On a Mission to Tint the World
We believe the value of botanicals lies far beyond appearance. Their true role is ecological—shaping water chemistry, fueling microbial communities, and creating environments where fish, frogs, and invertebrates thrive. It’s not about how dark the tint is or how low the pH drops. It’s about recreating the natural rhythms that these animals have adapted to over millennia.
Our mission is simple: to reconnect aquarists and vivarists with nature by providing the knowledge, resources, and materials needed to build thriving ecosystems in the home. From streambeds for Corydoras to forest floors for dart frogs, we celebrate the function of botanicals first and foremost.
What began as a focus on aquarium botanicals has expanded into bioactive and vivarium-ready leaf litter, reflecting our excitement for dart frogs and other microfauna-rich systems. This “Leaf Litter Lifestyle” continues to grow as we explore new materials and methods to help hobbyists create natural, evolving habitats.
Above all, Betta Botanicals is built on community. We’re here to welcome, support, and empower aquarists and vivarists at every level—from first-time keepers discovering the ecology of botanicals to seasoned hobbyists refining their ecosystems. Together, we’re part of a movement to let nature take the lead.
From The Founder
"Heyo! It's your chief ecosystem officer, Ben, at Betta Botanicals. This brand was born from a deep passion for exploring ecosystems as a young kid with my grandfather—since nurtured by my family. After a hiatus to attend Western Washington University, my return to the aquarium hobby led me to discover the remarkable benefits of leaf litter in aquatic habitats. Drawing from my academic background in Environmental Science, with a focus on Marine Ecology, Anthropology, and Environmental Education, I worked with esteemed organizations dedicated to wetland conservation and salmon preservation in Whatcom County. Inspired by my experiences and fascination with aquatic ecosystems, Betta Botanicals came to life through a viral TikTok video. My commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of this business, from compostable packaging (as of 2021) to reliance on solar power (as of 2023). Over the years, I have led with the pillars of community, sustainability, and inclusion while helping you build your ecosystems. This small business is nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Ferndale, WA, and you can find my products in many stores around the country."
-Ben P. | Founder & Chief Ecosystem Officer
a lifetime building ecosystems
2002
Summers in New England
A passion for the ecology of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems was sparked by my Grandfather, a biology and outdoor educator. Summers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire were spent on lakes, ponds, and rivers with dip nets, fishing poles, and binoculars.
2006
first dirty aquarium
Inspired by Diana Walstad, I took my childhood love for aquariums and stepped it up a notch with my first dirted planted tank. At the age of 6 my Dad helped me set up my first aquarium, explaining I should go with a 20 gallon instead of a 10 gallon. It wasn't until 2006 when I got a 'big boy tank'.
2017
Padilla Bay NERR
My undergrad internship occurred at Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, educating youth via free summer programs and providing immersive education opportunities in eelgrass beds and upland marine habitat of Padilla Bay, WA.
2019 - 2020
Salmon conservation
Just before the COVID pandemic, I worked and interned for Whatcom Land Trust and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA). We secured grants that protected hundreds of acres of critical upland salmon habitat and coastal estuaries. With NSEA, I provided free educational classes to 4th graders during their school salmon units.
2021
our first variety pack
Betta Botanicals was born in 2021 with our first botanical variety pack curated towards bettas. Drawing upon my prior education and teaching, I wanted to build a sustainable brand that initially focused on one of the most popular and misunderstood aquarium fish.
2022
Recreating natural habitats
In 2022 we launched out #TanninBae ambassador program of unique ecosystem builders from around the globe, leading the way in education through a botanical lens. This pillar of the botanical community helps inspire, teach, and keep the tint flowing across the world.
2024
the dartfrog obsession
Dart frogs took me back to where it all began, collecting frogs and tadpoles with dip nets alongside my grandfather. Many of the natural products we curate provide as many benefits to dart frogs as they do under the water. Thanks to a very welcoming community of hobbyists, Betta Botanicals got a little bit beh-ttah and began exploring vivariums.
2025
community hub
In 2025, we doubled down on our educational resources. Building out setup guides, expanding into aquatic and vivarium plants, unique sedimented substrates, and intently listening to our community and the products they crave to build better ecosystems for their critters.
Proudly available at
Your Local Pet Stores
Home Compostable Packaging
It just makes sense. If we’re sending you natural materials that break down and feed your aquarium, the packaging they arrive in should return to the earth just as easily. That’s why all of our packaging is designed to compost at home, breaking down into soil instead of ending up in a landfill.
Our materials are BPA & Phthalate Free, GMO Free, and contain no animal products. They also meet ASTM D6400 standards for compostability, so you can be confident they’re safe for your ecosystem and gentle on the planet.
