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Description

Cocoa Pod: Natural Caves and Enrichment for Aquariums

Cocoa Pods are dark, glossy botanicals measuring between 8 and 13 cm, perfect for aquariums and vivariums. Dried and hollowed, these pods offer an aesthetically appealing and functional addition to your tank, providing natural caves and tannin-releasing benefits for a healthier aquatic environment.

Why Choose Cocoa Pods for Your Aquarium?

Cocoa Pods are a versatile and durable choice for aquariums, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits. Their smooth, dark surface and hollow centre make them ideal as natural shelters for shy fish and shrimp. Additionally, they release beneficial tannins that mimic the natural blackwater habitats of species such as tetras, discus, and angelfish.

Key Benefits of Cocoa Pods

• Tannin Release: Gradually lowers pH levels and creates authentic blackwater conditions, promoting fish health and well-being.
• Natural Caves: The hollow centre offers a safe refuge for shy fish, shrimp, and invertebrates, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviour.
• Durability: Cocoa Pods are long-lasting and decompose slowly, making them a reliable addition to your aquarium setup.
• Safe for Aquatic Life: Free of harmful substances, these pods are completely safe for fish, shrimp, snails, and other tank inhabitants.
• Grazing Surface: Provides an enriching grazing spot for shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates, offering nutrition and stimulation.

Enhance Your Aquascape

Whether used as a standalone feature or combined with other botanicals and driftwood, Cocoa Pods add a natural, intricate aesthetic to your aquarium. Their dark colour and rounded shape enhance the beauty of your aquascape, while their functionality provides essential habitat enrichment for your aquatic life.

How to Use Cocoa Pods in Your Aquarium

1. Rinse Thoroughly: Clean the pods with water to remove any surface debris.
2. Boil for Sinking: Boil the pods for a few minutes to help them sink and release beneficial tannins into the water.
3. Add to Aquarium: Allow the tannin “tea” to cool and pour it into your tank along with the pods.
4. Replace as Needed: Remove and replace pods as they naturally decompose to maintain their aesthetic and functional benefits.

Specifications:

• Size: Approximately 8–13 cm (shape and size may vary as this is a natural product).
• Sold As: Individually.
• Origin: Ethically and sustainably sourced from Sri Lanka.

Why Cocoa Pods Are Essential for Blackwater Aquariums

Cocoa Pods are an excellent addition to blackwater or biotope setups, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. They enhance the natural look of your tank while supporting the health and well-being of your fish and shrimp, making them an essential botanical for aquarists seeking to replicate authentic habitats.

Learn More and Get Inspired

For tips on using Cocoa Pods in your aquarium, explore our Guide to Blackwater Aquariums or browse our Buyer’s Guides. Looking for inspiration? Visit our Instagram feed to see how others incorporate Cocoa Pods into their aquascapes.

Watch our video for more tips on using aquarium botanicals:

Additional information