Ben's Aquarium Blog

Ben's Aquarium blog is a developing resource full of tips and tricks to help build your ecosystems. Every two weeks we upload a new blog post helping to make botanical aquariums easier to keep. If you have a topic you want us to write about please send us a message!

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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Recreating the natural habitat of the Sparkling Gourami in a botanical aquarium, highlighting blackwater environments and natural biotope products 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...
An assortment of nutritional food options for wild and domestic Betta fish, focusing on optimal diet and feeding strategies 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,...
Comprehensive guide to recreating the natural habitat and caring for Betta Hendra, with tips on maintaining optimal conditions in a biotope aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

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...