Alder Cones – Aquarium Botanicals
From £2.00
Build the route
Build a 150L botanical layer route
Use this larger box in stages: begin with leaves and cones, then place cups, pods and feature pieces where they create structure without crowding the layout.
Alder Cones – Aquarium Botanicals
From £2.00
Cholla Wood / Cactus Skeleton
From £2.00
Indian Almond / Catappa Leaves – Aquarium Botanicals
From £1.00
Botanical Grazing Pellets
From £3.00
Product story
Large Botanical Box PLUS – 150L in use
A larger blackwater botanical starter box designed for 100–150L aquariums, with extra leaf litter, stronger tannin potential and more feature pieces than the standard Large Box. It combines leaves, cones, pods, cups, cinnamon, Palm Spiral and Savu Pods to build a deep botanical layer with cover, grazing surfaces, territory breaks and richer blackwater character.
Why aquarists use it
100–150L blackwater and botanical display aquariums, Aquarists who want richer tannins and a deeper leaf-litter zone
What it does
It supports a more natural, observed aquarium route when introduced gradually and used alongside stable husbandry.
What it does not do
It does not replace stable husbandry, diagnose livestock problems, cure disease or promise instant water-parameter changes.
Product role
Where this product fits
Use this section to understand where this product belongs in a safer aquarium route, without guessing or adding too much at once.
Best for
100–150L blackwater and botanical display aquariumsAquarists who want richer tannins and a deeper leaf-litter zoneShrimp colonies and larger planted shrimp systemsDwarf cichlids, bettas, rasboras, tetras, catfish and discus-style setupsSouth American and Asian soft-water style aquariumsSplitting between several smaller tanks when a lighter dose is preferredNatural aquascapes with driftwood, roots, stones and planted layouts
Good route for
larger leaf-litter and feature-piece botanical routegradual introductionobserved setup building
Use with
Alder Cones – Aquarium Botanicals, Cholla Wood / Cactus Skeleton, Indian Almond / Catappa Leaves – Aquarium Botanicals
Before adding
Essential details and safety
Use slowly, observe livestock and avoid chasing instant changes. BBA product pages are guidance for careful aquarium use, not veterinary or medical advice.
Preparation notes
- Ideal for a 100–150L blackwater aquarium when used in full. Add gradually over 1–3 weeks rather than all at once. For lighter tannins or multiple tanks, divide the box into smaller portions and dose each aquarium separately. Rinse all botanicals before use. Optional: pre-soak in hot water for 15–30 minutes to help items sink and soften leaves for shrimp. Top up or replace every 4–6 weeks, depending on how quickly items are consumed and how dark you want the water. A thin white biofilm on new botanicals is normal and usually grazed by shrimp.
Safety notes
- For ornamental freshwater aquarium / hobby use only.
- Botanicals are natural habitat and enrichment tools, not substitutes for stable aquarium care.
- Not for human consumption.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Natural product: size, shape, colour and texture will vary.
- Always rinse before use.
- Do not use soap or chemicals.
- No instant pH promise and no livestock-care shortcut claim.
- Remove if livestock show stress.
Habitat visual story
A botanical aquarium should feel lived-in, not empty
These visual cards explain the habitat world around this product. They are separated from the product gallery above, so customers can distinguish the item from its ecological role.
Habitat
Amber water supports a calmer blackwater mood.
Cover
Tint and shade soften exposed open water.
Blend In
Colour works best as part of the whole scape.
Explore
Add slowly and watch the tank response.
Method reminders
Prepare, add gradually, observe
How should this be introduced?
Prepare as appropriate, add a small amount first and watch livestock and water clarity for 24-72 hours before adding more.
Is natural variation normal?
Yes. Botanical and prepared aquarium products can vary in size, colour, shape, texture, tint and breakdown speed.
Does this guarantee water parameter changes?
No. The BBA method is deliberately careful: products can support a route, but they do not promise instant pH, GH or KH results.
Route-relevant pairings
Often paired with this product
Use these as nearby starting points for a balanced route. They are not mandatory bundles; add only what fits the livestock, tank size and current setup.