Botanicals
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Botanicals

Aquarium botanicals for natural tannins, shrimp tanks, blackwater setups, and biofilm.

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Aquarium Safe

Safe for freshwater aquariums.

Packed With Care

Carefully packaged to arrive in good condition.

Ships Mon–Thu

Ground shipping. Delivery varies by location.

Free Shipping at $75+

Free shipping on dry goods orders over $75.

5 products

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BotanicalBest UsePreparation
Catappa LeavesShrimp tanks, bettas, blackwater-style aquariumsBoil or soak before use
Alder ConesTannins and natural hardscape detailRinse, then soak or boil
Casuarina PodsLong-lasting botanical textureRinse, then soak or boil
Cholla WoodShrimp grazing, hiding, and biofilmBoil or soak until waterlogged

Have Questions?

Quick Answers

Do I need to prepare botanicals before adding them to my tank?
Yes — boil or soak botanicals for at least 30–60 minutes before adding them to your aquarium. This softens the material, removes excess tannins, and helps them sink. Skipping this step can cause a large tannin release that stresses livestock.
Will botanicals turn my water brown?
Yes, some tannin color is normal, especially when botanicals are new. Indian almond leaves in particular will release noticeable tannins. The color fades over time and can be reduced with water changes or activated carbon if you prefer clearer water.
Are botanicals safe for shrimp and fish?
When properly prepared, botanicals are widely used in shrimp and fish tanks. Indian almond leaves are especially popular in shrimp setups. Always boil or soak first, and introduce botanicals gradually rather than all at once.
How long do botanicals last in the tank?
It varies. Indian almond leaves typically break down over 4–8 weeks. Alder cones and casuarina pods last several months. Cholla wood can persist for a year or more. As they break down they develop biofilm, which shrimp and small fish graze on — this is a feature, not a problem.

About This Collection

Botanicals

Botanicals are natural materials — leaves, pods, and wood — that hobbyists add to aquariums to replicate the look and feel of wild freshwater environments. Botanicals release tannins that create the warm, tea-colored look common in blackwater-style aquariums. Depending on your water chemistry, they may have a mild effect on pH. Our botanicals include Indian almond leaves (catappa), alder cones, casuarina pods, and cholla wood. Indian almond leaves are one of the most widely used botanicals in the hobby — popular in shrimp tanks and betta setups for the biofilm surface they develop as they break down. Alder cones and casuarina pods are small, long-lasting, and easy to tuck into hardscape. Cholla wood doubles as both a botanical and a structural element — shrimp love to graze on and hide inside it. All botanicals should be boiled or soaked before adding them to your tank. This removes excess tannins, helps the materials sink, and is general good practice before introducing anything new to an established aquarium. Botanicals ship Monday through Thursday, packed with care.

Packed With Care

Aquarium-safe products packed carefully for shipping.


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