Ben's Aquarium Blog

Two Trichopsis sparkling gourami swim in a blackwater botanical method aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

Sparkling Gourami: Comprehensive Care And Habitat Guide

Our guest blog guides enthusiasts through the essentials of creating a thriving habitat for these iridescent beauties in botanical aquariums. It covers everything from tank setup and ideal water conditions to...

Posted on Jan 31, 2024

A shelf of fish food for wild and domestic betta fish at Betta Botanicals.

Wild Betta Fish Diet: A Comprehensive Guide

Achieving an optimal diet for your betta fish is crucial for their health and happiness. Understanding their natural habitat in Southeast Asia provides insights into their diverse diet, including insects,...

Posted on Jan 26, 2024

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