Breathing Reed

The Breathing Reed is a tool found in underwater chests. When active, a tube will extend from the player up 3 blocks.

As long as the top of this tube is above the water level and within empty space, you will be able to breathe. It also doubles the length of time your breath will last underwater (from 23 seconds to 46 seconds). In addition it doubles the time it takes for your hearts to drain after you are out of breath. It sells for 20 silver to the merchant.

When used in conjunction with a mining helmet or careful torch placement the reed can be used to more easily access underwater chests due to the increased breath time. To create air bubbles used for breathing simply mine above an area of water.

Generally speaking, the Breathing Reed is made obsolete by the Flippers, as they allow you to swim up to available air pockets yourself. However the Flippers do not extend your breath like the Breathing Reed.