ISOPods (In Search of Pods) botanical mix for foraging, blackwater, aquascaping: hermit crabs, isopods, betta, shrimp natural vivarium decor

ISO Pods (In Search of Pods) - A mix of personally collected, domestically sourced, and imported botanicals — selected for their versatility in use across multiple platforms: blackwater aquariums and paludariums, shrimp & betta tanks, bioactive vivarium setups in general, and - of course - land hermit crab terrariums (Coenobita spp.) that incorporate the use of microfauna like isopods or springtails. I have personally used these species in past blackwater aquariums as well as currently use them in freshwater tropical aquariums, a crested gecko’s vivarium, and in my own crabitat which also houses dwarf white isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa) and springtails (a tropical species I don’t recall).
Curated for those who seek an aesthetic on scale with their terrarium's inhabitants. Size does matter - from an artistic standpoint. I don't use large gravel in my aquariums because it looks out of proportion in comparison to my smaller fish species. Likewise, if I am looking for leaf litter or botanicals for my aquariums or vivariums, I seek out pieces that aren't so giant that they overwhelm the appearance of my enclosure. Larger enclosures, larger inhabitants = larger leaves and pods -- and these are not they.

PACKAGE SPECIFICATIONS:
Species represented: Alder (catkin*, Alnus spp. - A. incana, A. rubra, A. glutinosa), Bael (pod, Aegle marmelos), Birch (catkin*, Betula occidentalis), Casuarina (cone, C. equisetifolia), Lotus (pod, Nelumbo nucifera), Oak (acorn cupule**, Quercus spp.), and Sweetgum (pod, Liquidambar styraciflua) — all grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.
* The female catkins of the birch and alder (also in the Betulaceae or Birch Family) form in clusters and harden into woody, cone-like structures technically called infructescence.
** The cup shaped structure at the base of the seed of an oak (acorn) is technically called a cupule... an acorn cap!

*** Each package is prepared and packed individually - which means each species will be represented versus a "maybe" when scooped from a large pre-made container.***
See average dimensions and quantity in photo.
Package Size: roughly ~5.5"x5"x2"
Loosely packed without intentionally crushing the contents, but some of the pieces can be brittle and smaller pieces could break off.
Pieces vary in size.
Sold by recipe count and volume, not weight.
* Any props shown - like the hermit crab figurine or ruler - are not included.

OPTIONS & OPTIONAL ADD-ONS - in limited supply, as available:
* Double the "recipe", packed in a larger package.
* Add on a single larger "Lotus Seed Pod"; Usually the size and shape varies with the diameter anywhere from 3" to 4.5" across. The average width is 3.5"-ish.
* Add on two, "+ 2 Lotus Seed Pods".
* Add on a 6-pack of smaller/nano-sized "6-pack Nano Pods"; The size and shape varies with the seed head width anywhere from 1/2" - 7/8-ish" across and 1"-1.25-ish" long.
* Add on a single "Coconut Palm Bract"; size and shape varies. The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) bracts are woody, rigid, cup/flower/rosette-shaped structures that cover and protect the actual flower clusters (inflorescence) on the plant as they grow. The size and shape varies anywhere from 3" to 4.5" across with a depth of 1" to 2.5".
* Add on (4) SMALL Coconut Palm Bracts - ("+ 4pk SM Coco Bracts") ; size and shape varies. The size and shape varies anywhere from 1.5" to 2.5" across.

All wood/plant/pod materials that are not personally foraged from private, chemical-free land have been acquired from sources that specifically prepare, import, store, and/or supply such materials for use with animals in their various habitats, aquariums, and enclosures — NOT from a hobby/craft store or distributor. They have been heat-treated when required for importation, but no bleaching, dyeing, or any other chemical treatments have been applied during the supply chain. While all of the pieces have been quarantined and stored in air tight packaging at controlled temperatures, it is not a bad idea to get into the habit of freezing any all natural, pesticide-free dry foraged items for 48 hours before introducing them to your crabitat. Additional heat treatment can be applied, but it is at your own risk and nutrient loss, if relevant to the intention of your purchase, should be expected.

If you intend to use this mix as a botanical blend to introduce tannins to an aquatic setup, please visit whatever species-appropriate husbandry group you trust for guidance for any additional preparation steps that may need to be taken.

Applicable state sales taxes apply.

All husbandry and animal care questions should be directed to a species-specific group or forum. For land hermit crabs, the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) and/or the Hermit Crab Association (HCA) have been in existence the longest.

Adorable glass hermit crab used in the photo is a creation from glass artist - IsabelGreen.etsy.com .

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Artist retains all rights to all images & text in this listing and none may be reproduced.