Product Description: Alder cones (Alnus rubra) are one of our most popular aquarium botanicals here at Betta Botanicals. For good reason, they are full of tannins! Their tint-producing properties land them in the top 10 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 method aquarium. We provide a mix of single alder cones and alder cones in clusters.

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 a COMPOSTABLE Ziplock bag and shipped safely to your door. 
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 the next water exchange and add some more.
3. Aquarium botanicals, leaves and seed pods are not for human consumption, ever. 

Commonly Asked Questions:

1) Will botanicals lower the pH of my water?

It entirely depends on your water 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 white growths on my botanicals?

White growths are the colonization of biofilms and fungi in the aquarium. 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 have Bettas, will these botanicals be okay for my fish?

100% yes. Our botanicals are for aquariums terrariums, vivariums and all natural enclosures.

4) I have goldfish and axolotls, what botanicals should I get?

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 are preferred. 

5) When should I replace 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 don’t get all potential benefits of leaving them in the aquarium.