Alder Cones – The Tiny Titans of Tannin Power 🌰🧪
🧙 Small But Mighty Blackwater Magic
Don’t let their size fool you—Alder Cones are the miniature moguls of shrimp wellness! Harvested from the Alnus glutinosa tree, these pinecone-like pods are packed with natural tannins, humic acids, and antifungal properties, making them a must-have botanical for shrimp tanks, breeding setups, and blackwater biotopes.
These cones slowly release beneficial compounds into your water, lowering pH slightly, supporting molting health, and encouraging biofilm growth for grazing shrimp and fry. Plus, their whimsical pinecone look adds a dash of woodland charm to any aquascape!
🌿 What to Expect:
Tiny, woody cones (about the size of a blueberry!)
Naturally fall-shaped with a warm brown hue
Releases gentle tannins over 2–4 weeks
Perfect for nano tanks and shrimp-specific setups
💧 How to Use:
Drop 1 cone per 2–3 gallons (or adjust as desired)
Rinse or briefly boil to remove debris before adding
Replace every few weeks or when tannins diminish
🦐 Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ Naturally antifungal and antibacterial—great for molting shrimp✅ Encourages biofilm for shrimplets and microfauna✅ Adds a mild blackwater tint and natural aquascape texture✅ Ideal for breeding tanks and stress-sensitive species✅ 100% safe for shrimp, snails, and nano fish
🎁 Bonus Tip:
Want a shrimp spa day? Pair Alder Cones with Catappa leaves and Catappa Bark to create a botanical blend that soothes, shelters, and strengthens! 🌿🛁
The alder cones were so strong that they turned my tank into coffee overnight! I had to take them out and do water changes for several days just to be able to see into the tank and one of my fish died. I then boiled them to get a lot of the tannins out.
Alder Cones release tannins which have an antibacterial effect on the aquatic environment. 1 or 2 at a time is all you need. Boiling them takes away that benefit. These wouldn't kill your fish though and I suspect something else happened..
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