{"product_id":"sappanwood-pods","title":"Sappanwood Pods","description":"\u003cp\u003eSappanwood Pods are the dried seed pods of \u003cem\u003eBiancaea sappan\u003c\/em\u003e (formerly \u003cem\u003eCaesalpinia sappan\u003c\/em\u003e), the tree whose red heartwood has been used as a natural dye for centuries. The species is native from the Himalayan foothills to Indochina and has long been cultivated across Indonesia, where it's called secang. Ours are imported from there. The pods are flat, woody, and obliquely oblong, about 7–10 cm (3–4 in) long, with a short hooked tip that gives each piece a slight scoop. In the aquarium they lie flat on the substrate and release medium tannins with a warm amber-to-reddish tint. They last 1–3 months and build biofilm along their surfaces for shrimp and small fish to forage. They add a distinctive shape and tone to Southeast Asian and mixed botanical builds.\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 with a reddish tint · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eImported from Indonesia (cultivated; native range: Himalaya to Indochina) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e1–3 months · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eShrimp · Nano · Biofilm surfaces · Pod detail · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eCan lower pH in soft, low-KH, or RO water · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e12 pcs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm amber tannins with a reddish tint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat, hooked pods add distinctive detail to the substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLasts 1–3 months with steady biofilm growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact size suits nano tanks and shrimp colonies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse, then boil for at least 25 minutes to release initial tannins and help the pods sink. Let them cool in the water before adding them to the aquarium. Scatter across the substrate or tuck between leaves and larger pods, using 4–6 pods per 10 gal (38 L). Replace as they soften, usually after 1–3 months. \u003cem\u003ePairing:\u003c\/em\u003e Scatter over a Mango Leaves base layer for contrast in shape and tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eShrimp colonies, nano aquariums, wild betta tanks, and Southeast Asian or mixed botanical builds where small sculptural pods add detail to the substrate.\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":51837667180840,"sku":"BWS-PD-08","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_05_52_26PM_10.png?v=1781399512","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/sappanwood-pods","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}