How to prepare aquarium and vivarium botanicals
This very simple guide will explain how to prepare botanicals for the use in aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and other ecosystems. All of our products that require preparation will say "Preparation Required" on the product label, and we strongly recommend that you follow the steps below. This preparation method ensures any potential contaminants stay out of your ecosystems.
We recommend starting with 2-3 pieces of botanical materials (literally 2-3 twigs, a small handful of live oak, or 2-3 magnolia leaves) per 5 gallons of water. This is because botanicals are FUEL, acting as part of the bio load in your aquarium, and their introduction will spark additional growths in beneficial bacteria and fungi.
Rinse. Boil. Drain & Strain. Soak
step 1: the rinse
Rinse botanicals under hot tap water for 60 seconds
Rinsing dislodges any dust or debris that may rest on the surfaces of the botanicals. Like dust or residual dirt. Though not harmful to the ecosystem, we don't need this entering our ecosystems.
step two: boil for five
Boil all botanical materials for 5 minutes in fresh tap water
This step breaks open the surface cell layers of the botanicals, removing excess sugars and tannins that could alter the water chemistry too quickly.
step three: drain and strain
Drain and strain your botanicals, discarding the first batch of water
I know what you are thinking, "But all those tannins!?". This is only ~5% of the total tannin content of the botanicals, and discarding it is well worth it. residual sugars can spike beneficial bacterial blooms, and the initial tannins released from the surfaces of the botanicals can alter the water chemistry too quickly.
step four: the soak
Boil or soak your botanicals in fresh dechlorinated water until waterlogged.
This second batch of water is safe for use in the aquarium, along with the water logged botanicals. The benefits of soaking in a container allow you to store the 'tank tea' for re-tinting later, since tannins are naturally consumed and broken down in the aquarium.
step five: integrate
Introduce botanicals slowly to your ecosystem, especially if you already have critters in it. 2-3 botanicals per 5 gallons of water volume, once per week.
We recommend 2-3 botanicals or small handfuls of leaf litter per 5 gallons of water. This is because botanicals cultivate beneficial bacteria which are part of the bio load of your aquarium.
Observations & common pitfalls
shrimp advice
We would like to reiterate adding botanicals to established aquariums slowly. Shrimp keepers need to pay special attention to this, as the oxygen levels of the aquarium can be impacted from using too many botanicals as the bacteria and fungal colonies ebb and flow. Please email us with any questions, or DM us on instagram
biofilms
These matrices of polysaccharides (sugars) are created by bacteria and fungal colonies in the aquarium. They are natural, and will subside after a few days.
haze
The most common issue is a white cloudy haze to the water, which is the bloom of beneficial bacteria in the ecosystem. If you have sensitive fish we recommend adding an air stone to increase surface agitation and inspecting your filter to ensure the sponges do not get clogged.
oil slicks
While not actually oil, these are another way bacteria and fungi present themselves in establishing ecosystems. This is a surface biofilm, not a cause for concern unless it coats the entire water surface. This can reduce oxygen exchange to the water, stressing your inhabitants. We recommend using an air stone to disrupt their growth.
Experiencing Issues a few Days after adding Botanicals?
Contact Us
If after following these preparation instructions you find adverse reactions with your fish, please email info@bettabotanicals.com immediately with photos/videos so we can help you address any potential issues. We take our QA/QC very seriously, and it is uncommon for issues to arise after we have batch tested each shipment before fulfilling your order. Common issues are a white cloudy or haziness to the water which is the bloom of beneficial bacteria in the ecosystem - this will subside and the most action we recommend taking is adding an air stone for surface agitation.