Home is getting a bit more natural

While the aesthetic appeal of botanicals and tinted water can be quite attractive to us, the recreation of nature to emulate water conditions, feeding patterns, spawning displays, and territory building are the true benefits botanicals provide to our critters.

Botanical FAQs

Compostable Packaging Promise

Our packaging is designed to return safely to the Earth, just like the botanicals inside. Every bag is BPA- and Phthalate-free, GMO-free, and contains no animal products. Each meets ASTM D6400 composting standards, ensuring it can fully break down in a home compost bin.

What are the Fluffy White Growths on my Botanicals?

That’s biofilm and fungi—what we call the “goo phase.” It’s one of the clearest signs that your aquarium is alive and functioning. These growths wax and wane naturally as botanicals decompose. They’re harmless, even beneficial, and will disappear on their own once microbial populations stabilize.

Will botanicals lower the pH of my water?

That depends entirely on your source water. In very soft or RODI water, botanicals can gradually lower pH as tannins and humic substances accumulate. In medium to hard tap water, buffering capacity often resists these shifts, and you may not notice much change. At Betta Botanicals HQ, our very hard water (350+ ppm) shows almost no pH change unless we use botanicals like Alder Cones or Macaranga Leaves.

When should I replace leaves or pods in my tank?

We recommend allowing botanicals to fully break down into detritus, since this fuels microbial life and enriches the substrate. You can remove them once they stop tinting the water, but you’ll lose some of their ecological benefits. Each time you add new botanicals, follow proper preparation and observe your livestock until you learn your aquarium’s rhythm.

Are your products just for bettas?

Nope. Our botanicals are safe for almost all aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. The only exceptions are goldfish and axolotls, which may ingest small pods like alder cones or casuarina cones. For those species, we recommend large leaves such as Indian Almond, Loquat, or Jackfruit.

What are Tannins?

Tannins are natural compounds released by leaves, seed pods, and bark as they decompose in water. They soften water, gently lower pH, and create the characteristic tea-stained tint found in blackwater habitats. But their role goes far beyond color—tannins fuel beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, which form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They also offer mild antifungal benefits and help reduce stress in fish by replicating the natural conditions they’ve evolved in. At their core, tannins are plant-derived antioxidants that connect your aquarium to the same processes at work in wild flooded forests and streams.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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Samuel

Not sure what to give this honestly. The build quality is good. It's sturdy, and well printed. As for giving my betta some stimulation, and exercise, I'm afraid I cannot vouch for this thing's efficacy. I tried using it inside, and outside, of the tank. My betta could not possibly care less. I followed him around with it. I would put it directly into his swimming path. Nothing. Maybe it's my betta. I'll keep trying, but I'm afraid this product won't be worth my money.

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Lily
Wonderful!

I got the maroon one and it looks absolutely stunning, works like a charm and obviously its not perfect considering its 3D printed but does your better know the difference between smooth and rough? no lol. Overall, id recommend!

Thank you for the review of our flare sticks! I thought about using a smoother product, but then felt the subtle ridges of the 3D print helped to match the textures found in the botanical method aquarium and opted for this material. -Ben

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Joel

Great details and quality