Description
Aquatic Thelembu Pods | Pack of 2
Give your aquarium a distinctive, natural look with Aquatic Thelembu Pods—rare, beautifully sculpted seed pods from the tropical Sterculia foetida tree. These pods are collected only after they naturally fall to the ground, then hand-cleaned and sun-dried to preserve their bold texture, ridges, and deep cavities. They are 100% natural and free of pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals, making them a safe botanical choice for community tanks, shrimp tanks, and aquariums with plecos and other bottom dwellers.
Natural Benefits in the Aquarium
Thelembu Pods do more than enhance your aquascape—they help create the kind of environment many fish and invertebrates instinctively recognize as secure and natural. Once submerged, the pods gradually release tannins and other natural organic compounds that can gently condition the water and support a calmer, more natural feel in the tank. Their sculpted surface and cup-like interior quickly develop biofilm and microgrowth, turning the pod into a natural grazing station that shrimp, snails, plecos, and fry will actively pick at throughout the day. Those same cavities also function as ready-made shelter and refuge space, giving smaller or shyer inhabitants a place to retreat, forage, and display more natural behavior.
Key benefits at a glance:
- Tannin release for a more natural environment, often associated with reduced stress and more confident behavior
- Biofilm-friendly surface that encourages grazing for shrimp, snails, plecos, and fry
- Natural hideouts and breeding/refuge space thanks to the pod’s cup-like shape and crevices
- Long-lasting botanical that slowly breaks down over time, staying functional and attractive in the scape
As tannins release, you may notice a warm amber or tea-like tint—especially in softer water—an effect many aquarists intentionally seek in blackwater- and rainforest-inspired aquariums. If you prefer a clearer look, routine water changes or activated carbon can reduce the tint. Tannins may also nudge pH slightly lower depending on your tank’s buffering (KH), while harder, well-buffered water often shows minimal change. Thelembu Pods are long-lasting and break down slowly over time; as they soften, they often become even more attractive to grazers because the surface becomes increasingly rich with biofilm.
Aquascaping with Thelembu Pods
Thelembu Pods look best when you treat them like “found” hardscape—tucked, layered, and integrated into the layout rather than simply placed on open substrate. Try nesting a pod against aquarium rocks or partially burying it so it looks naturally lodged along the bottom. For a cohesive natural scape, pair Thelembu Pods with our driftwood—Stump Wood, Tiger Wood, Saba Wood, Blackwood, or Driftwood on Slate—and finish the scene with live aquarium plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, or mosses to soften edges and create a mature, established look.
Quick Aquascaping Tips:
- Place near hardscape for a realistic “washed-in” look
- Use alongside driftwood + rocks for depth and contrast
- Surround with epiphytes/mosses to make the layout feel established
- Start with one pod, then add the second if you want a stronger botanical effect
Together, these simple placement tweaks help the Thelembu Pods look like a natural part of the environment—while maximizing their shelter value and creating a more immersive, healthy-looking aquascape.
How to Use & Prep Thelembu Pods
Rinse the pods under warm running water to remove any natural dust or debris. Pre-soaking in warm or hot water for a few hours is recommended to help them waterlog and sink faster while beginning the tannin-release process. Then place them directly in the aquarium as décor, a grazing and shelter feature, or near gentle flow areas to distribute tannins more evenly. Because these pods are large and long-lasting, one or two are typically enough for most aquariums.
Note: Each Thelembu Pod is unique in color, shape, and texture. As a 100% natural product, variations are normal and part of the authentic, organic character they bring to your aquascape.
Why Buy from Modern Aquarium
At Modern Aquarium, we’re obsessed with helping you build beautiful, natural aquariums—from botanicals and hardscape to live plants. We’ve also been designated by Google as a Top Quality Store, and we have thousands of verified customer reviews on Google, so you can shop with confidence.
