Why terracotta hides matters
Terracotta can be used as aquarium decor only when the item is unglazed, clean, and intended or verified for aquatic use. In a shrimp-focused aquarium, the choice should also support steady routines, visible livestock, and access for basic care.
Before you act, check whether the pot is unglazed and free of soil, fertilizers, or coatings. Compare the item with the rest of the setup and note any recent change that could affect what you are seeing.
A careful way to proceed
clean it using aquarium-safe preparation guidance and place it where waste will not collect. Make one adjustment at a time and watch how the aquarium responds during normal observation.
Avoid adding a garden pot that may contain fertilizer or surface treatments. Labels, products, and tank conditions differ, so use a reliable guide as context and record what you directly observe. If uncertainty remains, ask an experienced shrimp keeper before making a consequential change.
Use these as general hobby references. Test your aquarium and confirm product guidance before making changes.