Video credit: Betta Fish News Club. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH2LlVTrtnM. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, Shrimpyo earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
Watch the video
Product breakdown
- SF BAY Indian almond leaves
- Fluval catappa leaves
- Cholla wood
- Alder cones
- Mulberry leaves for shrimp
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
Watch the Video
This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, Shrimpyo earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
Think of the embedded video as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list. It shows why shrimp keepers add alder cones and leaf litter for grazing, hiding, and gentle tannins. If you keep Neocaridina or Caridina and want natural enrichment without extra equipment, this approach is for you.
What This Video Covers
This video from Betta Fish News Club covers alder cones aquarium shrimp, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. The focus is on why shrimp swarm cones and leaves, how the botanicals slowly soften and grow biofilm, and why that micro grazing matters between feedings. You see tinted water, simple cover, and shrimp behaving calmly around natural surfaces.
This style suits Neocaridina cherry types first, and it also suits hardy Caridina and Amano shrimp when your source water is already suitable for them. Shrimplets benefit a lot because they can pick at soft surfaces all day without competing with adults for pellets. If you breed, that constant grazing surface helps survival in the first weeks when babies stay close to cover.
Scale is small and simple. The class shown works in a nano tank or a desktop shrimp cube where a few cones and one leaf can change the whole feel of the tank. You do not need strong flow or bright light for this to work. In fact, calmer flow lets biofilm build faster on cones, leaves, and wood pores, which is exactly what shrimp like to scrape.
There are tradeoffs at this level. Botanicals tint the water and lower pH in a qualitative sense, which many keepers like for natural behavior, but the effect depends on your source water and water change routine. Leaves also break down, so you will be removing soft skeletons and adding fresh pieces on rotation. If you want crystal clear water all the time, you will be fighting the look that makes this method work.
Another tradeoff is quantity control. Steep or rinse botanicals before adding them to reduce tannin shock in a small tank, and remove decomposing leaves once they turn soft. Quantity depends on tank size and desired tannin level, not a universal count. To learn the prep routine, see how to choose indian almond leaves for shrimp tanks and our Indian Almond Leaves + Botanicals archive for more context on rotation.
For timing of replacement, many keepers follow a simple observe and replace habit rather than a strict calendar. You can read more on cadence in how to choose catappa leaves for shrimp tanks. If you run a 10 L style nano based on the 2.6 US Gal per 10 L reference on packaged leaves, start light with one small piece, watch shrimp response and water tint, then adjust slowly.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. Below is our own 2026 translation of a setup in this class into buyable botanicals you can find today. The video itself is representative, so do not assume the creator used these exact brands. Use the table to match each function to a current pick, then read the notes for how we would dose them.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of our links, Shrimpyo may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions never influence which products we recommend or how we rank them. Read our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime LAXMI Whole Bay Leaves 2oz
Prime DIAN MAI HAO Premium Mulberry Leaf Tea 8.8oz
Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves 10-Pack
Prime SunGrow Cholla Wood 3-Pack 6 Inch
SunGrow Alder Cones 50 Pack for Shrimp Tank
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Whole leaf format provides authentic, aromatic flavor
- All natural and Non-GMO for clean everyday cooking
- Highly rated at 4.8 out of 5 for quality and freshness
- Versatile for soups, rice, biryani, curries, stocks and marinades
- Compact 2 ounce pack is easy to store and handle
Cons
- 2oz size may run out quickly for large batch cooking
- Whole leaves are for flavoring only and must be removed before eating
- Limited detail on sourcing and harvest freshness
LAXMI Whole Bay Leaves is a 2 ounce pantry staple made for cooks who use slow simmered dishes to build deep flavor. It suits everyday home cooking as well as Indian, Mediterranean and American recipes that rely on aromatic spices.
Whole leaves release flavor gradually during cooking, which works well for soups, stocks, stews, biryani, curries and sauces. Fresh packing helps retain the natural aroma, so one to two leaves add warm, slightly herbal notes without overpowering the dish.
The leaves come in a compact, lightweight pouch that is easy to store and keeps the product protected in the pantry. Whole leaf form also makes them simple to spot and remove before serving, which keeps texture clean.
The 2 ounce size is convenient for regular use but may feel small for large families or batch cooking. As with all whole bay leaves, they are for flavoring only and should not be eaten whole.
Overall, this is a reliable, clean label choice for anyone who wants authentic bay leaf aroma at home. If you cook dals, rice, soups or stews often, it is an easy spice to keep on hand.
