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Alder cones ID please


albash

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Hi guys,

I saw these that I think similar to alder cones which I frequently saw in ppl's tank but not sure. Can you please ID if they are actually alder cones. I accidentally found them in a park in western suburb in Melbourne when I was rush needed go to loo.

First pict/link was the first one I found and second pict/link was a something similar that found next to (maybe it is a dried form?)

http://postimg.org/image/nbe7h28hr/

http://postimg.org/image/tzz0ns10z/

Can someone please tell me what is actual beneficial factors that this alder cones has?

Thanks guys.

 

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The cones on your pictures are not alder cones, they come from a evergreen resinus tree which will foul your water.

The alder cones come from alnus trees which are decidious, they help reducing the ph and are supposed to help preventing bacterial infections

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Yeah for sure, they are real cones from a conifer. While I have heard of people adding pine cones to ponds and farm dams for algae control, I wouldn't recommend adding those to a shrimp tank. 

As anthonyd also suggests, real alder cones provide tannin which stains the water, reduces pH and is a natural disease inhibitor. Alder cones are a great way to get this into your water. IAL or Oak leaves are another popular way, as is peat.

I use a range of different dry autumn leaves along with alder cones and think it's good to provide a few different sources. I don't think IAL is any better than some other good leaves and I don't think alder cones provide any unique benefits either. It makes sense to use what you can get. 

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Thanks anthonyd and kizshrimp for the advice. Phew almost threw these into my tank. Might just buy some rather keep look out for alder tree - not sure how the tree looks like.

Do you guys also throw other dried leaves other than IAL, oak, peat or even mulberry? I tried of eucalyptus dried leaf, seemed they are not attracted to it though.

I recently found that my shrimps extremely love snow peas. I blanch whole snow peas and expose inside flesh and my shrimps were only after peas.

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Hi guys,

I found these stuff that caught my eyes when I drive this morning (pict 1). I know this is definitely not an alder cones but can any one advise if this have same attributes as alder cones?

Photo 2 and 3 are tree which I plucked from. These cones reminded me a scene in Hobbit - an unexpected journey where Gandalf and guys where traps on trees and they burn these cones (maybe) drove out wolves.

I even told my missus to dry these cones out and tried to spray them for Xmas decoration. I have seen people creatively use segments of dried small tree branches to make a Christmas tree and spray it in white - looked gorgeous. I wish I have taken a photo.

http://postimg.org/image/fw6j5xlmx/

http://postimg.org/image/8dtvlgumv/

http://postimg.org/image/aiz8l2c0z/

 

 

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They're Pine cones dude, I wouldn't use them. Alder Cones are much smaller on a tree more like a Birch tree, with leaves not needles. 

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That's a pine cone.

Short answer - no, don't use it in your aquarium. 

Beaten by kizhrimp.

 

Albash you seem to be on the hunt for alder cones, but do not substitute with cones from any pine tree, whose leaves are needle leaves.

These pine needles and cones are the source of pine oil. Which can sometimes be used as a herbicide/weedicide. That's not good for a tank. 

 

They might look similar but it's not the same.

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Thanks guys for advice. I may want to get some those pine cones, dried up thoroughly n spray with some colours- i reckon it may be looking good for xmas decoration

Thats right Jayc Im on hunt of alder cones but no 100% committed. 

Are any members have some alder cones for sale? 

 

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How many are you after? Yes I have Alder Cones but am running low, will have some for sale at the Shrimp Club meeting on August 2nd. If you need them before that PM me. 

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I got some from Squiggle earlier this year. You can PM him to see if he has any more as well.

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  • 3 weeks later...
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Hi Guys! ! use the alder cones in all my tanks and they are absolutely fantastic!

11846392_10203183057657574_398068838_n.jpg

Edited by fishmosy
Please use classifieds section for sales
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