Ben's Aquarium Blog » Blackwater Aquarium

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!

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

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

Macaranga leaves, a sustainable alternative to peat, naturally lower pH in aquariums, enhancing water chemistry for sensitive species 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

An in-depth comparison of biotope, blackwater, and botanical aquarium methods, exploring their differences in creating natural aquatic environments at Betta Botanicals.

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

Guide to using RODI water in blackwater and botanical aquariums, highlighting its benefits for water chemistry and aquatic ecosystem health at Betta Botanicals.

A Guide to Using RODI Water in Blackwater 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

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...

Posted on Feb 08, 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

Variety packs of botanicals for aquariums and vivariums, featuring a curated selection of pods, leaves, and cones to enrich natural habitats at Betta Botanicals.

Where to begin?! Bulk 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 terminalia 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