Product: LAXMI Whole Bay Leaves, Freshly Packed, All Natural, Non-GMO
Size: 2 Ounce, whole leaf form for cooking
Package Dimensions: 5.91 x 1 x 9.45 inches, 2.08 ounces
Brand: LAXMI BRAND, UPC: 723246188188, ASIN: B00JCY4FGU
Category: Bay Leaf in Grocery and Gourmet Food
Pros
- Whole leaf quality praised as authentic and superior to dusty blends
- Caffeine free and sugar free formula fits wellness routines and mindful diets
- Excellent brew value since leaves expand and a small spoonful makes a full pot
- Clean, mild taste that is easy to drink daily hot or cold
Cons
- Loose leaf format requires an infuser or strainer, no convenient tea bags
- Light herbal flavor may feel too subtle for lovers of strong black or green tea
- Natural herbal potency means sensitive users should start with a small amount
DIAN MAI HAO Mulberry Leaves Tea is an 8.8 ounce bag of premium sun dried Sang Ye loose leaves for natural herbal brewing. It is made for health conscious tea drinkers seeking a caffeine free, sugar free daily infusion with no additives.
Standout quality is the whole leaf format, not crushed dust, which expands beautifully when soaked and delivers a clean, mild cup. Reviewers consistently praise the authentic taste and note that a small amount brews a generous pot, with some reporting support for balanced blood sugar.
In terms of quality, the leaves look intact, dry and naturally preserved to retain herbal character. The loose format gives you full control over strength, working well for hot tea and refreshing iced preparations.
Drawbacks are minor but worth noting. You will need your own infuser or teapot strainer since this is not portioned in bags, and the light flavor may feel subtle if you prefer bold teas. A few sensitive users may also want to start with a small cup first.
Overall, this is a strong pick for anyone exploring traditional mulberry leaf tea for wellness and gentle daily hydration. With pure ingredients, whole leaf value and smooth drinkability, it earns a confident recommendation for herbal tea lovers.
Brand: DIAN MAI HAO, Form: Loose leaf mulberry tea, Sang Ye
Weight: 8.8 ounces, 250g of sun dried whole leaves with no additives
Type: Herbal tea, naturally sugar free and caffeine free
Use: Brew hot or iced with infuser, adjust leaf amount to taste
Use one to two teaspoons of leaves per cup and rinse briefly if desired.
Steep in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes, then strain well before drinking.
Leaves will expand as they soak, so start small and re steep for a second mild cup.
Pros
- Native to wild betta habitats for authentic environmental enrichment
- Naturally lowers pH to help create ideal water conditions
- Supports fish health without chemical additives
- Easy to use, just add leaves and replace when disintegrated
- Natural look enhances aquarium decor while serving a functional purpose
Cons
- Leaves naturally disintegrate and must be removed and replaced every 4-6 weeks
- May tint aquarium water slightly from tannins, which some keepers may not prefer
- Dosing is designed for small volumes, so larger tanks need careful monitoring
Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves are natural botanical leaves made for betta aquariums. They are ideal for betta keepers who want to recreate wild habitat conditions and support fish wellness naturally.
In real world use, you add 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 gallons and let them work passively. They release natural tannins that help lower pH and support stable, betta friendly water conditions.
The leaves feature a natural color and texture that blends well into planted or biotope style tanks. They serve as both functional water treatment and authentic decor that makes the aquarium look more natural.
As with all natural leaves, they will soften and break down over time and need replacement every 4 to 6 weeks. They can also give water a light tea tint, which is normal for almond leaves but may not suit fans of crystal clear water.
Overall, this 10-pack is a simple, chemical free way to enrich a betta tank. If you want better habitat authenticity, gentle pH support, and easy maintenance, it is a smart and natural choice.
Use 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US gallons or 10 liters of aquarium water. Simply rinse lightly and place the leaves directly in the tank.
Leave them in place to condition water and provide shelter. Remove disintegrated leaves and replace every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain effectiveness.
Pros
- Natural, chemical-free wood suited for sensitive shrimp and invertebrates
- Multifunctional decor that works as shelter, grazing surface and climbing structure
- Lightweight and easy to arrange in nano tanks, shrimp colonies and pleco setups
- Popular choice for breeding tanks and natural habitat enrichment
Cons
- Natural product, so size, girth and hole pattern vary between pieces
- Requires soaking in hot saltwater and waterlogging before it will sink
- May release light tannins or develop temporary biofilm fuzz in new tanks
The SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood includes three 6 inch natural husks from the cholla cactus, made for freshwater aquariums. It is designed for shrimp keepers, snail owners and pleco tanks that need natural shelter and foraging areas.
In real tanks, the porous surface quickly develops biofilm that shrimp graze on throughout the day. The hollow tubes serve as climbing logs, play areas and cozy hideouts where shrimp can molt, rest and feel secure.
Each piece is raw, lightweight and naturally varied in girth, hole pattern and tone, which adds realism to aquascapes. The soft, chewable texture is gentle for invertebrates yet sturdy enough to arrange into caves or lean against plants and rocks.
Because it is a natural wood, pieces will float at first and need soaking in hot saltwater until waterlogged. You may also see initial tannin tint or light biofilm fuzz, which is normal and typically clears as the tank matures.
