Product Description: Alder cones (Alnus rubra) are one of the most popular botanicals we see in the blackwater, biotope, and vivarium ecosystems niche. For good reason, they are full of tannins, cultivate nutritious biofilms, and break down into beneficial detritus! Their tint-producing properties land them in the top 5 list of our highest tannin botanicals, plus alder cones contain an abundance of antioxidants, humic acids, polyphenols, and other health-promoting compounds. Our alder cones are hand-picked by us here in the Pacific Northwest and could help lower the pH of soft water, meaning they can act as a more sustainable solution to the use of peat moss. The high surface area of alder cones cultivates an abundance of biofilms and fungal networks, making them great for shrimp and other sucker-mouth fish to graze on. Depending on the fish and invertebrates you have in your aquarium, we consider alder cones to be durable aquarium botanicals to add texture to your botanical aquarium or vivarium. We provide a mix of single alder cones and alder cones in clusters. This bag and its contents are biodegradable! Did you know our product packaging is made from renewable and sustainable sugarcane? So just like the botanicals inside, it will compost when returned to nature.

Not for Human Consumption. Preparation Required.

Quantities: 25g, about 80c Alder Cones, or 50g, about 160c Alder Cones. Sizes range. This is a natural product, and variation between leaves and botanicals is expected. There will be single cones, and cones still attached to the twigs inside the bag.

Aquarium Botanical Location: USA, North America

Aquarium Botanical FAQs 

1. Please reference our Shipping and Hassle-Free Return Policy at the bottom of the screen. All Products are packaged inside sustainably sourced and renewable sugar cane fibers allowing them to be fully biodegradable and compostable. Yes, you can bury these bags in your backyard to enrich your soils. 
2. Please refer to our botanical preparation instructions. These Botanicals are grown and harvested in pesticide-free environments and it is recommended to use 2-3 botanical pieces per 5 gallons to start, wait 5-7 days, or for the next water exchange to then add more.
3. Our aquarium and vivarium botanicals, leaves, and seed pods are not for human consumption, ever.
4.  

Commonly Asked Questions:

 

1) Will Botanicals Lower The pH Of My Water?

It entirely depends on your water's chemistry. Soft water will allow the botanicals to lower your pH more than if you have medium or hard water. At Betta Botanicals HQ our tap water is Very Hard, ( 350+ppm) and we do not notice a change in water pH unless using Alder Cones or Macaranga Leaves.

2) What Are The Fluffy White Growth On My Botanicals?

White growths are the colonization of biofilms and fungi. We call this the 'goo phase' and it is totally natural. Botanicals are fuel for the ecosystem and the populations of bacteria and fungi will naturally rise and fall. 

3) I Don't Keep Bettas. Will These Botanicals Be Okay For My Critters?

100% yes. Our botanicals are for aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and all natural enclosures wishing to recreate a more natural environment.

4) I Have Goldfish and Axolotls, What Botanicals Should I Avoid?

We DO NOT recommend using botanicals that these fish can ingest. Botanicals like casuarina cones, small alder cones, and live oak are not suited for these animals. Large aquarium leaves like Indian almond, loquat, and jackfruit leaf litter are preferred. 

5) When Should I Replace My Aquarium Leaves?

We recommend letting aquarium leaves and seed pods entirely break down into beneficial detritus. You can absolutely remove them after they don’t release tannins anymore, you just won't get all potential benefits of leaving them in the ecosystem.