Tannins Explained: Blackwater Aquariums, Fish Health, and the Science of Tea-Stained Water
“Tannins Explained” takes you into the science and beauty of blackwater aquariums. In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores what tannins are, where they come from, how they influence water chemistry, and why so many softwater fish thrive in tannin-rich environments. From driftwood and Indian almond leaves to peat and alder cones, learn exactly how tannins transform your tank and how to use them safely.
Whether you’re curious about why your driftwood stained your tank, how tannins lower pH, or which fish species benefit most from blackwater setups, this episode is packed with clear explanations, troubleshooting advice, and practical aquascaping tips.
Mentioned in this episode: The Tint podcast: https://tanninaquatics.com/pages/inspiration
Music: "West Coast Dreams" - Ben Curtis (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/07feeb8f-922a-4e5c-9a99-6737dba094f1/)
Art breaks down everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a Betta sorority tank; with a focus on real-world success and scientific accuracy. Whether you're planning your first Betta community or you've tried before and struggled, this episode provides a guide into female Betta behavior, tank setup requirements, and the critical do’s and don’ts that make or break a sorority.
From territorial psychology to line-of-sight aquascaping, we explain why most Betta sororities fail and how yours can succeed. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot aggression, interpret tank dynamics, and know when to pull the plug on a failing group.
🎧 Perfect for beginner and intermediate freshwater hobbyists looking to keep multiple female Bettas in one tank, the right way.
Music: "Evergreen Fields" - Tape Machines (Epidemic Sound -https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/dbb5e762-9514-4f84-a6c1-1ba9f274ec2b/)
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Aquarium News of the Week - 30 August 2025
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Aquarist’s Edge, your trusted source for freshwater aquarium news and insights. Join Arthur Preston as we explore ten fascinating stories that connect science, conservation, and the home aquarium hobby.
🔍 In This Episode:
🐟 Bumblebee catfish caught on camera climbing waterfalls in Brazil
👁️ Blind cavefish that have survived without light for over 11 million years
🐠 The giants of the Mekong River are shrinking fast
🌱 The IAPLC 2025 Finals — the world’s biggest aquascaping event
🎣 A fresh look at Cupid Cichlids and their family tree
🌿 Nutmeg oil as a safe way to calm fish during treatment
❄️ Breeding secrets of the cold-water burbot
🌊 Why lampreys need free-flowing rivers to spawn
🌍 The Yangtze River shows us that stability is more important than perfection
🧠 What zebrafish are teaching us about social behavior
📌 Sources & Further Reading:
Thousands of bumblebee catfish captured climbing a waterfall (LiveScience)
👉 https://www.livescience.com/animals/fish/thousands-of-bumblebee-catfish-captured-climbing-waterfall-in-never-before-seen-footage
In the dark for 11 million years: How blind cavefish rewrote the timeline (ScienceDaily / Yale)
👉 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002412.htm
Shrinking Mekong megafish underlines risks to the river, study finds (Mongabay)
👉 https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/shrinking-mekong-megafish-underlines-risks-to-the-river-study-finds/
International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest (IAPLC 2025) — Official English Site
👉 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1623517/full
Using machine learning to predict anesthetic dose in fish with nutmeg oil (Frontiers in Veterinary Science)
👉 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1652115/full
Reproductive ecology of burbot (Lota lota) in the Great Lakes (Northern Michigan University Thesis)
👉 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935125019139
Zebrafish neurodevelopment and social behavior study (Communications Biology – Nature)
👉 https://www.nature.com/commsbio/articles?year=2025
📺 About the Show
The Aquarist’s Edge brings you weekly freshwater aquarium news, science discoveries, and practical tips for aquarists of all levels. Whether you’re a planted tank enthusiast, a breeder, or a beginner, you’ll find inspiration and insights to keep your fish thriving.
Music: Pool Sticker – Dylan Sitts (Epidemic Sound – https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EwXrPyvCvY/)
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Live vs. Fake Aquarium Plants: Pros, Cons, and Care Tips for Every Aquarist
In this episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, Art explores one of the most debated questions in freshwater fishkeeping: live plants vs. fake plants. Should you choose natural greenery that supports your aquarium’s ecosystem, or go with artificial plants for convenience and simplicity?
We break down the pros and cons of each option, from aesthetics and maintenance to water chemistry and fish health. Learn why live plants help reduce nitrates, improve oxygen levels, and control algae. Discover when fake plants might actually be the better choice. Plus, we troubleshoot common problems like plant melt, algae overgrowth, and cleaning artificial plants so you can avoid the most frustrating pitfalls.
Whether you’re setting up your first aquarium or upgrading to a lush aquascape, this episode is packed with practical tips, scientific insights, and aquascaping strategies to help you succeed.
Music: "We Were Dancing In The Dark" - Loving Caliber (Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/swLZ5f3Aa5/)
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5 Beginner Mistakes That Kill Fish
In this episode we tackle the six most common, and preventable, mistakes that lead to fish deaths in freshwater aquariums. From skipping the nitrogen cycle to trusting clear water without testing, this episode delivers the science and strategy every beginner aquarist needs.
You’ll learn:
Why fish die suddenly in new tanks,
How ammonia poisoning works and how to stop it,
Why small tanks aren’t easier (and often deadlier),
How to build habits that support long-term fish health.
Whether you're setting up your first aquarium or fixing mistakes from your last one, this episode is a must-listen for hobbyists who want to do it right.
Music: "Nylon String Theory" - Candelion (Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/MelONMmV4K/)
About The Aquarist’s Edge [Weekly Aquarium Podcast]
The Aquarist’s Edge is your trusted source for all things freshwater fishkeeping. Hosted by Arthur Preston of Art’s Fish Room, this podcast dives into the latest aquarium news, expert advice, species spotlights, and practical tips for hobbyists of all levels. Whether you're breeding guppies or setting up your first tank, The Aquarist’s Edge brings insight, inspiration, and community to your fishkeeping journey.
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