Terms of service

Last updated: October 16, 2026

Welcome to Blackwater Scapes. By visiting our website or purchasing from our store, you agree to the following Terms of Service.

Overview

Blackwater Scapes provides natural aquarium botanicals, aquascaping materials, biotope-inspired bundles and educational resources for blackwater aquariums, botanical method aquariums and naturalistic freshwater habitats.

By using this website, you agree to comply with these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.

Eligibility

By placing an order, you confirm that you are of legal age to enter into a binding agreement where you live, or that you are using this website with the involvement of a parent or legal guardian.

Product Information

We do our best to provide accurate product descriptions, photos, prices and availability. Because our products are natural materials, variation is expected, including differences in:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Color
  • Texture
  • Weight
  • Density
  • Tannin release
  • Sinking time
  • Breakdown rate

Product photos are representative examples and may not show the exact item you receive. Some images may be styled, illustrative or digitally created.

Aquarium Botanicals Disclaimer

Blackwater Scapes products are natural materials intended for aquarium use after proper preparation, and for terrarium, vivarium or paludarium use only where stated on the product page.

Our botanicals are not for human consumption. They are not intended to be used as food, tea, herbs, supplements, medicine, animal feed, pet treats, or for any household, culinary, medicinal or agricultural use.

Preparation is required before use. Customers are responsible for:

  • Rinsing botanicals before use
  • Soaking or boiling when appropriate (see our How to Prepare Botanicals guide)
  • Introducing botanicals gradually
  • Monitoring aquarium conditions
  • Making sure products are appropriate for their aquarium, livestock and maintenance routine
  • Keeping products out of reach of children and pets

Botanicals may release tannins, soften, decompose, grow biofilm, temporarily float, or affect the appearance and chemistry of aquarium water. These are normal characteristics of botanical materials.

To the extent permitted by law, Blackwater Scapes is not responsible for livestock loss, plant loss, water quality issues, improper use, improper preparation, misuse, accidental ingestion or aquarium system failures.

Safety Notice

Do not ingest Blackwater Scapes products. Do not use them for cooking, brewing, herbal preparations, animal feeding, reptile bedding, gardening or any purpose other than those stated on the product page.

Store dry botanicals in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.

Orders and Payment

By placing an order, you agree that all information you provide is accurate and complete.

We reserve the right to cancel or refuse any order for reasons including, but not limited to:

  • Product unavailability
  • Pricing or listing errors
  • Suspected fraud
  • Incorrect customer information
  • Shipping or pickup restrictions
  • Violation of these Terms

If we cancel an order after payment, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method.

Payment must be completed before an order is processed, shipped or released for pickup.

Pricing, Taxes and Availability

Prices and product availability may change at any time without notice. Applicable taxes, including Puerto Rico sales and use tax (IVU), are calculated at checkout.

We reserve the right to modify, discontinue or limit quantities of any product at any time.

Discounts and Promotions

Only one discount code can be used per order unless stated otherwise. Welcome discounts are limited to one per customer. Discount codes may have minimums, exclusions or expiration dates and have no cash value. We may change or end any promotion at any time.

Shipping and Local Pickup

We ship to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Orders of $70 or more (after discounts) ship free to all of these destinations. Shipping rates for smaller orders and delivery options are shown at checkout.

Delivery times are estimates and aren't guaranteed. Once an order is handed to the shipping carrier, Blackwater Scapes is not responsible for carrier delays, lost packages, stolen packages or packages marked as delivered, except as described in our Shipping Policy.

Local pickup is available at no charge in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Choose Local Pickup at checkout. We'll email you when your order is ready to arrange a pickup day and time and to share the pickup location. Please wait for our email before coming by, and bring your order number and the name on the order.

Orders are held for 7 days after our ready-for-pickup email. If we can't reach you to arrange pickup within that time, we may cancel the order and issue a refund.

Please inspect your order at pickup. Missing or damaged items should be reported at that time so we can correct them.

Please review our Shipping Policy for full details.

Returns and Refunds

Returns and refunds are handled according to our Refund Policy.

Because our products are natural materials, opened, used, soaked, boiled or aquarium-exposed products are not eligible for return, except as described in our Refund Policy for items received damaged, defective or incorrect.

Educational Content

Any aquarium care, botanical preparation, biotope or livestock-related information provided by Blackwater Scapes is for general educational purposes only. It is not veterinary or professional water-quality advice.

Aquarium conditions vary, and customers are responsible for making decisions appropriate for their own systems, livestock and experience level.

Intellectual Property

All website content, including text, photos, graphics, logos, product descriptions, educational materials and branding, is the property of Blackwater Scapes unless otherwise stated. Third-party images and figures are credited where they appear and remain the property of their respective owners.

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute or use our content for commercial purposes without written permission.

User Conduct

You agree not to use this website for unlawful, abusive, fraudulent or harmful purposes. You may not attempt to interfere with the operation, security or functionality of the website.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Blackwater Scapes is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages resulting from the use of our website, products or educational materials.

Our maximum liability for any order is limited to the amount paid for the product or order in question.

Nothing in these Terms limits any rights you may have under applicable consumer protection laws.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and applicable United States federal law.

Related Policies

Please also review our Shipping Policy, Refund Policy, Privacy Policy and Legal Notice, available in the footer of this website.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date and will apply to orders placed after the change. Continued use of the website after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms.

Contact

For questions about these Terms of Service, contact us at:
Blackwater Scapes
Email: info@blackwaterscapes.com