{"product_id":"casuarina-cones-25-pack-natural-botanicals","title":"Casuarina Cones – 25 Pack Natural Botanicals","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eDrop them into the tank and they sink within a day or two as they absorb water, then settle into the substrate and hardscape where shrimp will begin grazing on the biofilm that develops across the surface within the first week. The small cone shape nestles naturally between rocks, driftwood, and leaf litter without looking placed, which makes them one of the easier botanicals to work into an existing aquascape without disrupting the layout. As they soften and break down over time they release tannins that lower pH slightly and give the water a light amber tint that mimics the natural blackwater environments most dwarf shrimp and small tropical fish originate from. In a terrarium, isopods and springtails will work through them as part of their normal foraging activity and consume them gradually as the breakdown progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCasuarina cones have become a staple botanical in serious shrimp keeping because of how much activity they generate from the colony. A handful scattered across the substrate of a neocaridina or caridina tank will have shrimp picking at every surface within hours of placement. The tannins they release contribute to a softer, slightly more acidic water profile that benefits most dwarf shrimp species and reduces bacterial load in the water over time. They work particularly well in blackwater and natural style tanks where the goal is a layered, organic look built from real materials rather than artificial pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eRinse thoroughly before adding to the tank. Boiling for ten minutes before use will speed up the initial waterlogging process and remove any surface debris. Replace as individual cones fully break down. Safe for all freshwater shrimp, snails, bettas, and small tropical fish. Also suitable for bioactive terrariums, isopod enclosures, and dart frog vivariums. Compatible with all standard freshwater water conditioners and planted tank substrates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wild Pet Supply","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52761872007397,"sku":"SMKSB-03997","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0248\/7572\/8959\/files\/conesss.jpg?v=1788414885","url":"https:\/\/wildpetsupply.com\/products\/casuarina-cones-25-pack-natural-botanicals","provider":"Wild Pet Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}