Shells and pods for your aquarium

This blog post was written and provided by Nekka Fernandez for Firemouth Aquaristic, thank you!
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Savu Pod

Savu pods grow on the Brazilian tree Cariniana legalis, these trees grow in Jequitiba, province in Brazil.

Features of Savu Pod Botanicals The effects of Savu seeds on water parameters can be compared to the effects of catappa products.

Savu botanicals are full of tannins that have many positive effects and reduce the KH/PH of the water naturally. These tannins also have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect for animals.

The savu pods give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

Pterygota Pod or Buddha Nut

Found in various parts of Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and India, this useful pod comes from the Pterygota alata tree and grows up to 30 metres.

Like some of our similar pods, it is ideal for spawning sites for certain fish. Para Pará Pod (Jacaranda Copaia) It is distributed throughout French Guiana and much of South America, peel with a high tannin content, hard and of great beauty.

The Copaia Jacaranda Tree is found in tropical forests near water, so it is very common for these seeds to fall into water tributaries, creating shelter and food for various types of apistogrammas and loricarids.

Kurrajong pod

It is native to Australia, so in Biotopes with Melanotaenias this can be the key shell to fit in, it is very resistant in water and can last for many months, it can also be a refuge for small bottom fish such as gobies.

Lotus Pod

These Lotus XL pods have several small holes where the shrimp can hide and find food.

Lotus Pod Botanicals Features

These botanicals are full of tannins that have many positive and beneficial effects, naturally reducing the KH and PH of the water.

They have an antibacterial, antifungal and stress-reducing effect. Lotus pods give the water a brown color.

They are quite suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

Penca Pod

Indigenous to the Eastern Cape, from the Strelitzia reginae plant, also known as 'The Bird of Paradise'.

This interesting pod will look great among the leaf litter or even integrated within your plants. It belongs to the group of African shells.

Mangrove Pod or lotus husk

These shells come from the mangrove, the mangrove is cosmopolitan and we find it in Africa, America and Asia. They occur in tropical coastal areas, with stagnant and brackish waters, this tree has a very strong tolerance to adverse conditions.

These are natural seeds, so their size may vary slightly from one piece to another.

Always boil before using.

Beetal Pods

These fruit shells, in addition to being used in interior decoration to give an autumnal appearance, are perfect for recreating biotypes from different parts of the world in aquariums and terrariums; fish and shrimp love to hide among them. The approximate size of these pods is 3cm long by 3cm wide. Features of Beetal Pods Botanicals

Beetal Pods release beneficial substances (tannins and tannic acids) into the aquarium water.

The effects of these substances are comparable to those of Catappa leaves.

For example, these substances ensure that the pH is lowered naturally.

These substances have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect. Beetal Pods give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

Preparation: You will need to boil these pods for at least 20 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to submerge them (because they float when first submerged).

The Jacarandas

They come from South America, their shells are very resistant and we will keep them in the water for a long time. In addition to contributing to good shelters, they also create a perfect microfilm for fry.

Sakai Pods

They secrete some tannins, which can color the tank water and lower the pH. Many small fish and shrimp feed on it, so it is just another source of supplemental food and benefit from these botanicals.

Shrimp and other small animals like to hide in the Sakai Pods.

Features of Sakai Botanical Pods

Sakai Pods release beneficial substances (tannins and tannic acids) into the aquarium water. The effects of these substances are comparable to those of Catappa leaves.

These substances ensure that the pH is reduced naturally.

They have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect.

Sakai Pods give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

PREPARATION: We recommend that you boil them for at least 45-60 minutes or more before using them, then let them cool for about 5 more minutes. Sometimes it takes more time to help them sink. After boiling, we highly recommend soaking in fresh water for several days to remove the initial burst of tannins and organic compounds.

Chapeuzinho Pods

Prawns and other small animals like to hide in the Chapeuzinho pods. Because the Chapeuzinho pod is a natural product, its shape and dimensions may differ.

Features of Chapeuzinho Pods Botanicals

Chapeuzinho pods release beneficial substances (tannins and tannic acids) into the aquarium water.

The effects of these substances are comparable to those of Catappa leaves. They ensure that the pH is reduced naturally. They have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect.

They give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope

Cybistax AnƟsyphilica Pod Cybistax antisyphilitica

It is a plant native to a range that includes South America and, in particular, northern Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Suriname.

Its habitat is scrubland and, only occasionally, within dense primary forests, where it grows at altitudes ranging from sea level (commonly from 300 meters) to 2,000 meters.

