The Weekend Aquarist Magazine - October 2025

In this issue

This month’s edition brings together stories that celebrate the spirit of exploration — from India’s native waters to aquascapes across the world.
• Wild Betta Chronicles: Meet the Alien by Ganpat Parab — opens our new series on Wild Bettas, exploring one of the most enigmatic hybrids in the hobby.
• BAC 2025 Results by Natasha Khardina — a deep look into the artistry and vision behind this year’s winning aquascapes.
• The Magic of Minuong Aquascapes by Manu — showcasing the water-bonsai plant that’s inspiring a fresh wave of nature-style creations.
• Ask Me Anything with Beta Mahatvaraj (a.k.a. Meenkaran) — a deep dive into India’s freshwater treasures; also available on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast.
• Inside India’s Largest Private Nature Aquarium — step into Dr. Sanjay O. P.’s awe-inspiring 5,000-litre ADA-inspired aquarium, flawlessly executed by Adip Sajjan Raj and his team.
• Plant Spotlight: Glossostigma elatinoides — celebrating the iconic carpet plant that transformed aquascaping foregrounds.
• Meet Mark Chen (TMK Aquarist, USA) — uncover his design philosophy and storytelling approach; full interview on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast.
• Heiko Bleher’s India Expeditions: Meruvambayi River, Kerala — followed by a special adaptation from Bleher’s Biotopes on recreating this habitat in aquaria.
We’re proud to announce an exclusive arrangement with Biotope Aquarium, Italy, to feature extracts from Heiko’s legendary expeditions worldwide.

Each story in this issue reflects our mission — to connect art, science, and passion through the world of aquariums.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of this growing community.