For anyone building a natural shrimp colony, breeding tank or pleco habitat, this is a simple and effective enrichment. It combines decor, shelter and grazing in one easy to arrange 3 pack.
Brand: SunGrow, Quantity: 3 pieces of natural cholla wood, Length: 6 inch branches for aquarium use. Material: Raw dried husk of cholla cactus with porous, lightweight structure.
Compatibility: Designed for shrimp, snails, plecos and small fish in freshwater fish tank setups. Use for shelter, grazing surface, climbing enrichment and natural decor.
Preparation: Soak in hot or boiling saltwater, sun dry, then waterlog before placing in tank. Natural variation in girth and shape should be expected with raw wood.
Rinse each piece, then soak in hot saltwater until fully waterlogged so it sinks and stays in place. Arrange the three logs separately for multiple hideouts or group them to form caves and tunnels.
Place near plants or moss to create shaded resting spots and breeding cover for baby shrimp. Monitor new setups for light fuzz or tint, and perform regular water changes as the wood matures in your tank.
Pros
- Large 50 count pack offers great coverage for small and large shrimp tanks
- Triple function as water conditioner, supplemental food source and natural decor
- Made from natural alder cones with unique texture and authentic look
- Compact 0.5 to 1 inch size is ideal for shrimp aquascapes without overcrowding
- Simple rinse and boil preparation with no chemicals needed
Cons
- Tints water light brown, which may not suit keepers who prefer crystal clear water
- Natural size and shape varies, so uniformity from cone to cone is not guaranteed
- Requires rinsing and boil soaking before use and periodic replacement as they break down
The SunGrow Alder Cones 50 Pack is a natural water conditioner and decor made for freshwater shrimp tanks. It is ideal for cherry, crystal and other tropical shrimp keepers who want softer, tannin rich water.
Once soaked, the cones slowly release tannins that create a light tea colored tint. This helps lower pH gently while supporting molting and reducing stress, and the surfaces grow biofilm that shrimp love to graze on.
Each cone measures about 0.5 to 1 inch and has a textured, woody, Christmas tree like shape. As a natural product, no two pieces are identical, which adds authentic rustic charm to aquascapes.
The tea water effect is not for everyone, and pH impact will vary with your hardness and water chemistry. You will also need to rinse and boil soak them first, and replace them over time as they decompose.
Overall, this 50 pack is a simple, natural way to improve comfort, feeding and looks in shrimp aquariums. If you want functional botanicals with visual appeal, it is an easy and effective pick.
Brand: SunGrow
Count: 50 alder cones per pack
Size: 0.5 inch to 1 inch, 1.25cm to 2.5cm
Color: Natural brown
Use: Freshwater shrimp tanks for pH support, decor and grazing surface
Prep: Rinse under tap water, then boil and soak in fresh water before use
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | setup | a similar setup in this class | SF BAY Indian almond leaves | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| – | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval catappa leaves | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| – | gear | a similar setup in this class | Cholla wood | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| – | gear | a similar setup in this class | Alder cones | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| – | gear | a similar setup in this class | Mulberry leaves for shrimp | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
The most important choice is your base leaf. Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium gives you a measured starting point because the pack guidance calls for 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L of water, with replacement every 4 to 6 weeks as leaves disintegrate. That helps you avoid dumping in a handful at once. Start with the low end of that range, then add a second leaf only if shrimp are actively grazing and tint stays light.
The second key is structure plus micro food. SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps comes as 50 pieces sized around 0.5 inch to a full 1 inch, so you can dose one or two at a time in a nano and keep the rest dry. SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood adds longer lasting shelter with 6 inch branches that shrimp climb, hide in, and graze. Cones soften faster and tint more per piece, wood lasts longer and holds biofilm in its pores.
For variety, keep a vegetable leaf option on hand. 8.81oz/250gMulberry Leaves Tea Premium Natural and LAXMI Whole Bay Leaves, Freshly Packed represent the bulk leaf side of this class, useful when you want a softer, faster food leaf alongside tougher catappa. Always rinse under tap, steep briefly, and remove the leaf skeleton once it turns soft and translucent. That rotation keeps water stable and prevents a sudden pile of decay.
My Experience
I run a small 10 L Neocaridina cull tank with sponge filtration and a thin active substrate cap, and botanicals do most of the work for cover. When I added a product like Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium at one leaf per 10 L, my cherries moved onto it within hours and stayed there through molts. The tint was light tea color for a few days, then settled, and shrimplets grazed the underside where debris collects.