Boil before use for at least 15-20 minutes Bakuli Pods The fruit pod of the Lagerstroemia parviflora tree of the mixed forests of India. They have a nut-like outer shell and a woody interior and provide a good amount of tannins. Scatter them on the bottom of your aquarium to give the appearance of a natural tropical river.

Features of Bakuli Pods Botanicals The tannins from Bakuli seeds are slowly released into the water. These tannins have many different benefits:

They slightly increase the acidity of the water.

Inhibitory effect on bacteria and diseases.

It turns the water slightly brown.

Helps imitate the natural habitat of animals.

Bakuli pods are one of the smallest botanicals

Cocoa Pod

It is known that the first cocoa trees grew naturally in the shade of the rainforests in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, about 4,000 years ago.

The Mayans began cultivating it more than 2,500 years ago. But today they are found all over the world, which is why it is considered a cosmopolitan Pod. It is a seed that you can create a hole as an entrance so that many species of fish can reproduce inside.

Boil before use for at least 15 minutes.

Elephant Ear

Shrimp and other small animals like to hide in the Elephant Ear Pods.

Because Elephant Ear Pods are a natural product, their shape and dimensions may differ. Elephant Ear Pods release beneficial substances (tannins and tannic acids) into the aquarium water. The effects of these substances are comparable to those of Catappa leaves.

For example, these substances ensure that the pH is lowered naturally. In addition, these substances have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect.

They give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

These leaves provide small shelter or feeding areas for shrimp and fish.

They are a perfect natural “support” to simulate the biotope of the flooded forest or stream.

They are a pretty good size, up to about 15cm long on average, with a width of about 5cm.

Preparation: You will need to boil these pods for at least 20 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to submerge them (because they float when first submerged). They will also occasionally sink (like a couple of hours) in fresh, room temperature water! They often “unfold” after preparation, taking on a flatter appearance.

Lotus Pod

These lotus pods have several small holes where the shrimp can hide and find food.

Lotus Pod Botanicals Features

These botanicals are full of tannins that have many positive and beneficial effects, naturally reducing the KH and PH of the water.

They also have an antibacterial, antifungal and stress-reducing effect.

Lotus pods give the water a brown color and are quite suitable for creating a black water biotope.

Wild Lily Flower

These beautiful wild lily pods are harvested in India. They look amazing in aquariums. The pods vary, but the average measurement is approximately 2cm long and 2cm wide.

Shrimp and other small animals like to hide in the Wild Lily Flower pods.

Features of Wild Lily Flower Botanicals

Wild Lily Flower pods release beneficial substances (tannins and tannic acids) into the aquarium water.

The effects of these substances are comparable to those of Catappa leaves. For example, these substances ensure that the pH is lowered naturally.

They have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect. Wild Lily Flower give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

Preparation: You will need to boil these pods for a few minutes to submerge them (because they float when first submerged). They will also occasionally sink (like a couple of hours) in fresh, room temperature water! They often “unfold” after preparation, taking on a flatter appearance.

Sterculia husk

Sterculia is a beautiful botanical with place of origin: India, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Philippines although today it is cultivated and introduced in many parts of the world.

Boil before use.

Bolster shell

The bolster shell is cosmopolitan and will provide shelter for both medium and small fish, ideal for cichlids that breed in cavities.

Boil before use.

Acacia pods

Origin: Africa.

Size: Each piece will be around 25cm to 30cm long.

These woody pods are large, long-lasting. These are commonly known as the Machete Step Fruit pod.

Helix Pods

They have a cool curved shape and a soft, woody appearance and texture.

The fruit of Caesalpinia pulcherrima, widely distributed in the tropics.

These distinctive pods make excellent small feeding areas for characins, catfish, shrimp, dwarf cichlids, catfish and even some killies.

They help cover open substrates and supplement leaf litter to simulate the materials that accumulate in tropical streams and flooded forests.

The "Helix Pods" measure on average about 3.5-4.5 inches long, with a width of about 1 inch, so they also fit into modest spaces.

PREPARATION: You will need to boil them for at least 15 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to soak them in water, because they float when first submerged.

ORIGIN: Africa

Isoberlinia pod

An unusual botanical from Africa, these woody seed pods are actually the fruit of the Isoberlinia angolensis tree. They have a kind of cool curvy look to them.

A member of the Bean family (Fabaceae), they are durable, unique looking pods that are ideal for aquarium/vivaria use.

These pods make great small shelter or feeding areas for shrimp and fish, and are a perfect natural "prop" to simulate flooded forest or stream biotope.

