01/08/2026
🍂 Let’s talk about aquarium botanicals 🍂
Aquarium botanicals are natural items such as dried leaves, seed pods, bark, and alder cones that are added to aquariums to create a more natural environment with tannins.
Why use aquarium botanicals?
* Release beneficial tannins that can help mimic natural blackwater habitats.
* Provide hiding places, reduce stress and assist in general fish health.
* Encourage natural behaviours like grazing and foraging.
* Support biofilm growth, an important food source for shrimp and fry.
* Can slightly lower pH and soften water in some aquariums (depending on your water chemistry).
Fish that benefit from botanicals:
* Bettas
* Angelfish
* Discus
* Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember)
* Rasboras
* Apistogramma
* German Blue Rams
* Corydoras
* Pencilfish
* Hatchetfish
* Gouramis
* Wild-type Guppies and Endlers (especially in natural setups)
Also beneficial for:
* Freshwater shrimp (Cherry, Crystal, Amano)
* Snails
* Plecos and other wood-grazing catfish (along with suitable driftwood)
Common botanicals
* Indian Almond Leaves
* Alder Cones
* Mixed Leaf Litter
* Guava Pods
* Cariniana Pods
* Cholla Wood
* Lotus Pods
* Mulberry Leaves
We have all of the above and more in stock in our beautiful aquatic space so come see us for all the info and products you need to set up a natural environment for your fish 🍂