Our Aquarium and Vivarium 'Biome Builder' variety packs are our solution for the requirements of big ecosystems and for hobbyists with multiple tank syndrome! Large aquariums and vivariums can process brand-new ecosystem materials into mulch and detritus at a much larger volume, which is why we have curated four solutions to help you maintain your ecosystems. We pull from our global inventory of leaves, seed pods, twigs, barks, and Betta Teas, to curate ecosystem solutions just for you that are always unique. Always functional. ...and irresistible to your critters. Your purchase supports responsible collection practices that have a positive impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Seed Pod Builder: Seed Pods and Cones are made up of durable fibers, perfect for creating hiding spots and cultivating biofilm growth for grazing fishes and clean-up crews. Our Seed Pod Builder includes an assortment of different pods, cones, and nut pods, each with its own unique characteristics. You'll get to explore the textures, shapes, and sizes that these seed pods bring to your ecosystem many of which are irresistible to the inhabitants of your ecosystem. We pull from our entire collection of seed pods to provide you with a variety - some of which you won't see for sale yet. 

Leaf Litter Builder: The leaf litter bed found in forests and aquatic ecosystems is a fundamental habitat to provide for your fish, frogs, and isopods. The surface area of leaves is colonized by beneficial bacteria, their shape provides spawning grounds and refuge sites, and the detritus they cultivate feeds the micro- and macro-fauna necessary for a functional ecosystem. Leaf litter can easily replenish tannins to your aquatic environment, and shelter your amphibians from the soil layer of your bioactive enclosure.

Twigs and Bark Builder: Whether you need places to affix moss to, vertical habitat for fish, or small textured pieces in your leaf litter bed - our Twigs and Bark Builder combines ecosystem materials from around the globe to accomplish a necessary part of your ecosystem. We regularly bring in small batches of unique twigs from around the globe that may or may not be included in the pack, but we promise it'll contain bark, roots, and twigs that you already know and love to get the ideal textures of natural habitats.

Forest Floor Builder: Our three prior Builder packs are specific to each botanical type - but our Forest Floor Builder combines all of the above into a robust and diverse ecosystem building block. It differs from our Ecosystem Kit in that we don't include Manzanita Wood - but this frees up some capacity to bulk up our leaf litter amounts. If you want something unique or region-specific we can accommodate this - just email me at info@bettabotanicals.com and we can build your ecosystem together.

Not for Human Consumption. Preparation Required. 

Quantities: Our Seed Pod Builder could contain an assortment like 2 Magnolia Pods, 6 Mahogany Pods, 4 Sterculia, 14 Sappan Wood Pods, 12 Coconut Husks, 6 Betel Pods, 4 Khaya Pods, 2 Coco Pods, 8 Arjuna Pods, and 5 Bael Pods. Our Leaf Litter Builder will contain over 100 leaves across a mix of 4+ species. Our Twigs and Bark Builder will contain a wide assortment from Thai Cutch bark to bajakah root, to hazel nut twigs, to alder twigs. Our largest pack, our Forest Floor will combine the above into a robust box of ecosystem materials to sustain and elevate your current projects. Sizes range. This is a natural product, and variation between leaves and botanicals is expected. The goal of our Builder Packs is to offer a bulk discount of 5-10% compared with our standard retail prices.  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.

Aquarium Botanical Location: Global.

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.
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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.