This Aquarium Botanical Tannin Pack is a curated trio of the most effective tannin-releasing botanicals in the hobby — specifically selected to help you create a rich, naturalistic blackwater environment for bettas, shrimp, dwarf cichlids, and other tannin-loving species. A perfect starter kit for the botanical method aquarium and blackwater biotope aquascape.
What's Included
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10 Catappa Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) — medium-sized, the gold standard for blackwater tannins, water softening, pH control, and betta fish care
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Approximately 70–80 Casuarina Cones (2 oz) (Casuarina sp.) — fast biofilm and microfauna hotspot producers with gentle, low tannin output
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1 Lotus Pod (Nelumbo nucifera) — a long-lasting hide and biofilm surface for shrimp and small fish
Photos illustrate the general size and shape of the botanicals you will receive. As natural products, each item varies in size, shape, and color.
Why This Combination Works
Each botanical contributes something different: catappa leaves deliver the strongest tannin punch and carry well-documented antimicrobial properties that support fish health — especially valued in wild betta and biotope setups. Casuarina cones develop biofilm rapidly, creating microfauna hotspots that shrimp and fry love to graze on. The lotus pod provides a structural hide that lasts for months. Together they create a layered, naturalistic aquascape that fish and shrimp thrive in.
Compatible With
Blackwater aquariums, biotope setups, aquascaping projects, betta tanks, wild betta tanks, neocaridina and caridina shrimp tanks, dwarf cichlid tanks, paludariums, and bioactive terrariums.
Aquarium Preparation
Boil botanicals for 15–20 minutes to release initial tannins, then soak overnight to help them sink. Start with one or two pieces and add more as desired — you can always deepen the tannin level gradually. See our full botanical preparation guide for step-by-step instructions.
Please Note: Natural product — items will vary in size, shape, and color. Not for human consumption.
