Alright, let's dive into these alder cones! I've been using them in my betta and shrimp tanks for about a month now, and here's the real tea.

First off, the pros: These little cones are *packed* with tannins. I dropped just 2 into my 10-gallon shrimp tank, and within hours, the water had that beautiful blackwater tea-stained look my betta adores. My cherry shrimp colors POPPED against the darker background – like they'd been photoshopped!

The size is perfect (about 2 inches), and they arrived clean with zero debris. Pro tip: RINSE AND SOAK first! I learned this the hard way when I got overexcited and tossed in 5 cones straight from the bag... cue frantic water changes as my tank turned into coffee.

Now the scary part: These cones are POTENT. One reviewer lost their entire fish stock – heartbreaking! In my experience, start with ONE cone per 10 gallons, soak overnight, and monitor closely. The pH lowering effect is subtle (maybe 0.2 drop in my tank), but the visual change is dramatic.

Final verdict? Amazing natural decor/conditioner when used carefully, but handle like aquarium dynamite – a little goes a LONG way. Would repurchase (more cautiously next time!).