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 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

Reverse osmosis water in a bucket containing botanicals to make blackwater h20 for a betta macrostoma aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

A Guide to Using RO Water in Aquariums

Reverse osmosis water is a great option for aquarists of all experience levels, but only after you've conducted proper research. Not only can RO water benefit your aquarium’s ecosystem by...

Posted on Mar 14, 2023

Benefits of Alder Cones in Botanical Method 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...

Posted on Feb 08, 2023

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

Betta fish with a botanical variety pack by Betta Botanicals.

Where to begin?! Aquarium Botanical Variety Packs

Botanical variety packs are great for both beginner and experienced aquarists! Each unique variety pack allows you to create and explore diverse ecosystems in your home aquarium. Betta Botanicals is...

Posted on Sep 01, 2022

Benefits of catappa leaves for blackwater botanical method aquariums by Betta Botanicals.

Top Reasons Catappa Leaves Keep Your Fish Happy

Indian Almond leaves and Catappa leaves are one and the same, and have been coveted by botanical aquarium enthusiasts for decades, and for good reasons. Here is why these botanicals...

Posted on Jun 22, 2022