Coconut Petals are an excellent naturalistic decoration and buffering item for the freshwater aquarium!

Coconut Petals are ideal decor for blackwater tanks as well as many other setups, providing shelter to fry and small species of shrimp, crabs, crayfish, snails, and fish while maintaining a natural look in the aquarium. They also serve as an ideal growth medium for biofilm and diatoms, both of which are key food sources to countless aquatic animal species, including shrimp and other invertebrates as well as fish. 

Coconut Petals also have buffering qualities. As they decompose, they release tannins (tercatin, punicalin, punicalagin) that lower the pH of the aquarium, but at a gradual rate. This is particularly beneficial for aquatic animals that require acidic, low-pH water. Lotus Pods can also be used sparingly in high-pH setups as well, especially when their pH-lowering quality is counteracted with pH-raising decor such as lace rock and dried coral.

Our Coconut Petals are sourced from 100% pesticide and chemical-free areas and are safe to add directly to the aquarium. These petals can be allowed to decompose in the aquarium. Coconut Petals may float initially, but can be weighed down and boiled to make them sink immediately in the aquarium. Do not use rocks to weigh them down when boiling since rocks can explode when boiled. However, other heavy decor can be used to initially weigh Coconut Petals down until they become waterlogged. 

Please Note: We have trimmed our Coconut Petal stems to 4 inch (10 cm) length to allow economical shipping. The petals and stems are not brittle, but some petals do not have stems.

If you are looking for other botanicals, we offer a variety of other natural leaf litter for your aquarium.