{"product_id":"betel-husk","title":"Betel Husk","description":"\u003cp\u003eBetel Husk (\u003cem\u003eAreca catechu\u003c\/em\u003e) is the fibrous outer shell around the areca nut: cupped, coarse, and full of a texture that flat leaves and smooth pods can't give you. Areca catechu is native to the Philippines and is now grown across tropical South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Each husk is tan to rich brown and about 3-5 cm (1-2 in) long. It needs a boil and soak to sink. After that it holds its shape for months, releasing mild tannins with little tint while biofilm builds along the fibers. The cupped shape makes small sheltered pockets for shrimp and small bottom-dwellers to graze and hide under. It works well as a textural stand-in for Southeast Asian stream and leaf-litter scapes, and it's a long-lasting base layer for shrimp tanks and wild betta setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eLow–Medium · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eMinimal · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003ePhilippines (cultivated across Southeast Asia) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e3–6+ months · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eLitter texture · Shrimp · Biofilm surfaces · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil + Soak · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eContains natural alkaloids. Discard boil water and start low in shrimp tanks · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e12 pcs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCupped, fibrous shape creates sheltered pockets on the substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the longest-lasting botanicals in the range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense fibers build heavy biofilm for shrimp and bottom-feeders to graze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMild, slow tannin release with little water tint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse thoroughly, boil for 20–30 minutes, and discard the water. Then soak in fresh water for 24+ hours until the husks sink. Lay them across the substrate, partially bury them, or tuck them among leaf litter as curved cover. Use 2–3 per 10 gal (38 L). Replace after 3–6 months, or once they start to soften. Pair with Indian almond (catappa) or guava leaves for a layered litter bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eShrimp colonies, wild bettas, small catfish and corydoras, and any botanical method aquarium that needs long-lasting structure and biofilm surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"product-notice\"\u003ePlease Note: Not for human consumption. Preparation required. Because this is a natural product, size, shape, color, and texture will vary from piece to piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLet the botanical become part of the system. The value is in the slow breakdown, biofilm, tannin character, habitat texture, and natural behavior it encourages. This is where sunken forests come to life.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackwater Scapes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51838204936488,"sku":"BWS-PD-01","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_07_29_24PM_7.png?v=1781397867","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/betel-husk","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}