Video credit: Annie Roi // Lepoissonrouge. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU3bI8J6e5w. 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.
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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.
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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 this video as a setup in this class for natural botanicals in a shrimp tank. It is useful if you want gentle tannins, extra grazing surface and simple shelter without adding powered gear.
What This Video Covers
This video from Annie Roi // Lepoissonrouge covers alder cones aquarium shrimp care from a practical, visual angle. You see what botanicals look like in water, how they tint the tank, and why many keepers add them for shrimp that like cover and biofilm. I like this style for Neocaridina cherry shrimp, Amano shrimp and small Caridina colonies that spend most of the day grazing.
Scale matters more than any single product here. A botanical setup works in a small nano tank and in larger shrimp rooms, but the effect is stronger in less water. Keepers commonly report using this approach in a 10 gallon shrimp tank, which is a helpful reference point for beginners. In a tiny volume, one extra leaf or a handful of cones can shift color fast, so start light and observe.
The core idea is simple. Dried leaves, cones and wood slowly release tannins while creating surface for microbes and baby shrimp to pick at. Fluval notes that almond leaves are native to wild Betta habitats and can help support good fish health while lowering pH to support ideal water conditions. That qualitative pH and tint effect is why shrimp keepers use them, not because they replace filtration or mineral balance. No verified GH, KH or TDS numbers are stated in this video, so keep expectations visual and behavioral.
At this level you are choosing between leaves that soften and get eaten, cones that last longer and tint steadily, and wood that serves as long term shelter. Leaves such as Indian almond leaves for shrimp tanks break down in weeks and need removal once soft. Cholla wood holds shape for months and gives shrimplets a place to hide and climb. Alder cones sit in the middle, compact, easy to dose one by one, and simple to remove.
The tradeoffs are real. Tannins stain water yellow to tea color, which some people love and others dislike. Soft leaves can foul a small tank if you leave mush behind, and too many botanicals at once can cause a sudden change that shy shrimp dislike. That is why the standard prep advice is to 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.
If you are new to this category, browse the Indian Almond Leaves + Botanicals archive to see how different leaves and woods behave over time. I also recommend reading how to choose catappa leaves for shrimp tanks before you buy, since leaf size and thickness vary a lot. A calm, lightly stocked tank with moss, a sponge filter and one botanical type is easier to learn than a tank with five new variables at once.
Timestamp Breakdown
This Timestamp Breakdown is the core of the article. The video shows a setup in this class, not our exact cart below, so use the table to map what is common at this level to what you can buy today in 2026. I never claim the creator used our specific picks.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Rani Bay Leaf Whole Spice 3.5oz Extra Large Hand
Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves 10-Pack
Prime SunGrow Cholla Wood 3-Pack 6 Inch
Alder Cones for Shrimp Aquarium
Prime MAHYIM Dried Mulberry Leaves for Shrimp, Snails
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Large, intact whole leaves with strong fresh aroma
- Authentic Indian Tej Patta flavor ideal for Indian and global recipes
- Clean label: natural, NON-GMO, gluten friendly, vegan and kosher
- Resealable packaging helps maintain freshness over time
Cons
- Whole leaves are for flavoring only and must be removed before serving
- Needs longer simmering to fully release flavor compared to ground spices
- Large leaves may need to be broken to fit small pots or storage jars
Rani Bay Leaf is a pack of whole, extra large Tej Patta sourced from India and hand selected for size and quality. It is made for home cooks, curry lovers and meal preppers who want authentic aroma in everyday cooking.
In real world use, these leaves release a warm, woodsy and lightly sweet flavor that deepens soups, dals, biryani, stews and stocks. The whole leaf format holds up well to long simmering and infuses evenly without clouding the dish.
Leaf quality is a clear highlight, with large, mostly intact and clean leaves that look and smell fresh on opening. The sturdy resealable bag helps protect essential oils and keeps the spice fragrant through many uses.
As with all whole bay leaves, they are for flavoring only and must be removed before serving. You will also need longer cook time to get full flavor compared to ground spices.
Overall, this is a reliable, flavorful pantry staple for anyone who cooks Indian food or hearty slow cooked meals regularly. If you value freshness, clean ingredients and authentic Tej Patta character, it is an easy choice.
Rani Bay Leaf comes as whole dried leaves in a 3.5oz or 100g pack. The product is identified as Indian Tej Patta, known for its bold aroma and classic culinary use.
It is all natural, NON-GMO, gluten friendly, vegan and kosher. The leaves are hand selected for large size and packed by Rani Brand to preserve freshness and consistency.
Add one to two whole leaves to rice, lentils, soups, curries, braises or stock at the start of cooking. Simmer for at least 20 to 30 minutes to fully release the flavor.
Remove the leaves before serving. Store the resealed bag in a cool, dry place away from light to maintain potency for months.
