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Ben's Aquarium Blog

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!

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

Shrimp safe leaf litter like bamboo and stinging nettles for aquariums at Betta Botanicals.

What Leaves Can I Feed My Shrimp? Shrimp Safe Leaf Litter!

Freshwater ecosystems are so much more than just fish and plants! The next time you visit your local stream or lake, take a closer look at its inhabitants – we’re...

Posted on May 20, 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

A botanical method aquarium with tan sand and a dark brown monkey pot aquarium botanical at Betta Botanicals, the text on screen reads 'How To Replicate Nature With Exotic Monkey Pots.

A Terrestrial and Aquatic Guide to the Monkey Pot

At Betta Botanicals, we love monkey pots for their style, durability, and versatility! Amongst aquarium botanicals, monkey pots are truly one of a kind. Ready to get started with monkey...

Posted on Apr 19, 2023

A blue, red, and black male plakat betta fish in a botanical method aquarium with text on screen talking about the ideal temperatures for betta fish at Betta Botanicals.

What are the Ideal Temperatures for Betta Fish?

Technically, all the betta species live in similar parameters - tropical temperatures, with soft, dark, and acidic water. However, as you explore each species and its unique environment, you begin to...

Posted on Apr 08, 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

Green neon tetras swimming in a blackwater aquarium with text "naturally lower the pH of your aquarium" by Betta Botanicals.

How to Naturally Lower the pH of Your Aquarium

The Best and Worst Way to Lower Aquarium pH What is pH and the 'Potential of Hydrogen'? pH is the “potential of hydrogen” which measures hydrogen ion activity within a... Read More

Posted on Feb 23, 2023