GARNELEN4YOU® Alder Cones 75g

Natural water conditioning for shrimp aquariums

GARNELEN4YOU® Alder Cones combine natural water conditioning, additional grazing space and long-term supplementary nutrition in one simple product.

The cones come from the black alder, Alnus glutinosa, and are collected from uncontaminated forest regions in southern Germany. When placed in the aquarium, they gradually release humic substances, tannins and other naturally occurring compounds into the water. This helps create the slightly tea-coloured, biologically active conditions found in many natural shrimp habitats.

They are particularly suitable for Neocaridina and Caridina aquariums, nano tanks and natural-style setups.

Naturally occurring bioactive compounds

Black alder cones contain a variety of plant compounds, including:

• humic acids;

• tannins;

• phenylpropanoids;

• triterpenoids;

• flavonoids;

• stilbenes.

These compounds are associated with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In aquarium use, alder cones are traditionally valued for supporting stable biological conditions and helping limit the growth of undesirable bacteria and fungi.

They should be regarded as a supportive natural aquarium product rather than a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment where livestock is seriously ill.

Gentle influence on aquarium water

As the cones release their natural compounds, they may:

• give the water a light amber or brown tint;

• gently reduce the pH;

• introduce humic substances and tannins;

• support a more natural blackwater-style environment;

• contribute to stable aquarium biology.

The effect depends on the number of cones used, aquarium volume, carbonate hardness, filtration and frequency of water changes.

In soft water with low buffering capacity, begin conservatively and monitor the pH.

Long-term grazing surface

Alder cones are more than a water additive.

Their textured surface is gradually colonised by beneficial microorganisms and biofilm. Shrimp, crayfish and snails graze on this growth over time, making each cone a small long-term feeding surface.

As the cone softens and decomposes, the animals may also consume parts of the plant material itself. This makes alder cones particularly useful in tanks containing baby shrimp, which spend much of their time grazing on established surfaces.

Natural aquarium decoration

The compact size of the cones makes them well suited to shrimp and nano aquariums.

They can be placed among leaves, wood, stones and plants to create a more natural-looking environment. Their dark colour and organic shape work especially well in botanical and blackwater-inspired aquascapes.

Recommended use

Use approximately one alder cone per 10–30 litres of aquarium water, depending on the size of the cone and the desired effect.

When using several cones, add them at different times rather than introducing the full quantity together. This allows the release of tannins and humic substances to remain gradual.

Replace the cones after approximately 2–3 weeks, or leave them longer where they are still being grazed and the aquarium conditions remain stable.

Alder cones may float briefly when first added. They normally become waterlogged and sink naturally.

Suitable for

• Neocaridina shrimp

• Caridina shrimp

• baby and juvenile shrimp

• crayfish

• aquarium snails

• nano aquariums

• natural and blackwater-style aquariums

Product details

Product type: Natural water conditioner and long-term supplementary food
Botanical species: Black alder, Alnus glutinosa
Origin: Clean forest regions in southern Germany
Pack size: 75 g, approximately 175 cones

Sustainability and packaging

GARNELEN4YOU® Alder Cones are sustainably sourced in Germany and continually tested in the company’s own shrimp-breeding facility. They are supplied in a resealable protective pouch made largely from renewable materials and packed in cooperation with workshops for people with disabilities.