Castle Dawn Aquatics

Sweet Gum Pods (25 Pack)

Sweet Gum Pods (25 Pack) - Main image
$13.31 $17.99 In stock

Category: Aquarium Aquatic Aquascaping Botanicals

A favourite among shrimp keepers across Southeast Asia, Liquidambar Pods are a highly functional and visually striking botanical for blackwater and biotope aquariums. Their compact size and intricate structure provide excellent shelter for shrimplets while encouraging natural grazing behaviour in Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp.

These pods develop rich biofilm layers as they condition in the aquarium, creating a valuable supplemental food source for shrimp, Plecos, and other bottom-dwelling species. With their high tannin output relative to size, Liquidambar Pods are ideal for nano blackwater aquariums where space is limited but natural water conditioning is essential.

All Castle Dawn Aquatics botanicals are organically sourced and naturally sun-dried without the use of chemicals or ethanol.

Tannins Released: High

Key Features and Important Notes:

  • What’s Included:
    1 × Pack of Liquidambar Pods
    ⚠️ For aquarium use only. Not for human consumption.
  • Average Size:
    2.5 cm (0.98 inches)
  • Source:
    Southeast Asia
  • Flora:
    Liquidambar styraciflua
  • Shrimp Keeper Favourite:
    Provides natural shelter for shrimplets and encourages grazing behaviour in Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp.
  • High Tannin Release:
    Releases significant tannins that help soften water and enhance blackwater colouration.
  • Biofilm Development:
    Promotes dense biofilm growth, creating a natural food source for shrimp, Plecos, and other bottom dwellers.
  • Ideal for Nano Aquariums:
    The compact size makes these pods perfect for small blackwater tanks and detailed biotope setups.
  • Breeding Support:
    Excellent for natural breeding ponds and infusoria production for fry and shrimplets.
  • Preparation Instructions:
    Boil for 30 minutes, then soak in cold water overnight before introducing to your aquarium.
  • Organic and Safe:
    Organically sourced, naturally sun-dried, and free from pesticides, chemicals, and ethanol.
  • Natural Variation:
    This is a natural product. Colour, shape, and size will vary from piece to piece.
  • Conservation Support:
    Part of the Wild Betta Rescue Program. Every purchase helps support conservation efforts throughout Southeast Asia.

Customer Reviews (4.4 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Christopher ★★★★★

Ordered these for my nano blackwater tank and the shrimp were crawling all over them within an hour. The compact size is perfect for a smaller setup since regular leaves tend to overwhelm it. Tannins took a couple days to really darken the water, but it looks great now.

Miles G. ★★★★★

The texture on these pods is what got me—each one has that intricate, spiky surface that makes my tank look far more natural than plain leaves ever did. My shrimp are constantly picking over them, and the visual depth in the aquascape is exactly what I was after.

Joshua C. ★★★★★

Tossed these into my blackwater setup and within a day the water had that perfect amber tea tone my shrimp absolutely love. The intricate texture on each pod gives the tank a natural, aged look that stands out against the hardscape.