Sera Alder Cones (50 Count)

Sera Alder Cones – 50 Count

Sera Alder Cones provide a natural way to add beneficial tannins to freshwater aquariums while creating the soft, tannin-rich conditions found in many tropical fish habitats. As the cones release their natural compounds into the water, they can gently lower pH, produce a natural blackwater effect, and help create more species-appropriate conditions for many soft-water fish.

Alder cones are particularly useful in blackwater and biotope aquariums, as well as breeding setups where natural tannins can help support spawning behavior and protect eggs from fungal growth.

Natural Tannins & Blackwater Conditions

Once placed in the aquarium, Sera Alder Cones gradually release natural tanning agents into the water. These compounds can give the aquarium water a light amber to darker tea-colored appearance depending on the number of cones used and the aquarium's water chemistry.

This makes them an excellent natural addition for recreating blackwater environments similar to those inhabited by many South American and Southeast Asian tropical fish.

Naturally Lowers pH

The natural compounds released by alder cones can help lower aquarium pH without relying solely on chemical pH-reducing products.

The amount of pH reduction will vary depending on the aquarium's carbonate hardness (KH), buffering capacity, and the number of cones used. Aquariums with low KH will generally experience a greater change in pH than strongly buffered water.

Because of this, pH should be monitored when using larger quantities of alder cones.

Supports Breeding & Spawning

Sera recommends Alder Cones for supporting the natural behavior and spawning readiness of ornamental fish.

The tannin-rich environment created by the cones can be particularly useful when maintaining or breeding fish that naturally inhabit acidic, tannin-rich waters.

Sera also states that the cones can help prevent fungal infections and fungal growth on fish eggs, making them useful in appropriate freshwater breeding setups.

Ideal For

• Blackwater aquariums
• Amazon and South American biotopes
• Southeast Asian biotope aquariums
• Soft-water tropical fish
• Breeding aquariums
• Shrimp and planted aquariums where appropriate
• Aquariums where a natural tannin effect is desired
• Fish that prefer softer, more acidic water conditions

Features

• 100% natural aquarium water conditioner
• Releases natural tannins into aquarium water
• Helps naturally lower pH
• Creates authentic blackwater conditions
• Supports species-appropriate aquarium environments
• Supports natural fish behavior
• Can encourage spawning readiness
• Helps prevent fungal infections
• Helps protect fish eggs against fungal growth
• Adds a natural botanical appearance to the aquarium
• Easy to dose directly into the aquarium
• Contains 50 alder cones

Recommended Dosage

For normal aquarium use:

1 alder cone per 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of aquarium water

Examples:

10-gallon aquarium: approximately 4 cones
20-gallon aquarium: approximately 8 cones
29-gallon aquarium: approximately 11 cones
40-gallon aquarium: approximately 15 cones
55-gallon aquarium: approximately 21 cones
75-gallon aquarium: approximately 29 cones

Sera states that dosage may be increased to as much as 1 cone per 1 liter (approximately 1 quart) of water when being used to support disease treatment, but pH must be closely monitored at these substantially higher concentrations.

Important

Alder cones naturally release tannins and may turn aquarium water yellow, amber, or tea-colored. This coloration is normal and is often the desired effect when creating a blackwater aquarium.

The effect on pH will depend heavily on the aquarium's KH and buffering capacity. Always monitor pH when using alder cones in very soft or poorly buffered water, particularly when using higher-than-normal quantities.

Contents: 50 Alder Cones
Manufacturer: Sera
Manufacturer Item Number: 32276
UPC: 4001942452465
For Use In: Freshwater Aquariums