{"product_id":"fritz-casuarina-cones-freshwater-botanical","title":"Fritz Casuarina Cones","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFritz Casuarina Cones\u003c\/strong\u003e are natural seed cones that slowly release tannins and humic acids into the aquarium — the same compounds that turn natural blackwater habitats a warm tea color. They mildly lower pH, soften the water, and add gentle antifungal\/antibacterial properties that bettas, shrimp, and softwater community fish thrive in. A staple botanical for biotope, blackwater, and shrimp tanks. Pair with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003elive freshwater plants\u003c\/a\u003e and explore our full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/maintenance-water-care\"\u003ewater care \u0026amp; maintenance\u003c\/a\u003e lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eWhy Casuarina Cones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally adds tannins \u0026amp; humic acid\u003c\/strong\u003e — softens water and creates that classic blackwater look\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMild antifungal \u0026amp; antibacterial\u003c\/strong\u003e — supports recovery and reduces stress on sensitive fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreat for freshwater shrimp\u003c\/strong\u003e — supplemental grazing surface as the cone breaks down\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for betta and biotope systems\u003c\/strong\u003e — replicates wild South American \u0026amp; SE Asian habitats\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% natural seed cones\u003c\/strong\u003e — no additives, dyes, or preservatives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse cones briefly under fresh water before use. Drop straight into the tank — they'll sink within a day or two as they saturate. Tannin release peaks in the first 1–2 weeks and tapers gradually over the following 6–8 weeks. Replace cones as they break down. For stronger blackwater effect, use more cones; for a subtle tint, use fewer. Safe to combine with cholla wood, almond leaves, and other botanicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFritz Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eNatural seed cones (botanical)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eReleases tannins \u0026amp; humic acid; mild pH\/hardness softening\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBettas, freshwater shrimp, biotope\/blackwater tanks, fry recovery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6–8 weeks per cone (varies by tank size)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Pairings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/galapagos-cholla-wood-branches-6-inch-3-pack-shrimp-pleco\"\u003eGalapagos Cholla Wood Branches\u003c\/a\u003e — adds more tannins and shrimp grazing surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-mopani-wood-natural-african-driftwood\"\u003eZooMed Betta Mopani Wood\u003c\/a\u003e — natural African driftwood for nano \u0026amp; betta tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/aquavitro-shrimp-tall-hut-ceramic-shrimp-shelter\"\u003eAquavitro Shrimp Tall Hut\u003c\/a\u003e — molting \u0026amp; breeding shelter for freshwater shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/katsaquatics-shrimpsicles-freeze-dried-shrimp-treat\"\u003eKatsAquatics Shrimpsicles\u003c\/a\u003e — veggie-protein sticks for freshwater shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003eBrowse all freshwater plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these stain my tank water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — that's the point. The release of tannins gives the water a warm tea\/amber tint that fish like bettas and tetras love. If you prefer clear water, use fewer cones and run activated carbon to remove the color while keeping some of the benefits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many should I use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA common starting point is 1–2 cones per 5–10 gallons. Adjust based on the tint and pH effect you want.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they safe with shrimp and fry?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — shrimp will graze on biofilm that forms on softening cones, and fry benefit from the antifungal\/antibacterial effects of the tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to boil or soak them first?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA quick rinse is usually enough. Boiling briefly will speed up sinking and release tannins faster — useful if you want immediate blackwater color.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fritz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48743389626587,"sku":"11120","price":8.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image_c4c18f96-e039-4d00-a6dc-02ade46b7d66.png?v=1777926747","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-casuarina-cones-freshwater-botanical","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}