{"product_id":"mahogany-pods","title":"Mahogany Pod Sections","description":"\u003cp\u003eMahogany Pod Sections are the woody valves of the mahogany seed capsule \u003cem\u003e(Swietenia spp.)\u003c\/em\u003e. Ours are collected locally in Puerto Rico, where planted West Indian and big-leaf mahogany have crossed into mixed populations, so the pods vary in size and shape. Each section is boat-shaped and smooth on the inside, typically 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) wide. They are dense, release very little tannin, and grow biofilm steadily during their 1–3 months in the tank. Their real value is structure. Set on the substrate, they give small fish and shrimp low cover, mark out territories, and break up open sand. They suit Caribbean and Neotropical biotopes and work as a stand-in elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eLow · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eClear to faint tint · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eCollected in Puerto Rico (genus native to the Neotropics) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e1–3 months · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eShelter · Territory markers · Biofilm grazing · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil + Soak · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eMay float until fully waterlogged; soak until pods sink before adding · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e8 or 12 pcs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSculptural boat shape that holds its form in the tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery low tannin output and little effect on water color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteady biofilm growth for grazing shrimp and fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScales from nano to large tanks by how many you group\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse thoroughly. Boil for at least 25 minutes, then let the pods soak in the cooled water until they sink. Place 3–5 pods per 10 gal (38 L) on the substrate. Group them to create cover and territory edges, and turn some cupped side down for shelter. Replace or supplement as they soften, usually in 1–3 months.\nPairing: Scatter Catappa Leaves around the pods to add leaf litter and tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCaribbean and Neotropical biotopes and mixed botanical setups with wild bettas, dwarf cichlids, tetras, corydoras, or shrimp where you want structure without heavy staining.\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":"12 Mahogany Pod Sections (Small)","offer_id":52261502058792,"sku":"BWS-PD-07","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 Mahogany Pod Sections - (Large)","offer_id":52261502091560,"sku":"BWS-PD-07b","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_07_43_08PM_1.png?v=1781663069","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/mahogany-pods","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}