Ben's Aquarium Blog » Borneo Biotope

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!

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...
Comprehensive guide to recreating the natural habitat and caring for Betta Hendra, with tips on maintaining optimal conditions in a biotope aquarium at Betta Botanicals.

Betta Hendra: A Comprehensive Care and Habitat Guide

Betta Hendra, native to the dark, tannin-rich waters of Borneo's peat swamps, captivates aquarists with its vibrant colors, intricate fin patterns, and unique behavioral traits. The blog post delves into...
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.
Profile of the unique Borneo Peat Swamp Forest ecosystem, showcasing its biodiversity and how to recreate this biotope in aquariums at Betta Botanicals.

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...