They're also a pretty good size: up to about 6 inches long on average, with a width of about 2 inches.

PREPARATION: You will need to boil these pods for at least 20 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to saturate them (because they float when first submerged). Occasionally, they will also sink with just prolonged floating (like a couple of hours) in fresh, room temperature water! They often "unfold" after preparation, taking on a flatter appearance.

ORIGIN: Africa

Puberula Pod

Another great botanical to mix with leaf litter. Puberula pods are the fruit capsule of the Brazilian tree, Jacaranda puberula, and have a fresh, light-colored leaf-like shape on one side, and a "leathery," woody appearance and texture on the other side. They almost look like French fries!

Perfect natural accessory to simulate the biotope of tropical streams, providing feeding areas for fish and wonderful aesthetic benefits.

Perfect to help cover open substrates and complement leaf litter.

They measure about 3.8 cm long and about 2.50 cm wide on average.

PREPARATION: Puberula Pods are incredibly lightweight and float like crazy when first submerged. You can soak them in water with a fresh water soak at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or better yet, boil them for at least 20 minutes before using.

ORIGIN: Brazil

Swietenia Pod

We love these pods, because they have some characteristics of a leaf, but have the "heft" you would expect from a seed pod. Actually, the internal "valve" of the fruit of the mahogany tree, Swietenia macrophylla, has an interesting, "tongue-like" shape, is quite durable, but lightweight. With their interesting color and texture, they will look great as a "transitional" botanical species as part of a leaf litter bed!

Swietenia Pods will help evoke that tropical stream bottom look, reminiscent of pods and fruits falling into the water, providing enrichment and feeding/protection areas for many species of fish.

They are a good size, averaging about 3.25 inches long and about 1.25 inches wide at their widest point.

PREPARATION: We recommend boiling them for at least 30-45 minutes so they soak enough to sink. Being "light weights", they float easily and take a while to come down.

ORIGIN: Brazil

Pyrifolium Pod

They have the appearance of a leaf, but have the "weight" you would expect from a seed pod. Derived from the Aspidosperma pyrifolium tree in Brazil, they have a wonderful 'teardrop' shape (hence the name), and will really look great as a sort of 'transitional' botanical in your leaf litter zone.

They help evoke that tropical stream bottom look, reminiscent of pods and fruits falling into the water.

They are a good size, averaging 2-3 inches long and about 1-1/2 inch wide at their widest point. They have an interesting, pebbly, nut-like outer shell and a soft, woody interior.

As an added "benefit", shrimp like to nibble on the slightly softer interior of this pod as it slowly breaks down.

PREPARATION: We recommend boiling these pods for at least 30-45 minutes so they become soaked enough to sink.

ORIGIN: Brazil

Dysoxylum Pod

the peel of the woody fruit of the plant Dysoxylum binectariferum. It perfectly represents many of the interesting pods and fruits that fall into tropical streams as part of the "alochthonous input", providing food for many species of fish.

These segmented, almost pear-shaped pods are usually divided and curved, and vary from individual to individual.

They range in size from about 1.5 inches long and about 1.25-1.5 inches wide.

They have an interesting woody outer layer and a smooth interior.

As functional as they are attractive, these pods have a soft interior, which breaks down over time and is beloved by shrimp as food.

They will also recruit some biofilms on the exterior surfaces.

PREPARATION: You will need to boil these pods for at least an hour so they become saturated enough to sink. Even more, sometimes.

ORIGIN: India

Calotropis Pod

Another great pod to mix with your leaf litter! Fruit of the Calotropis gigantea plant.

It is a stellar botanical to replicate the biotope of tropical streams, where this type of materials accumulate in the substrate.

When incorporated into your biotope, they are perfect for providing feeding areas for fish such as tetras, dwarf cichlids and catfish, as well as ornamental shrimp, which will peck at them as they soften and decompose. They measure about 6.35 cm long and 5.08 cm wide on average.

PREPARATION: Boil for at least 20 minutes, to saturate them and make them sink.

ORIGIN: Southeast Asia/India

Afzelia Pod

The Southeast Asian Afzelia xylocarpa seed pod is a large, heavy and undeniably attractive botanical item that will serve a variety of uses, ranging from a simple garden piece to serving as a perch, feeding area or shelter for your frogs in a paludarium.

They have a cool, "carpet-like" shape and a leathery brown woody appearance and "embossed" texture.

In the aquarium, they are excellent feeding areas for shrimp, dwarf cichlids and catfish. Another perfect natural "accessory" to simulate the flooded forest or the biotope of tropical streams.

