What it helps with
It makes the first blackwater step easier to understand and easier to pack correctly.
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WHAT YOU RECEIVE
- 2 x Catappa leaves
- 2 x Banana leaves
- 5 g Mulberry leaves
- 25 x Alder cones
Natural product: size, shape, colour, texture and surface detail will vary.
PRODUCT DETAILS
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What to watch
Watch water colour, leaf softening, grazing response and any excess breakdown.
If you want the natural “leaf-litter” look, strong biofilm grazing surfaces, and a controllable blackwater tint without guessing what to mix — this bundle is built for that.
It combines: leaf litter surfaces (biofilm + natural foraging behaviour) a gentle tannin booster (alder cones for humics and an amber “tea” tone)
HOW TO USE / LAYOUT GUIDANCE
- Add the leaf litter first to create cover and grazing surfaces.
- Remove pieces if they break down heavily in lightly stocked tanks.
Product story
Leaf Litter + Tannins Starter Bundle – Blackwater / Biofilm Pack in use
AQUARIUM PRODUCT STORY
Build the box as a natural habitat route
These are illustrative product-world scenes, not customer proof or review images. They help customers understand the habitat, packing and staged-use context before buying.
FEATURE PIECE
Set the largest structural botanical first and build the smaller materials around it.
OPEN ROUTES
Leave open sand and swimming space instead of filling the entire substrate.
GRAZING SURFACES
Spread leaves and textured pieces so shrimp and small fish can explore multiple surfaces.
SHELTER
Use pods and harder forms to create cover without turning the whole aquarium into one dense pile.
PREPARATION & SAFETY
PREPARATION
- Rinse all botanicals thoroughly before use. Do not use soap, detergents or household chemicals.
- If needed, pre-soak harder pieces for 1–7 days to help them sink and to reduce the strongest initial tint.
- A white or translucent biofilm may appear as botanicals begin to soften. This is a normal part of botanical decomposition and is commonly grazed by shrimp and snails.
SAFETY
- Add botanicals gradually, particularly in small aquariums or very soft, low-KH water.
- Botanicals are not a treatment and do not guarantee a specific pH, GH or KH change.
- Remove or reduce botanical material if livestock show signs of stress.
- For ornamental aquarium / hobby use only. Not for human consumption. Keep away from children and pets.
- Botanicals may release tannins and soften the visual tone of the water.
FAQ
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Can this be topped up later?
Yes. Use it as a starter route and replace or top up botanicals as the aquarium consumes them.
LEARN BEFORE YOU ADD
Practical guides for botanical setup, preparation and what to expect.
COMPLETE THE ROUTE
