Frequently Asked Questions

Botanicals are natural leaves, seed pods, cones, bark, roots and peat used in aquariums and terrariums. In water, they release tannins and humic substances, give fish cover and grow biofilm that shrimp and fry graze on.

A blackwater aquarium recreates the tea-colored streams and swamps of places like Borneo and the Amazon, where fallen leaves stain soft, acidic water. Learn more on What is a Blackwater Aquarium?

Yes. The color comes from tannins and humic substances, the same compounds found in wild blackwater habitats. Tinted water can still be crystal clear. Cloudiness or a bad smell is a different issue and usually means too much material too fast or poor water quality.

It's an approach that treats botanicals as part of the ecosystem, not decoration. Leaves and pods are allowed to soften, grow biofilm and slowly break down, just like leaf litter in nature. See Botanical Method Aquariums.

No. They shape water chemistry, feed microorganisms, provide shelter and build the natural detritus layer many fish and shrimp rely on. Their appearance changes over time, and that's part of how they work.

Yes, always. Rinse to remove dust, then boil or steep to clean the surface, release some of the first tannins and help items sink. Leaves need the shortest prep. Pods, husks, bark and roots need longer boiling and soaking. Let everything cool before adding it to your tank.

Each product page has its own instructions, and our preparation guide covers every type.

Start small and add more over a few weeks. For a 40–60 L (10–15 gal) tank, a good start is 2–3 Catappa Leaves, 8–10 Casuarina Cones and 1–2 pods. Watch your water and livestock before adding more.

Dry pods, husks and bark are full of air. Boil them longer or soak them for a few days until they sink. You can also tuck them under hardscape until they become waterlogged.

If you want tinted water, yes. Activated carbon removes tannins. Keep your biological media in place. Carbon is useful later if you ever want to lighten the water for a day or two.

Place 30–50 g of Organic Sphagnum Peat Moss per 40 L (10 gal) in a mesh bag inside your filter. Check pH as it works, and replace it every 6–8 weeks.

That's the tannins and humic substances being released, which is exactly what botanicals are meant to do. The color is strongest in the first weeks and settles as the botanicals age.

Leaves have a mild, gradual effect. Peat has a stronger softening and acidifying effect over several weeks. In hard water with high carbonate hardness (KH), pH changes will be small. Botanicals tint and condition the water, but they won't replace RO or soft water for sensitive species.

Remove a few botanicals or use smaller pieces, do a partial water change, or run activated carbon for a day or two. Add botanicals back gradually until you reach the tint you like.

Yes. Shrimp graze the biofilm that forms on leaves and pods all day. Prepare everything first and add it gradually so water parameters stay stable.

Yes. Bettas, especially wild species, come from leaf-filled, tannin-stained waters. For a new setup, let the botanicals condition the water for about a week before adding fish, and keep an eye on pH.

They can. Biofilm and the microorganisms it supports make an excellent first food for fry, and leaf litter gives them places to hide. For many soft-water species, tannin-rich water is also a natural spawning cue.

Leaves differ in tannin strength, how fast they break down and the biofilm they grow. Use the Tannin Level, Breakdown and Native Region filters when you shop, and check the Habitat Snapshot on each product page. If you're unsure, Catappa Leaves are a reliable all-round start.

Leaves do most of the work on water chemistry and biofilm, and they break down within weeks. Pods, husks and bark last much longer and add structure, shade and territories for fish to claim.

Sterculia Pods and Mahogany Pod Sections make natural hideouts and spawning sites for small fish and shrimp. Combine them with leaf litter for cover.

Our Beginner Kits include a balanced mix of leaves and pods with simple instructions. For a habitat-inspired setup, see our Biotope Bundles.

Most leaves soften and break down in about 3–6 weeks. Pods, husks, bark and roots can last several months or longer. Peat should be replaced every 6–8 weeks. Each product page lists its expected breakdown time.

Usually not. Softened leaves support the most biofilm and become food for microorganisms and shrimp. Remove them only if they're completely broken down or if your water quality starts to drop.

That's biofilm, a natural layer of bacteria and fungi. It often appears in the first week or two, gets grazed by shrimp and snails and fades on its own. It's a normal, healthy part of a botanical tank.

We ship to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. We don't currently ship to other U.S. territories or outside the United States.

Yes. Orders of $70 or more (after discounts) ship free to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Shipping for smaller orders is calculated at checkout.

Free pickup is available in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Choose Local Pickup at checkout. Your order is usually ready within 1 business day, and we’ll email you when it’s ready to arrange a pickup day and time. Please bring your order number and the name on the order.

Puerto Rico orders placed Monday–Friday by 12:00 PM (AST) usually ship the next business day. Orders placed later, on weekends or on holidays ship within 2 business days. Orders to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. usually ship within 2–5 business days. You’ll receive an email with tracking when your order ships.

Email us at info@blackwaterscapes.com as soon as possible. We can make changes or cancel orders that haven't shipped or been picked up yet.

Check your tracking link first, then contact the carrier. If it's still missing, email us with your order number and we'll help you follow up.

Join our email list for 10% off your first order, plus biotope inspiration, species spotlights and early access to new botanicals.

Every leaf, pod and piece of bark is a natural product, so size, shape, color and texture vary from batch to batch. This natural variation isn't a defect.

Email info@blackwaterscapes.com within 48 hours of delivery with your order number, photos of the items and packaging, and a short description. For pickup orders, please check your items at pickup.

Unopened items in their original sealed packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery or pickup. Email us first for return instructions. Opened, prepared or aquarium-used botanicals, sale items and gift cards can't be returned. See our Refund Policy for details.

Once your return is received and approved, we refund your original payment method within 10 business days. Your bank may take a few extra days to post it. Original shipping costs are refunded only if the issue was our error.