I pair that leaf with one alder cone and a short piece of cholla style wood so babies have both soft and hard grazing. The cone grows a faint fuzz in about a week in my tank, which the shrimp clean off eagerly. I pull the leaf skeleton at around the 4 to 6 weeks mark noted on the pack, siphon lightly underneath, and only then add a fresh piece. That slow swap has kept my colony calm and breeding.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two leaf picks side by side. The SF BAY style Indian almond leaves concept is the budget bulk approach, best when you want many leaves to condition holding tubs or multiple nanos. Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium is the measured 10 pack approach, best when you want clearer dosing with 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L and a stated 4 to 6 weeks replacement window. Both serve the same function, tannins plus biofilm, but the pack format changes how you dose.
If you like precision, choose the 10 pack style. You can track exactly when you added a leaf and when it softened, which helps in a small tank where two extra leaves can over tint. If you manage several tanks, bulk leaves save trips to the store, but you must be disciplined to add only one small piece at a time. Either way, steep or rinse first and watch shrimp behavior for a day before adding more.
Against wood, leaves are food first and shelter second, while cholla is shelter first and food second. SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood gives 6 inch hollow branches that do not need replacing as often as leaves, and shrimp use them as tunnels during molting. Leaves soften in weeks, wood persists for months with an occasional scrub. Many keepers use both, one leaf for grazing plus one wood piece for permanent cover.
For a tighter budget, start with SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps as your lower cost swap. The 50 piece count lets you dose sparingly over many months, and the small 0.5 inch to 1 inch size suits nanos where a full leaf feels large. Use one cone, wait several days, then decide if you need leaf tannins at all. You can read a direct wood versus cone comparison in awesome aquatic natural staghorn cholla wood tube vs liquid gardens alder Cones, 25 pieces.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Budget Neocaridina Starter
Use the Budget pick concept in SF BAY Indian almond leaves style, adapted to your own tank volume, plus one alder cone. Represent it with LAXMI Whole Bay Leaves, Freshly Packed for bulk leaf value and SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps for slow grazing. This suits you if you run a first cherry shrimp tank and want simple cover with minimal maintenance.
Keep it to one small leaf piece and one cone at a time in a 10 L scale nano, then remove soft debris before adding more. This is not for you if you dislike any tea tint or if you change large volumes of water often, since tint will swing. For bundle ideas on this budget, see botanical bundles for 10 gallon shrimp tanks tested.
Balanced Caridina Friendly Setup We Recommend
Use the Mid range pick in Fluval catappa leaves style, adapted to your own tank volume, plus cholla for lasting shelter. Buy Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium and SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood. Dose 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L on the low end, add one 6 inch branch as a permanent hide, and replace leaves every 4 to 6 weeks as they disintegrate.
This suits you if you keep Caridina or mixed Neocaridina colonies and want stable grazing without constant rescaping. The wood holds biofilm between leaf swaps, so shrimplets always have food. Skip this if your tank already has a lot of wood and leaf litter, since more botanicals will only darken water without added benefit.
Higher End Taiwan Bee Enrichment
Use the Premium pick in Cholla wood style, adapted to your own tank volume, layered with cones and a specialty food leaf. Combine SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood with SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps and 8.81oz/250gMulberry Leaves Tea Premium Natural. The wood forms caves, the cones add micro surface, and the mulberry gives a soft supplemental graze.
This suits you if you run a Taiwan Bee or high grade Caridina tank where shrimplets need constant cover and you can commit to removing soft leaves promptly. It is not for you if you want a set and forget hardscape, since food leaves need rotation and cones should be added one at a time. Keep spare botanicals dry and only stock the tank lightly.
FAQ
How many alder cones should I add to a shrimp tank?
There is no universal count, quantity depends on tank size and desired tannin level. In a small 10 L scale tank, start with one small cone from a pack like SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps, wait several days, and watch tint and shrimp activity. Add more only if water stays clear and shrimp have cleaned the first piece.
Do I need to boil catappa leaves before adding them for shrimp?
You do not need a hard boil, but rinse well and steep briefly to reduce tannin shock in a small tank. Products like Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium note 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L, so starting light matters more than boiling long. Remove the leaf once it turns soft and replace every 4 to 6 weeks as needed.
Is cholla wood better than leaves for baby shrimp?
They do different jobs, so most keepers use both. Leaves soften quickly and grow fast biofilm for newborn grazing, while SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood with 6 inch branches gives lasting tunnels for molting and hiding. If you must pick one for shrimplets, start with a small leaf, then add wood for permanent structure.
Final Verdict
Botanicals work because they feed behavior, not just water chemistry. A light leaf plus one cone or one wood branch gives shrimp a place to graze, molt, and rest without complicating your routine. Keep dosing small, remove soft waste on time, and let biofilm do the quiet work.
Our pick: the Balanced Caridina Friendly Setup with Fluval catappa leaves style dosing and cholla wood shelter, for keepers who want steady shrimplet grazing with a clear replacement rhythm. It fits Neocaridina starters stepping up and Caridina keepers who want low fuss enrichment in November and through 2026.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!