Ben's Aquarium Blog

Layers of Dirt used for a blackwater botanical method planted aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

Getting Dirty, A Guide to Creating a Dirted Botanical Method Aquarium

Dirted tanks meet the botanical methods in this deep dive into one of the most naturalistic aquarium setups out there. Learn how nutrient-rich soil and functional botanicals work together to...

Posted on Jun 18, 2025

Emperor Newts in a paludarium with moss and natural elements, representing a biotope-inspired paludarium at Betta Botanicals.

Creating an Aesthetically Functional Paludarium for Emperor Newts

What happens when a childhood fascination with salamanders meets the artistry of botanical method paludariums? In this detailed build, Hayley shares the story behind her award-winning paludarium, curated specifically for...

Posted on Apr 22, 2025

black striped orange fish swimming in brown tangled roots of a botanical method aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

How Methods Defined The 'Botanical Blackwater Tinted Ecosystem Aquarium Style'

“Botanical Method Aquariums” are the backbone of what we do here at Betta Botanicals. We distinguish their methods from blackwater and biotope aquariums, reinforcing their scientific and ecological foundations. This...

Posted on Feb 14, 2025

Brown tangled branches and a leaf litter bed in a biotope aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

Understanding Biotope Aquariums: A Journey into Natural Habitat Replication

Blackwater & Botanical Method...and their finicky sibling "Biotope". Lets clear the muddy waters around the heated debate of what a true "biotope" aquarium is. Let's go beneath the leaves on the...

Posted on Oct 30, 2024

Safely collecting your own botanicals for blackwater and biotope aquariums, with expert tips on identifying, preparing, and using natural materials at Betta Botanicals.

Free Tank Decor! - Collecting Your Own Blackwater Aquarium Botanicals

Looking to enhance your aquarium with natural, sustainable materials? In this guide, we explore how you can forage for botanicals right in your own backyard! From oak leaves to alder cones,...

Posted on Oct 24, 2024

Close-up of wingless fruit flies being prepared as live food for blackwater fish in an aquarium, showcasing sustainable feeding practices at Betta Botanicals.

Culturing Flightless Fruit Flies for Fish in Blackwater Aquariums

Looking to provide your fish with a natural diet that mimics their wild habitat? Culturing flightless fruit flies is an excellent way to do just that, especially in botanical method...

Posted on Sep 02, 2024

2024 Trevor Project Botanical Pride Pack Fundraiser featuring a collection of natural botanicals for aquarium and bioactive setups, supporting LGBTQ+ causes at Betta Botanicals.

Celebrating Diversity and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth with Betta Botanicals' 2024 Pride Pack

Celebrate Pride Month 2024 with Betta Botanicals' specially curated Pride Pack, supporting The Trevor Project in preventing LGBTQIA+ youth suicide. This unique botanical package enhances your ecosystems with a diverse selection...

Posted on Jun 30, 2024

An in-depth look at blackwater and botanical aquarium substrates, showcasing natural layering techniques to enhance aquarium ecosystems at Betta Botanicals.

The Importance of Aquarium Substrates for Botanical Method Aquariums

Discover the art of creating a naturalistic substrate for your botanical method aquarium. This guide dives into using organic materials like leaves, twigs, and roots to craft a substrate that...

Posted on Jun 17, 2024

Guide to culturing microfauna as supplemental nutrition for aquariums, focusing on natural feeding methods to support botanical method ecosystems at Betta Botanicals.

Little Bugs In My Fish Tank: Microfauna of The Botanical Method Aquarium

Explore the fascinating world of microfauna in botanical aquariums with our detailed guide on "The Wondrous And Mysterious Life Of Little Bugs In My Aquarium." Discover how these tiny creatures,...

Posted on Apr 26, 2024