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
- Natural, organic botanical blend with alder cones, pinecones and leaves
- Helps condition water with tannins for a more authentic environment
- Provides shelter and foraging surfaces that shrimp and shy fish use daily
- Simple prep by soaking in boiled water before adding to tank
- Works for a wide range of freshwater species and aquascape styles
Cons
- Requires soaking for a few days before use, not an instant addition
- Mixed botanical contents and sizing lack detailed specifications
- Tannins will tint water, which may not suit crystal clear tank preferences
This alder cone botanical mix is designed as a natural water conditioner, decor element and shelter for freshwater shrimp, bettas and small fish. It is ideal for hobbyists building a botanical style or blackwater inspired nano tank with more natural cover.
Standout features include tannin release, mineral support and multifunctional use as food source enhancement and hiding place. In real world use, the cones and leaves help create softer looking water while giving shrimp grazing surfaces and shy fish private resting areas.
Build quality centers on natural, eco sourced botanicals that are boiled for cleaner handling. The mixed husk assortment adds varied texture and a realistic forest floor look that lasts for months in the aquarium.
Drawbacks include the required prep time, since pieces need soaking in boiled water for a few days before placement. Water tinting from tannins is expected, and exact piece count and size can vary between packs.
Final verdict: a practical, low maintenance choice for shrimp keepers and natural aquascapers who want conditioning benefits plus decor. If you prefer tinted water and organic cover over synthetic ornaments, this mix fits well.
Soak the botanicals in boiled water for a few days, then rinse before adding to your aquarium. Start with a small amount to control tannin color and observe livestock response.
Place cones and leaves near plants, wood or caves to create shelter zones for shrimp and bottom dwellers. Replace pieces as they slowly break down to maintain appearance and function.
Product type: natural aquarium botanical mix with alder cones, pinecones and leaves. Color: mixed husk. Intended use: freshwater shrimp, betta, catfish, turtle and community tanks.
Package dimensions: 8.35 x 6.1 x 4.65 inches. Preparation required: soak in boiled water before aquarium use. Effect: tannin release, natural decor, shelter and biofilm support.
Pros
- Whole leaf format supports natural grazing for both adult and baby shrimp
- Compatible with wide range of plant eaters, from Neocaridina to plecos and crayfish
- Easy to dose for nano tanks or large colonies by using whole or torn pieces
- Includes extra leaves to account for breakage during handling
Cons
- Small 10 gram pack may be used quickly in heavily stocked tanks
- Requires rinsing and monitoring, with uneaten leaf needing removal to protect water quality
- Some leaves may arrive broken despite extra packing
MAHYIM Dried Mulberry Leaves are whole, naturally dried leaves designed as a plant based supplemental food for freshwater aquariums. They are made for Neocaridina, Caridina and Amano shrimp plus snails, plecos, crayfish and crabs.
Once in water, the leaves soften slowly to create a natural grazing surface that shrimp and snails can pick at for days. This slow feeding style supports natural foraging behavior and is especially helpful for baby shrimp and bottom feeders.
The pack includes 10 grams of whole leaves, roughly 10 to 15 leaves, that are easy to portion for any tank size. Use a whole leaf for larger colonies or tear off a piece for nano tanks, and extra leaves are included to cover breakage.
Preparation is simple but requires a quick rinse, with an optional hot water soak to help the leaf sink faster. You will need to monitor leftovers and remove uneaten material to keep water clean, and heavy stocking will go through the small pack quickly.
Overall, this is a clean and convenient variety booster for keepers who feed a balanced staple diet and want natural enrichment. If you keep plant eating shrimp, snails or plecos, it is a practical grazing treat to have on hand.
Rinse each leaf with clean water before adding it to the tank. For faster sinking, briefly soak in hot water until soft, then place it on the substrate where shrimp and snails feed.
Start with a small piece in nano tanks and a whole leaf in larger or heavily stocked tanks. Leave it for several days for grazing, then remove any uneaten skeleton to protect water quality.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not specified | setup | a similar setup in this class | SF BAY Indian almond leaves | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Not specified | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval catappa leaves | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Not specified | gear | a similar setup in this class | Cholla wood | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Not specified | gear | a similar setup in this class | Alder cones | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Not specified | 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 leaf versus hard botanical. Leaves feed grazing faster because they soften and grow biofilm quickly, but you must pull the skeleton before it melts into the substrate. For Fluval leaves, the maker guidance is to add 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L of water and to remove disintegrated leaves and replace every 4 to 6 weeks. That gives you a repeatable rhythm.
Cones and cholla wood are about structure and steady tint. Cones are easy to count and remove, which helps in nano tanks where you want small adjustments. Cholla wood is porous and hollow, so baby shrimp, snails and even small plecos use it as shelter and grazing surface. Rinse or steep everything first, then add one element, wait a few days, and only then decide if you want darker water.
