Ben's Aquarium Blog

a blue iridescent betta hendra in a blackwater botanical method aquarium.

Betta Hendra: A Comprehensive Care and Habitat Guide

Betta Hendra, native to the dark, tannin-rich waters of Borneo's peat swamps, captivates aquarists with its vibrant colors, intricate fin patterns, and unique behavioral traits. The blog post delves into...

Posted on Nov 05, 2023

Bioactive Vivarium Build Guide for Pacific Tree Frogs - Part 1

Discover the captivating world of bioactive vivariums for Pacific Tree Frogs, creating self-sustaining ecosystems that mimic their natural habitat. This guide will lead you through enclosure selection, substrate choices, and...

Posted on Oct 27, 2023

Aquarium Biofilms - The Good, The Bad, And The (NOT) So Ugly

Explore biofilms in botanical aquariums, their role in filtration, food sources, and the 'Goo' phase. Calvin Darling highlights their importance for ecosystem stability in this informative dive.

Posted on Oct 18, 2023

A glass aquarium with brown tinted water and tan twisted branches creating a blackwater aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

Setting Up An Aquarium | Research, Inspiration, Life & Death

Just like in nature, aquariums have a life and death so enjoy your setups and start over if you think it is time for your ecosystem to be reborn.

Posted on Jul 30, 2023

A brown floating macaranga leaf floating in an aquarium with shiny bubbles underneath at Betta Botanicals.

Macaranga Leaves for Indonesian Blackwater Biotope Aquariums

To create a truly captivating Sumatran biotope aquarium you will need to utilize macaranga leaves; both for their tint and pH reducing properties.

Posted on Jul 17, 2023

A tan and grey rocky hillslope in a aquarium with leaf litter and text on screen that reads biotope vs. blackwater vs. botanical method.

Key Differences: Biotopes, Blackwater & Botanical Method Aquariums

At first glance, each aquarium type can appear the same – they each have similar elements: botanicals. But upon closer inspection, you'll notice differences in the plant and animal stocking and...

Posted on Jun 22, 2023

Shrimp safe leaf litter like bamboo and stinging nettles for aquariums at Betta Botanicals.

What Leaves Can I Feed My Shrimp? Shrimp Safe Leaf Litter!

Freshwater ecosystems are so much more than just fish and plants! The next time you visit your local stream or lake, take a closer look at its inhabitants – we’re...

Posted on May 20, 2023

Ecosystem Profile: Borneo Peat Swamp Forests

Despite their importance for biodiversity and carbon storage, these forests have been heavily impacted by human activities, leading to the loss of many species. Learn about the threatened and endangered...

Posted on May 03, 2023

A botanical method aquarium with tan sand and a dark brown monkey pot aquarium botanical at Betta Botanicals, the text on screen reads 'How To Replicate Nature With Exotic Monkey Pots.

A Terrestrial and Aquatic Guide to the Monkey Pot

At Betta Botanicals, we love monkey pots for their style, durability, and versatility! Amongst aquarium botanicals, monkey pots are truly one of a kind. Ready to get started with monkey...

Posted on Apr 19, 2023