A selection of dried plant products that aim to better replicate the natural environment in the aquarium (or terrarium) and meet the needs of inhabitants. Driftwood, wooden seedpods, cones, bark, and leaves, each have benefits as they slowly decompose underwater, in addition to being aesthetic natural décor. Depending on your water source, the effects of each product may differ between aquariums but, in general, botanicals lower general hardness (gH) by binding minerals, acidify (decrease pH), release hummic tannins to tint the water brown, accumulate biofilm diet for inhabitants, and provide shelter. Botanicals can be replaced periodically as they decompose. Excess loading of botanicals should be avoided as decomposition can deplete available oxygen in the aquarium, without additional aeration. +PLUS For more information, see the blog articles below.