Sustainability
In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, every product is thoughtfully packaged using 100% home-compostable materials made from renewable plant fibers. By choosing Betta Botanicals®, you improve your creatures' well-being while contributing to the betterment of our planet. As of June 2023, Betta Botanicals operates using solar energy, and we are actively working towards offsetting the carbon emissions from our shipping processes.
biosecurity
In close collaboration with our suppliers, every batch of botanicals is subject to a strict QA/QC process to ensure purity and consistency. Each lot is tested and reviewed before it reaches your aquarium or vivarium, so when your critter’s forest floor arrives, you can trust it’s safe, clean, and ready to support a thriving ecosystem.
preservation
Aquatic habitats around the world face daily threats from human development, pollution, and resource extraction. At Betta Botanicals, we are committed to ensuring that the materials we provide never come at the expense of the ecosystems they originate from.
Our collection strategies are designed to protect natural habitats—working only with suppliers who follow sustainable practices, focusing on naturally fallen materials, and leaving local ecosystems intact. By harvesting responsibly, we make sure the botanicals you use in your aquarium or vivarium support not only your critters, but also the wild environments they come from.
Next Steps & Information
Beginners
Your very first Botanical Method Aquarium will change how you think about keeping fish. Don’t worry—you don’t need to know everything before you start. My #1 tip for new aquarists is patience. Add botanicals gradually, watch how your fish respond, and let the ecosystem unfold at its own pace.
To make it easier, we created the Beginners Collection: a handpicked set of botanicals that are safe for sensitive species, simple to use, and impactful in small doses. A great place to begin is with Alder Cones for a quick tint boost and natural antifungal support, or the #TanninBae Variety Pack, curated specifically for new hobbyists.
Our blogs and newsletters are full of resources to guide your first steps. Start with:
- Guide to the Botanical Method Aquarium
- How to Collect Your Own Botanicals
- Re-Writing the Unfortunate Tale of Aquatic Biofilms
- Life & Death In Blackwater Aquariums
These will give you the confidence to begin layering leaves, pods, and wood into your tank, and to enjoy the process of watching your ecosystem come alive.
Preparation Video
Every Botanical Method Aquarium begins with preparation. In the wild, a single leaf falls into thousands of gallons of water, instantly diluted. In your aquarium, that luxury of dilution doesn’t exist—so we prepare. Rinsing, boiling, and soaking botanicals ensures that what enters your tank is clean, safe, and ready to fuel life without overwhelming your system.
Botanical preparation gives your aquarium a gentler introduction to the tannins, humic substances, and organic matter that botanicals release. Done properly, it mirrors the natural process of seasonal input: one leaf at a time, gradually shaping the ecosystem.
Our detailed Botanical Preparation Guide walks you step by step through the process. Follow it, and you’ll set the stage for a thriving aquarium.
Let customers speak for us
Nicely packaged and releases concentrated tannins quickly. Tinted my ten-gallon aquarium very deeply after about ten minutes, with hardly any change to pH. Very pleased! :)
Betta Botanicals has one of the most extensive varieties of botanicals that you can find. Not only does he care about the products he is putting out, but he cares about the environment with his compostable packaging. His site is filled with “How-To’s” and tons of information on how to use all of his products and how beneficial they can be for our little creatures. I simply can not recommend them enough to people. 🍂 Keep calm and Tannin on people!
I got the forest floor builder instead of a kit because i wanted to choose my own wood, and i was not disappointed! I havent set up my tank as i am waiting for gravel and heater to arrive. But i am beyond pleased with the selection i received.
My whole order (first order ever too) was amazing. I got two pieces of wood, and theyre stunning. Not sure if the photo is uploading correctly but i guess we'll see.
This pod is HUGE, like unexpectedly huge, which I suppose would make sense for the price, so I'm super happy with everything! Meant for my small 11 gallon, but definitely going to be much better for my larger 110 gallon.
Got everything within reasonable time and well packaged!
Perfect. Thank you!
Exactly as depicted. Came in great condition!
I purchased alder cones initially to help safely and gradually decrease my water hardness. As it turns out, my Betta is totally intrigued by them! They provide great engagement for him, and he is constantly investigating them and searching for food along the stems. Something about them seems to trigger an instinctive response in him and their presence adds to his quality of life. And as a bonus, they beautify my tank and help add to the natural aquascape I’m striving towards. Definitely recommend.
My Betta loved this from the moment I added it, and it’s now his favorite place to hang out. I love the way it looks in the tank, and that it provided a natural environment for my Betta. The inside is smooth and Betta fin friendly, and provides ample space for him to swim in and out. Prep was easy and the directions were fantastic. I soaked the pod for an additional 24 hours with a weight to hold it under water and get it really water logged. When I added it to the tank, it easily sat on the bottom and didn’t float up at all. Highly recommend!
This kit is a great way to start botanical aquariums. Ben went out of his way to make sure I had something that would work for my unique tank. Would highly recommend for beginners.
Recieved a healthy cryptocaryne, thank you so much!
It was in very good shape and very tall!
I recieved a big and beautiful Vallisneria! Would highly recommend for beginners.
They came very healthy and happy! Would highly recommend.