Aquatic Arts Beal Pods (Aegle marmelos) — Dried Botanicals
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A long-lasting botanical that balances beauty, function, and ecology—nurturing fish, shrimp, and microfauna in every setup.
Bring the balance and beauty of nature into your aquarium or terrarium with the Beal Pod, the dried fruit husk of the Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos). Naturally hollow and rich in organic texture, this unique botanical provides structure, shelter, and steady tannin release to help create a Balanced Aquarium and support a Thriving Ecosystem.
From blackwater biotopes to tropical terrariums, Beal Pods add both aesthetic appeal and natural function. Shrimp, Plecos, and other biofilm grazers thrive as these pods slowly develop a layer of nutritious microbial growth, mimicking the ecology of wild tropical streams.
What We Love About Beal Pods
• Natural Shelter & Spawning Site: The hollow design provides refuge and breeding areas for shrimp, small fish, and fry—ideal for Apistogrammas, Betta species, Corydoras, and Plecos.
• Perfect for Biofilm Grazers: Plecos, Otocinclus, shrimp, and snails benefit from the biofilm and fungal growth that naturally forms on the pod’s surface.
• Tannin-Rich Botanical: Gradually releases tannins and humic substances that promote healthy water chemistry, mimicking natural blackwater environments.
• Durable & Long-Lasting: The woody shell holds its shape for months before slowly breaking down and enriching the substrate.
• Multi-Habitat Versatility: Excellent for aquariums, paludariums, vivariums, and bioactive terrariums housing frogs, isopods, or tropical geckos.
Natural Habitat Connection
Native to the forests and floodplains of South and Southeast Asia, the Bael Tree’s woody fruit husks often fall into slow-moving streams where fish, shrimp, and amphibians use them as cover and breeding sites. Over time, they release tannins that soften and darken the water—creating the calm, nutrient-rich environments where life thrives. Adding Beal Pods to your aquarium or terrarium recreates that same natural balance, bridging aesthetics and ecology.
Usage in Different Applications
In Aquariums:
Use Beal Pods to create natural hiding places or spawning caves for shrimp, small catfish, and dwarf cichlids. Plecos and Otocinclus will graze on the biofilm that develops, while shrimp feed on the microfauna the pod supports.
For Breeding Tanks:
Position pods near plants or driftwood to provide secure spaces for egg-laying fish and fry. The interior cavity encourages natural spawning behaviors while offering fry protection and a food source from growing biofilm.
In Terrariums & Vivariums:
Excellent for dart frogs, small tropical geckos, or micro lizards. Beal Pods hold moisture, provide shelter, and blend beautifully with tropical foliage or moss-covered hardscape.
For Isopods and Bioactive Setups:
A favorite for isopods and springtails—the pod’s structure supports fungal growth and helps maintain humidity, making it an ideal addition to bioactive cleanup crews.
As Botanical Décor:
Add texture and realism to paludariums or dry displays. Each pod has a unique shape and grain, making it a visually stunning accent in any natural habitat.
Usage & Preparation
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Rinse Thoroughly: Remove dust or debris.
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Boil or Soak: Simmer for 15–30 minutes to help the pod sink and release excess tannins.
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Anchor if Needed: Fill the interior with gravel or substrate to prevent floating.
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Terrarium Use: Simply rinse and place—no boiling required.
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Monitor and Replace: Pods will slowly decompose over months, enriching your ecosystem and continuing the natural cycle.
Recommended For
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Shrimp, Snails, and Plecos
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Otocinclus & Other Biofilm Grazers
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Dwarf Cichlids & Breeding Fish
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Tropical Terrariums (Dart Frogs, Micro Geckos)
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Isopod & Bioactive Enclosures
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Blackwater & Natural Aquascapes
Create a Balanced, Thriving Aquarium
From shrimp tanks to tropical terrariums, Beal Pods are more than decoration—they’re living architecture. Each pod supports life, stability, and beauty, helping you build an aquarium that’s not only balanced but truly alive.
What are Bael Pods used for in aquariums?
Bael Pods are used as natural structure and long-lasting enrichment. They provide shelter, grazing surfaces, and visual interest while slowly supporting biofilm development over time.
Are Bael Pods more decorative or functional?
They’re both, but their strength is function. Their firm structure creates reliable hiding spots for shrimp, small fish, and microfauna, and they hold up much longer than most leaves.
Which animals interact with Bael Pods the most?
Shrimp and snails use them constantly. Shrimp graze along the surface and inside the openings, while snails often rest on or beneath them. Small bottom-oriented fish will also claim them as cover.
Do Bael Pods release tannins?
Yes, but gently. They may add a light, gradual tint to the water rather than a strong blackwater effect. Most of the benefit comes from habitat enrichment and biofilm support rather than heavy tannins.
Do I need to boil or soak Bael Pods before adding them?
Soaking is recommended. Bael Pods are dense and may float at first. A soak helps them sink faster and rinses off dust. Boiling is optional if you want immediate sinking or faster tannin release.
How long do Bael Pods last in the aquarium?
They’re very long-lasting. Bael Pods can remain intact for months, slowly softening while maintaining their shape and usefulness.
Is it okay to leave Bael Pods in the tank as they age?
Yes. Aging is part of the benefit. As the surface softens, it becomes even more attractive for grazing. They only need removal once they fully break down or if you’re refreshing the layout.
Are Bael Pods safe for planted tanks?
Yes. They won’t harm plants and are commonly used in planted aquariums to add contrast and natural structure without interfering with growth.
How many Bael Pods should I add at one time?
A little goes a long way. One pod is plenty for a nano tank, while larger aquariums may use a few spaced out. It’s best to start small and add more later if desired.
Who are Bael Pods best suited for?
They’re ideal for shrimp keepers, natural-style aquascapes, and anyone who enjoys slow, functional enrichment. If you want botanicals that work quietly in the background for months, Bael Pods are an excellent choice.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
