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

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

Ecosystem Profile: Borneo Peat Swamp Forests

Despite their importance for biodiversity and carbon storage, these forests have been heavily impacted by human activities, leading to the loss of many species. Learn about the threatened and endangered...

Posted on May 03, 2023