Q:  What animals and pets benefit from botanical seed pods?

A:

Isopods and Springtails:  Hides

Parrots (macaws, cockatoos, conures, African greys, budgies, lovebirds, cockatiels): Foraging, chewing (beak exercise), enrichment, shredding fun
  

Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice, Rats: Gnawing for dental health, rolling toys, hiding food inside pods

Guinea Pigs: Safe chewing material, environmental enrichment
Rabbits: Chewing (teeth wear), mental stimulation
Chinchillas: Gnawing for dental health, shredding enrichment

 Ferrets: Batting pods as toys, sensory enrichment
 Sugar Gliders: Foraging, climbing, chewing for enrichment
 
 Geckos, Skinks, Anoles: Climbing, hiding, naturalistic terrarium decor
 Snakes: Shelter/hideouts, climbing enrichment
 Frogs & Toads: Shelter in damp pods, hiding spots 

 Aquarium Freshwater Shrimp: Biofilm growth for grazing, hiding spaces, tannins
 improve water health
 Betta Fish: Natural cover, tannins mimic wild habitat
 Plecos: Hiding shelters, tannin-enriched water conditions
 Dwarf Cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma): Breeding shelters, natural habitat enrichment
 Snails: Grazing on biofilm from pods

Hermit Crabs: Climbing structures, hiding places, enrichment

 Insects (bees, beetles, ants): Shelter, nesting cavities
 Overall Benefits of Botanical Seed Pods
 • Foraging & chewing enrichment → birds, rodents, rabbits
 • Dental health → rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs
 • Mental stimulation & play → parrots, ferrets, sugar gliders
 • Shelter & climbing → reptiles, amphibians, hermit crabs
 • Water conditioning (tannins) → aquariums (fish, shrimp, snails)
 • Naturalistic habitat → terrariums & aquarium

 

Q:  Do the botanicals need to be sterilized before use?

A:  If the botanicals are being used in an aquarium, rinse and boil the seed pods for at least 15 minutes will start the release of tannins and help waterlog the botanicals so they sink.  After boiling, an overnight soak in fresh water will also help the botanicals to become waterlogged.  Please note: some botanicals are very buoyant, and it may take several days of soaking or an aquarium-safe weight or rock may need to be utilized to help the botanical sink to the bottom of the aquarium.

If using the botanicals in a bioactive terrarium or terrarium, it is not necessary to sterilize the botanicals.  They can simply be placed in the terrarium.  You may rinse or boil the botanicals if you choose.  If the botanicals are boiled or rinsed, let them dry completely before adding to the enclosure.

 

Q:  There is mold starting to grow on the botanicals in my terrarium, is it safe to continue using them?

A:  Mold growth is a normal part of nature, and it is expected in bioactive terrariums.  In most cases, the mold is not harmful and it’s the ecosystem’s way of “cycling” and trying to balance itself out.  You can wipe the mold off if it gets excessive.  The mold may have to be wiped off several times before the terrarium ecosystem is in balance and the mold goes away.  Mold typically forms when enclosures are too wet.  Check to be sure there is not excess wetness in the habitat.

 

Q:  Why are the botanicals in the aquarium getting slimy or gel-like or moldy looking?  Is it safe?

A:  That growth on the botanicals is biofilm, and it is harmless.  Biofilm is beneficial in blackwater aquariums.  It provides a food source to many shrimp and fish, and it’s a sign the aquarium is healthy.  Some botanicals produce heavy amounts of biofilm and other botanicals produce a minimal amount.  The biofilm will eventually subside.

 

Q:  How many botanicals should be used in a blackwater aquarium?

A:  It is recommended to start with only a couple botanicals per 10 gallons.  It is always best to start with just a few botanicals because more can always be added.  Adding too many botanicals can affect the aquarium water parameters.