The modern aquarium is making a strong movement towards less neon colored gravel and more towards natural looking biotopes.  It makes sense.  When we try to keep a piece of nature in our home we should make it look as close to the natural habitat as possible. The Back to …

It started when I was 12. I have always been an animal nut, but it wasn’t until my mother took me to a local aquarium shop that my mind and heart were set on raising tropical fish. I was hooked. I desperately wanted one of the big, giant cichlids that …

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an aquarium malady that many hobbyists experience at some point in the aquarium hobby.  The parasite shows as a number of small white dots on the body of the fish that resemble grains of salt.  Ich, also called white spot, reproduces quickly and spreads readily.  If not treated, …

My love for all things botany is gigantic.  Since I was a little kid I have loved nature.  That is why my inventory looks as it does.  Currently there are over 300 different kinds of plants from many genres and groups in my collection. For about 3 years I have …

We have seen several DIY builds on Biotope One but this terrarium is an exceptional build.  Built by David Hermans from rough cut lumber and other materials.  You can see that it is an unorthodox shape and extraordinary design.  From start to finish you can tell that thought was put …

Gideon Lim shows us how to pollinate your begonia so that you get viable seeds.  Seeds are a great way to propagate begonia species, as they are quick growing and numerous.  Vegetative propagation is also a great way to grow begonias and they are true to type, but seed offers …

Mattenfilters have been around since the 1950s in one form or another.  They have adapted slightly here and there to newer technology and ideas but the same principal applies.  They are efficient and easy to maintain for a large number of tanks.  They make a great system to use in …

The Pillbug Orchid Mount is a new kind of mount for growing terrarium orchids, ferns, gesneriads and other small epiphytes.  The Pillbug Orchid Mount is a clear acrylic plate with numerous small holes and rounded notches along its curved margin. The notches make it easy to secure a pad of long-fibre …

While it isnt quite kokedama or shitakusa it IS a giant mossball.  After seeing the giant floating project by Oliver Knott I decided to use some material laying around and build something.  I did have to go out and get the styrofoam ball.  It could have been made without the …

Oliver Knott built this amazing planted piece using readily available materials.  We would like to thank him for the time to photograph and explain the process and show off some of his amazing talent and techniques. The first step is to install a mount to the bottom of the glass to anchor …