Ben's Aquarium Blog » Aquarium Botanicals for Beginners

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!

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...
Exploring the misunderstood role of aquatic biofilms in blackwater aquariums, transforming perceptions of natural ecosystem processes at Betta Botanicals.

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.
Alder cones, the perfect starting botanical for aquariums, naturally lower pH and release beneficial tannins to enhance aquatic environments at Betta Botanicals.

Benefits of Alder Cones in Botanical Method & Blackwater Aquariums

Alder Cones are a staple in any botanical method aquarium and are known for their abundance of tannins, antioxidants, humic acids, polyphenols, and other health-promoting compounds. Their tint-producing properties have...
Holiday gift guide for aquarium hobbyists, featuring unique and practical gifts for fish enthusiasts, from botanicals to aquarium accessories at Betta Botanicals.

Aquarium Hobbyist Holiday Gift Guide!

Don’t blink! It’s already November and the holidays are right around the corner! Do you have a fishkeeper in your life that you struggle to shop for? No worries, we have...
Top 5 beginner-friendly botanicals for aquariums, perfect for establishing natural environments and improving water quality in blackwater setups at Betta Botanicals.

Top 5 Aquarium Botanicals for Beginners

Step into the realm of aquarium botanicals for beginners and our top botanical recommendations. Using materials like magnolia leaves, alder cones, and monkey pots can be done by anyone, and...