Craftspeak with Yamada san of Aquarium Tallman

Aquarium Tallman is a unique planted aquarium shop in Osaka city, Japan. What makes Tallman unique is that it uses fully aquascaped planted tanks as holding tanks for their fishes. This provides a natural environment to display the fish, which makes them more attractive to buyers, and the fish are also less stressed and more healthy in the tank, showing off better coloration and more naturalistic fish behavior. The main downsides of such an approach are maintenance and the difficulty of catching stray fish in a fully planted tank with hardscape.

The planted fish tanks also present aquascaping ideas for customers, and demonstrates usage of different types of aquatic plants and hardscape that the shop sells. The tanks run off canister filters and are CO2 injected as well.

As a planted tank focused shop, they also stock a full range of 2hr Aquarist products. APT 1 is a popular product there, as a pairing with fish focused tanks. 

This week we interview Mr Naoya Yamada of Aquarium Tallman.

What motivated you to start this job?

Mr Yamada san:

Ever since I was a child, I've loved fish. I used to catch fish from a local river and raise them at home. This was the beginning of my passion for fish. Taking care of and observing the fish I caught brought me immense joy. Later on, I became immersed in aquarium keeping and began to raise various types of tropical fish. As I grew older, my knowledge about fish deepened, and I became passionate about learning water quality management and fish behavior. After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a specialized school focused on ichthyology to study biology.

After graduation, I built my career as a fish expert and got an opportunity to work in an aquarium shop. While engaging in research about fish ecology and aquatic plant cultivation, I was able to turn my passion for fishkeeping and aquatic plant cultivation into a profession. Now, I utilize my expertise in fish health, breeding, and aquatic plant cultivation to run my own store.

 What's the appeal for customers coming to Aquarium Tollman?

Mr Yamada san:

We take pride in boasting the largest number of aquarium display layouts in Japan! This is a testament to the years I've dedicated to fishkeeping and aquarium layout throughout my career.For decades, I've poured my heart into designing and building numerous aquarium displays.

Each tank is meticulously planned to emulate a natural environment for the fish, offering both wonder and education to those who visit.The reason we confidently claim to be number one in Japan is that our aquarium displays are highly regarded nationwide, providing visitors with both awe and knowledge. We aim to recreate the fish's natural ecosystem, offering deep insights to observers, and actively adopt the latest techniques and environmental initiatives in aquarium design.

We intend to continue introducing the world of aquatic plant aquariums to even more people, holding our title as Japan's best close to our heart.

What would you like more people to know about Aquarium Tollman?

Mr Yamada san:

One of my passions is to convey the allure of aquatic plant aquariums and coral tanks to a wider audience. These aquariums beautifully illustrate the splendor and intricacies of ecosystems. Aquatic plant aquariums showcase fish cohabiting with beautiful plants in a setting that mimics their natural environment. The sight of greenery bathed in light, with fish swimming tranquilly among them, offers a chance to appreciate a piece of nature, whether at home or in an aquarium. This is appealing to those wanting to learn about the balance of ecosystems and plant growth, as well as those seeking tranquility and relaxation.

On the other hand, coral tanks replicate the colorful and stunning coral reefs, revealing the amazing diversity of life they support. Observing the growth of corals and the interactions of fish aids in deepening our understanding of marine conservation and the importance of coral reefs. These aquariums serve as essential tools for environmental education and conservation efforts, captivating in both their beauty and educational value.

Through aquatic plant aquariums and coral tanks, I hope to assist more people in cultivating an appreciation for the beauty of nature and respect for its delicate ecosystems.

What would you like someone who is new to aquatic plant aquariums as a hobby to know?

Mr Yamada san:

The process of setting up and maintaining an aquatic plant aquarium is deeply fascinating and keeps many of us continuously enchanted. The allure of the aquatic plant aquarium unfolds in two stages.

First, the creation of the aquatic plant aquarium is a unique experience where art meets science. The careful selection of plants, their arrangement, lighting, and water quality adjustments all proceed based on calculated design. Watching plants grow within the aquarium, forming their own ecosystem, offers the joy similar to nurturing a garden within nature. Witnessing the aquatic plant aquarium mature beautifully is a moment of rewarding culmination for the effort put in.

Next, maintaining the aquatic plant aquarium demands a profound understanding of and responsibility towards the environment. While water quality management and regular upkeep are essential, these tasks ensure the aquatic ecosystem's health, supporting fish and plants to thrive in optimal conditions.

The maintenance process offers aquarists educational insights into nature's processes, deepening their respect and responsibility towards the environment. In essence, the appeal of aquatic plant aquariums arises not only from enjoying a beautiful landscape but also from engaging with the scientific understanding and passion behind it. It stands as a wonderful means to harmonize with nature while understanding and safeguarding its ecosystems.

It seems that many aquatic plant aquariums have a lot of fish. Can you provide some tips for maintaining an aquatic plant aquarium with fish?

Mr Yamada san:

A key to maintaining an aquarium rich with fish is consistent and frequent water changes. This practice is vital in maintaining good water quality and supporting the overall health of the ecosystem. Water changes are important for the following reasons:

1. Water Quality Management: Waste from fish, uneaten food, and accumulating chemicals can degrade water quality. Regular water changes help to remove these impurities, maintaining stable water conditions.

2. Disease Prevention: Keeping water quality in check helps prevent the onset of diseases. Especially in aquariums with many fish, it's an essential measure to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

Hence, to keep an aquatic plant aquarium with a lot of fish in a healthy and beautiful state, it's crucial to make regular water changes a habit and pay attention to water quality management. The frequency and amount of water to change depend on the aquarium size and the number of fish, so it's essential to adjust accordingly.

For folks visiting Osaka city in Japan, you can visit Aquarium Tallman.

Aquarium Tall Man

Web: https://www.tall-man.jp

4-15-1 Kusune-cho, Yao-shi, Osaka 581-0814

Phone: 072-940-7280