{"product_id":"guava-leaves","title":"Guava Leaves","description":"\u003cp\u003eGuava Leaves come from \u003cem\u003ePsidium guajava\u003c\/em\u003e, a small tropical American tree cultivated for so long that its true wild range is uncertain. It's now grown throughout the tropics, and our leaves are sourced from Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The dried leaves are elliptic, about 7–15 cm (2.75–6 in) long, firm, and mid-brown with strong parallel veins. Once prepared, they sink and keep their shape for roughly 3–4 weeks, building a biofilm coat that shrimp and fry start grazing within the first week. Expect a medium amber tint that builds gradually instead of staining the water dark. Guava doesn't match one specific biotope, so use it as a general leaf-litter layer, not as a habitat recreation. It's a solid pick for shrimp keepers, fry tanks, and anyone who wants leaf litter that won't turn to mush in a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eMedium · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eWarm amber · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eTropical Americas (long-cultivated; true wild range uncertain) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e3–4 weeks · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eShrimp colonies · Fry tanks · Betta and dwarf cichlid breeding setups · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil + Soak · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eNot for Sulawesi shrimp or other species that need stable alkaline water; add gradually in soft, low-KH water to avoid a pH drop · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e25 pcs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirm leaf surface that grows biofilm within the first week\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium amber tint that builds slowly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHolds its shape for about 3–4 weeks before softening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural leaf-litter cover for shrimplets and fry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse to remove dust. Boil for at least 15 minutes, then let cool completely, and soak in clean water until the leaves sink. Use 7–10 leaves per 10 gal (38 L), adding them gradually in soft or low-KH water. Leave them in to break down fully, or replace them after about 3–4 weeks as they soften. \u003cem\u003ePairing:\u003c\/em\u003e Layer over Jackfruit Leaves; the jackfruit holds the base while the guava breaks down and is replaced on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eShrimp colonies (\u003cem\u003eNeocaridina\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCaridina\u003c\/em\u003e), fry-rearing tanks, betta and dwarf cichlid breeding setups, and botanical method aquariums where you want steady biofilm and leaf litter that holds its structure.\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":51837549871400,"sku":"BWS-LF-08","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_07_24_39PM_2.png?v=1781399814","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/guava-leaves","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}