Does anyone else use Alder Cones and what benefits/negatives do you find with them.

I currently use one cone for every 15l of water and for me it reduces my pH by 0.2 to 0.3. At this rate I find the tannins only cause slight discolouration, personally I prefer the tea colour tint tannins can add. As for thier anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities has anyone found it to be true?

never used them. Seems a few people do though. Not even sure we have access to them here in Aus

Jo from Rare Aquatics might be able to shed some light on whether they are any good for anything other than reducing the ph, as i think they sell them and so she might know more about them...??



Jon

I use them, especially for hatching Nothobranchius guentheri eggs.

They lower the pH - a litlle bit -, but in addition, has sort of bacteria, which prefents fungus.

By the way, there is an interesting experiment done by a Swedish aqarist: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pmdd.se%2Fzoopet%2Falkottar%2F&sl=sv&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Here in aus we use something different that pretty much adds the same benefit. Indian Almond Leaves when dried out and soaked make a great addition to aquariums. They also add a great effect to river biotopes. They are also used in betta breeding tanks, apparently they release chemicals that help stimulate breeding and keep the fish healthy

I know Indian Almond leave, we call it Tebang leave.
Same, but quite expensive over here. Price could be up to US$ 1.20 per leave.

Although Alder Cones are available, but I have to go further and further as highways are getting closer and closer to the forests. In order to avoid any pollutants getting into my tanks, I prefer to go to rural areas.

Thanks a lot Ziggee!
Reading the item description, I have learned that there is such a thing, as aquabid. Wow! I will check that too.