Product Description: Indian Almond Tree and Catappa Tree Bark, often called 'Betta Bark' is an ideal bark for betta fish tanks, blackwater aquariums, or vivarium ecosystems. Just like Indian Almond and Catappa leaves, the tannin content of this bark is quite high. We offer two types at Betta Botanicals: Bark Curls, and Bark Sticks. The bark curls will uncurl themselves forming a small natural betta tube, and the bark sticks are thingly cut and easy to break into pieces for making a more natural substrate. Functionally the same, aesthetically different! We source our betta bark from just outside Borneo in Indonesia where it is collected, washed, and then air-dried. This bag and its contents are biodegradable! Did you know our product packaging is made from renewable and sustainable sugarcane? So just like the botanicals inside, it will compost when returned to nature.

Not for Human Consumption. Preparation Required.  

Quantities: 50g+ of Catappa Bark. Bark curls will be 4-7 pieces, 5-7" long pieces. The bark sticks will contain roughly 10+ sticks. This is a natural product, and variation between leaves and botanicals is expected.

Bark chunks naturally range in size and color, as shown in the product photos.

Aquarium Botanical Location: Sumatra/West Java Indonesia.

Aquarium Botanical FAQs 

1. Please reference our Shipping and Hassle-Free Return Policy at the bottom of the screen. All Products are packaged inside sustainably sourced and renewable sugar cane fibers allowing them to be fully biodegradable and compostable. Yes, you can bury these bags in your backyard to enrich your soils. 
2. Please refer to our botanical preparation instructions. These Botanicals are grown and harvested in pesticide-free environments and it is recommended to use 2-3 botanical pieces per 5 gallons to start, wait 5-7 days, or for the next water exchange to then add more.
3. Our aquarium and vivarium botanicals, leaves, and seed pods are not for human consumption, ever.
4.  

Commonly Asked Questions:

 

1) Will Botanicals Lower The pH Of My Water?

It entirely depends on your water's chemistry. Soft water will allow the botanicals to lower your pH more than if you have medium or hard water. At Betta Botanicals HQ our tap water is Very Hard, ( 350+ppm) and we do not notice a change in water pH unless using Alder Cones or Macaranga Leaves.

2) What Are The Fluffy White Growth On My Botanicals?

White growths are the colonization of biofilms and fungi. We call this the 'goo phase' and it is totally natural. Botanicals are fuel for the ecosystem and the populations of bacteria and fungi will naturally rise and fall. 

3) I Don't Keep Bettas. Will These Botanicals Be Okay For My Critters?

100% yes. Our botanicals are for aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and all natural enclosures wishing to recreate a more natural environment.

4) I Have Goldfish and Axolotls, What Botanicals Should I Avoid?

We DO NOT recommend using botanicals that these fish can ingest. Botanicals like casuarina cones, small alder cones, and live oak are not suited for these animals. Large aquarium leaves like Indian almond, loquat, and jackfruit leaf litter are preferred. 

5) When Should I Replace My Aquarium Leaves?

We recommend letting aquarium leaves and seed pods entirely break down into beneficial detritus. You can absolutely remove them after they don’t release tannins anymore, you just won't get all potential benefits of leaving them in the ecosystem.