and practices. I feel that adaptation of these concepts have been the key âingredientsâ which have brought botanical method aquariums to the place theyâre at now. Weâve all forced ourselves out of our comfort zones and evolved our thinking, processes and practices along the way, pushing the âstate of the artâ in our hobby sector as we go. I share a few of the changes and evolutions in my thinking and practice which are pushing the boundaries even furtherâŚ
Jul 05, 202325:48
My confusing delusional obsessionâŚ
Avid listeners of âThe Tintâ probably recall me obsession, several years ago about finding blackwater livebearers. We talked about this- looked into some intriguing candidates, debunked a few others- yet never found the one we were looking for. Yet, I never let up.. and more recent research might yield some tantalizing leads! Yeah, Iâm obsessedâŚ.
Jul 04, 202312:49
The Intersection of Function, FormâŚand âWeirdâ IdeasâŚ
The natural world is literally filled with thousands of unique aquatic habitats which no one has ever thought to replicate in an aquarium before. Perhaps they seem so unachievable that theyâve literally scared us off from trying. Letâs not let âweirdâ keep us from pushing the limits of whatâs possible in the aquatic world!
Jul 03, 202315:09
JustâŚDonâtâŚ
The botanical method aquarium isnât difficult. Itâs not some mystery; some exclusive enclave of the âcool kids.â However, it requires a certain mindset- a discipline; and understanding. If you go into this world with the wrong expectations or mindset, youâll likely hate it. So, our advice to you? Just..donât!
Jul 02, 202315:49
Steps along the wayâŚ
Botanical method aquariums are a journey.. a slow, methodical evolution. The idea of âfinishedâ is just a human construct. We need to reprogram ourselves to understand an appreciate this. Moving along the road on an enjoyable and never ending journeyâŚ
Jul 02, 202307:15
Yes, you can! But, should you?
We all want to provide the best possible conditions for our fishes. However, we also want to make our work easierâŚSo, isnât adapting fishes to environmental conditions that are easier for us to provide a better thing? I mean, fishes breed in conditions dramatically different from those in which they evolved, so isnât that a good thing? Likely.. howeverâŚ
Jun 30, 202308:58
Call it what you want to Call ItâŚ
âBiotope Aquarium.â A term which shouldnât rally any hard feelings among hobbyists. But, you know.. it does. And sure, I need to chime in with my two cents worthâŚa rant for sure..
Jun 30, 202307:52
So, youâre thinking of starting a reef tank? Can we talk first?
As you know, I come from the alluring world of reefkeeping. Before there was a Tannin Aquatics, that was my main jam. And in decades of playing with corals and reefs, I learned a few âsacred truths.â Stuff that I really need to share with you before you give in to the social media hype and jump in to the splashy world of reefkeeping. Itâs fun, and rewarding.. but itâs also humbling. Just like botanical method aquariums, a successful reef experience starts with the right mindsetâŚLetâs talk about thisâŚ
Jun 29, 202312:50
More than just the obviousâŚ
Botanical method aquariums offer us a lot as hobbyists- challenge, education, interest⌠and they ask us to make mental shifts to accept the work of Nature. Yet, the also provide some unique benefits for our fishes- benefits which we may not have previously thought aboutâŚ.
Jun 29, 202312:01
âFixesâ for âProblemsâ that are Not Problems!
Sometimes, we look at things that happen in our botanical method aquariums with the wrong point of view- out of context. And we convince ourselves that there is something wrong with our tank. The reality is itâs usually just a case of âNature being NatureâŚâ
Jun 28, 202313:16