They are a pretty good size, up to about 7-8 inches long, with a typical width of about 2-3 inches, so they can really fill an area nicely.

PREPARATION: You will need to boil them for at least 20 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to soak them in water (because they float when first submerged). Rinse well after boiling.

ORIGIN: Southeast Asia

Sappanwood Pods

The dried fruits of the Biancaea sappan tree, which is native to tropical regions of Asia. It is commonly known as the "Indian Redwood" or "Sappanwood" tree.

These distinctive botanicals are known to contain antimicrobials, flavonoids, and of course, tannins. In fact, the dried bark and fruit are used to dye fabrics, so it's no surprise that these types can impart significant dye to water.

These are perfect for helping cover open substrates and complementing leaf litter to simulate tropical stream bottoms. They will definitely recruit some biofilm over time, and we have seen our catfish graze on them!

They are a good size, often averaging about 6-7 inches long, with a width of about 2 inches, so they can really create unique aesthetic accents in your blackwater.

Botanical style aquarium.

PREPARATION: You will need to boil these pods for at least 15 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to release some of the initial tannins and organic compounds that may be trapped in their tissues.

ORIGIN: Tropical Asia

Mintola coconut

Beautiful coconut that marks its grooves. It is perfect for the recreation of biotopes and natural environments.

Boil before use

Talami shell

Beautiful shell that will provide shelter for your fry and fish and add a different touch to the environment.

Kielmeyera Pod

These attractive botanicals are quite respectable in size; ranging from 6.98-10.16 cm long and around 3.17-5.08 cm wide.

They are a surprisingly heavy, dense little pod with an interesting leaf-like appearance, very variable in color. Fruit segments of the Brazilian tree, Kielmeyera lathrophyton, are another perfect "substitute" for the many types of fruits that fall into tropical waterways.

Small fish and shrimp will spend a lot of time feeding on each other, and the fry will occasionally seek refuge in them. They release a lot of tannins and can really help color water They are long-lasting botanicals with many aesthetic applications

PREPARATION: We recommend boiling them for at least half an hour so that they soak enough to sink.

ORIGIN: Brazil

Shell of the fruit of the "Bael Tree", Aegle marmelos

They are reminiscent of the fruits and seed pods that fall into tropical streams and waterways. They vary in size from 1.5 to 2 inches.

Much loved by frog keepers as a hiding place or water dish, they also look great when used in the aquarium!

PREPARATION: We would boil them for 20 minutes. They are extremely lightweight and difficult to sink, so you can simply fill them with some gravel or small stones.

ORIGIN: India

Jacaranda Pod

Sought after all over the world for their turtle-shell appearance, the split fruit pod of the Jacaranda tree, Jacaranda cuspidifolia, is an amazing little botanical, which will be a perfect addition to your leaf litter. They definitely have an "exotic" look to them, which is the perfect aesthetic for any tropical stream biotope!

They will begin to recruit a "biofilm" after a relatively short period of time underwater, which fry, small fish, snails and ornamental shrimp will appreciate.

As the pods progress, they are smaller in size; ranging from about 2.25-2.5 inches long and about 1.25-1.75 inches wide. They are a beautiful little pod with an interesting nut-like outer shell and a woody interior.

PREPARATION: Boiling is the way to go. And, being lightweight, it usually takes at least 35-40 minutes for them to sink.

ORIGIN: Brazil pods

Eucalyptus Pods

They are cone-shaped capsules of almost always regular shape, with five or six divisions. They are collected from the ground in different parts of the world, but they have their origin in Oceania.

They serve as natural hiding places within the aquarium. In addition to recreating a natural environment for aquarium fish and shrimp.

The eucalyptus fruit has a very particular design, they are hard woody berries that look like conical or hemispherical capsules, dark in color, dry, with many small seeds, with 5 or 6 divisions and with an intense aroma. Some call them eucalyptus acorns, others eucalyptus balls, eucalyptus berries, etc.

Prawns and other small animals like to hide in the Eucalyptus Pods. Because Eucalyptus Pods are a natural product, their shape and dimensions may differ.

Features of Eucalyptus Pods Botanicals

Eucalyptus Pods release beneficial substances (tannins and tannic acids) into the aquarium water. The effects of these substances are comparable to those of Catappa leaves.

For example, these substances ensure that the pH is lowered naturally. In addition, these substances have an antibacterial and stress-reducing effect.

Eucalyptus Pods give the water a brown color and are therefore also suitable for creating a blackwater biotope.

Preparation: You will need to boil these pods for 30 minutes (sometimes a little longer) to submerge them (because they float when first submerged).

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