Review on 🦐 Premium Alder Cones for Shrimps & Freshwater Tanks - 1” Size, 50 Cones per Pack by Balakrishna Tam

I've had the most success putting them in the water in the microwave (about 3 at a time as my reservoir is 3.7g less, sometimes more if I want the water to have a visible tint used to reduce stress on my critters), heated the water to near boiling (about a minute for a small container) and left it on with a lid until the water was cool enough to add to my tank. I shook the container several times during the chilling process just to bring out the tannins. As soon as I added water to my tank, my shrimp began to come out of their hiding place and start cleaning right outside, no longer afraid of my fish. ! I also added cones to the water but they didn't seem to care so it's up to you if you want to add them. They are small enough not to ruin a clean/polished aquascape. Definitely recommend for shrimp and fish. Tannins will darken the water (which my Betta loves) and lower the pH below 7, so keep that in mind. The tannins inhibit fungal growth, strengthen the immune system and improve the health of your fish/shrimp. Note: I recently tried Indian flaked almonds and this might just be the batch I received, but I don't think they did anything to the tank. I've had far more success getting tannins from these buds than from the leaves.