

Our Tinted World at Betta Botanicals
Build Your Ecosystem with Us
Build Your Ecosystem with Us
At Betta Botanicals® we believe that the benefits of botanicals are not a function of their aesthetics. Their true value lies in their natural properties, seen and unseen, not by how darkly tinted the water is or how low the pH may be. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive community for every aquarium and bioactive enthusiast. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge, resources, and materials needed to create thriving ecosystems in your home. We've handled the hard part of meticulously sourcing the highest quality botanicals and leaf litter from around the world, Fresh From The Forest, subjecting each to rigorous testing before making them available for purchase. We are proud to be your #1 trusted source for botanicals in the aquatic hobby... but lately we've been really excited about dart frogs! So, our Leaf Litter Lifestyle is expanding.
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.
It just made sense. If we add natural materials which break down into the aquarium, the packaging they arrive to you in should do the same. Our packaging is BPA & Phthalate Free, GMO Free, contains no animal products and meets ASTM D6400 standards of composting.
"Heyo! My name is Ben, and Betta Botanicals was born from a deep passion for exploring ecosystems as a young kid with my grandfather, and then nurtured since childhood 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
The very first botanical method aquarium you set up will radically change your perception of what it means to keep an aquarium, and don't worry, you don't need to know everything before you begin. My #1 tip for the beginner botanical method aquarist is patience. Layer in new botanicals gradually, observe how your fish respond, and let your ecosystem evolve. Our blog and newsletter are filled with practical guides, preparation tips, and new product releases to help you build your first thriving Blackwater, Biotope, or Botanical Method Aquarium.
Building your first botanical aquarium may seem overwhelming—it was for me! That’s why we created the Beginners Collection featuring handpicked botanicals that are easy to use, safe for sensitive species, and impactful in small doses. Start with Magnolia Leaves and Bamboo Leaves—they break down slowly, offer shelter, and release a steady dose of tannin. Add Alder Cones for a darker “tint boost” and natural antifungal support, or pick our #TanninBae Variety Pack curated specifically for new hobbyists. When its time to refresh your tint, drop in a Betta Tea bag, our blackwater botanical tea bags.
Think of preparation as the link between nature and your aquarium. While each botanical we offer is safe for aquarium and bioactive enclosure use, proper prep ensures a smooth transition from the forest floor to the aquatic ecosystem. It helps remove potential surface contaminants, kickstarts waterlogging, and preserves water quality.
Our “Rinse. Boil. Drain & Strain. Soak.” methods are simple: rinse under tap water, boil for 5–10 minutes, drain, and soak in dechlorinated water. That’s it. This process rehydrates the botanicals to help them sink, establishing your ecosystem quicker.
Not sure how it looks in practice? Watch the Preparation Video to follow each step visually, and explore how proper prep sets the foundation for ecosystem stability. When in doubt—start slow, observe your tank, and let nature guide the rest.
As an expert aquarist, your role in the botanical method movement is twofold: 1) Inspire and guide the next wave of ecosystem builders, and 2) Remain a student of nature—always experimenting, always learning. The most compelling tanks tell stories, challenge assumptions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
At Betta Botanicals, we work with a global network of trusted suppliers to source Region, Habitat and Niche-specific botanicals, many of which are unavailable anywhere else. Our Fresh From The Forest batches are ideal for biotope competitions, niche habitat recreations, and ecological dioramas where precision and source location matter.
We invite you to collaborate:
If you’re working on a biotope project, need help sourcing materials by region, or want to share your methods in a guest blog, get in touch. You can sort our products by biotope, tint, and durability to tailor your selections to the ecological story you’re telling.