{"product_id":"fermented-catappa","title":"Fermented Catappa","description":"\u003cp\u003eFermented Catappa Leaves are Indian almond leaves (\u003cem\u003eTerminalia catappa\u003c\/em\u003e) that have been naturally fermented before drying, so they arrive pre-softened and partly broken down. Ours are imported from Indonesia, within the tree's native range of tropical Asia to the Pacific and northern Australia. The leaves are darker, denser, and more pliable than standard catappa. They sink quickly and start releasing tannins right away, giving a deep tea-brown tone within the first day instead of building over weeks. That makes them useful for restoring color after a water change or for getting a new tank dark quickly. The softened surface also takes on biofilm sooner. Expect them to break down in about 2–3 weeks, faster than standard catappa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eHigh — fast release · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eDark tea · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eImported from Indonesia (native range: tropical Asia to the Pacific, N. Australia) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e2–3 weeks · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003ePost water change · Rapid tinting · Spawning setups · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Soak · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eFast tannin release can drop pH quickly in soft, low-KH, or RO water; start small and add gradually · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e55 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast tannin release for a deep tea-brown tone within the first day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDarker water tone than standard catappa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-softened surface takes on biofilm sooner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuickly restores tint after water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse to remove dust and loose debris, then soak in dechlorinated water until the leaves sink. Add 1–2 leaves per 10 gal (38 L) after water changes to restore tint, and adjust to the tone you want. In soft or RO water, start with one leaf and monitor pH. \u003cem\u003ePairing:\u003c\/em\u003e Use with Catappa Bark. The fermented leaves give quick color, and the bark holds the tint for months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWild bettas, dwarf cichlids, and blackwater tanks where you want fast, rich color, including spawning setups where keepers shift water conditions to encourage breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"product-notice\"\u003eNot 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":51838192943400,"sku":"BWS-LF-07","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_07_24_39PM_8.png?v=1781398885","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/fermented-catappa","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}