Ben's Aquarium Blog – Betta Botanicals | Natural Aquarium Products

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

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

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...

Posted on Jan 31, 2024

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,...

Posted on Jan 26, 2024

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.

Posted on Oct 18, 2023

Exploring the cycle of life and death in blackwater aquariums, highlighting the natural processes that contribute to thriving aquatic ecosystems 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

Proper cleaning techniques for blackwater aquariums, focusing on maintaining water quality and ecosystem health without disrupting the delicate balance at Betta Botanicals.

Guide: How to Clean a Blackwater Aquarium

Your new botanical method aquarium or blackwater aquarium is up and running, but when it comes time to clean - where do you start? Should you vacuum the botanical substrate?...

Posted on Dec 30, 2022

Step-by-step guide to setting up and cycling an aquarium, ensuring a healthy environment for fish and plants, with expert tips from Betta Botanicals.

How to Set Up and Cycle A New Fish Tank

Let's explore our favorite parts of setting up a new aquarium. This guide provides you the backbone knowledge of how to set up an aquarium, with links to resources to...

Posted on Nov 30, 2021