Mulberry leaves are the food forward option in this group. They soften after placement to create an easy to graze surface for adult shrimp and shrimplets, plus snails and bottom feeders. If your goal is mainly shelter and tint, start with cones or wood. If your goal is supplemental grazing between feedings, add mulberry or almond leaves in small pieces.
My Experience
I keep Neocaridina cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp in a small planted nano tank at home, a size keepers commonly report as a 10 gallon setup. When I add a product like Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium, the leaf floats for a day, then sinks and develops a soft film that shrimplets swarm. I pull the soft remains after a few weeks and replace on the schedule above, which keeps the water lightly tinted without a sudden shift.
I use SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood differently. I soak it in hot water, let it waterlog, then place one 6 inch branch near moss where babies hide. It grows grazing film for weeks and does not fall apart like a leaf. Berried females seem calmer with that kind of cave nearby, and I see more babies surviving the first molt cycle when cover is present.
Comparison and Alternatives
The top two leaf picks in the table are SF BAY style Indian almond leaves and Fluval catappa leaves. Both sit in the same almond leaves botanicals category and serve the same job, which is tannin tint plus grazing film. The practical difference for you is format and guidance. The Fluval option comes as a 10 pack with clear maker directions for dose and replacement, which I find helpful if you are learning.
Fluval states that almond leaves are native to wild Betta habitats, help promote good fish health, and lower pH to support ideal water conditions. That makes them a good fit if you want a slightly softer, more natural look for shrimp and Betta community tanks. A generic bulk leaf can work the same way, but thickness and size vary, so you will need to judge by eye and remove soft material promptly.
Against leaves, Alder Cones for Shrimp Natural Aquarium Water and cholla wood last longer and are easier to count. Cones are compact and simple to pull out if the tint gets too dark. Cholla wood adds climbing and hiding space that leaves cannot provide. If budget is tight, a lower cost swap is to use Dried Mulberry Leaves for Shrimp, Snails torn into smaller pieces for nano tanks, since you can portion one leaf across feedings instead of using a whole large leaf at once.
Who should not buy this way. Skip heavy botanical loading if you dislike tea colored water, run a very small unfiltered bowl, or hate maintenance. Leaves demand removal, cones stain, and wood can float until waterlogged. If you want crystal clear water with zero tint, choose mineral and plant focused methods instead and read botanical bundles for 10 gallon shrimp tanks tested to see lighter dosing ideas.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Adapt quantity and size to your own tank volume and desired tint. There is no universal count that fits every tank. Start with less, steep or rinse first, and build up slowly over November as you watch shrimp behavior.
Budget Neocaridina Starter With SF BAY Indian Almond Leaves
Use a SF BAY style Indian almond leaf approach plus Rani Bay Leaf (Leaves) Whole Spice Hand Selected as a reference for whole dried leaf handling. Add a small piece at a time to a Neocaridina starter with moss and a sponge filter. Best for beginners who want low cost grazing and light tint with simple removal.
Balanced Caridina Setup We Recommend With Fluval Catappa Leaves
Use Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium dosed at 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L, plus Alder Cones for Shrimp Natural Aquarium Water for fine tuning. Replace soft leaves every 4 to 6 weeks and pull cones if color gets dark. Best for Caridina keepers who want steady cover, grazing and a repeatable routine.
Higher End Taiwan Bee Setup With Cholla Wood
Use SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood as long term shelter plus Dried Mulberry Leaves for Shrimp, Snails as a portionable grazing treat. Soak wood in hot water first, arrange for caves, then feed leaf in small torn pieces. Best for Taiwan Bee and other sensitive shrimplet tanks where hiding spots and stable grazing matter most.
FAQ
How many alder cones should I add to a shrimp tank for beginners. There is no single correct number. Quantity depends on tank size and desired tannin level, not a universal count. Start with very few, steep or rinse first, watch color and shrimp activity for several days, then adjust.
Do I need to soak cholla wood before putting it in a shrimp tank. Yes, rinse well and soak in hot water until waterlogged so it sinks and releases loose dust. The maker directions for SunGrow cholla mention soaking in hot or boiling saltwater then sun drying before tank placement. Always rinse thoroughly after any salt soak and never add hot wood directly to livestock.
How often should I replace catappa leaves in a shrimp aquarium. Replace once leaves turn soft, break apart or grow excessive mush. For Fluval leaves the package guidance is to remove disintegrated leaves and replace every 4 to 6 weeks. In small tanks check sooner, since soft debris can affect cleanliness.
Final Verdict
Botanicals are a slow, natural way to add comfort for shrimp, but they work best when you dose lightly and maintain on schedule. Leaves feed, cones tint in small steps, and wood shelters babies for months. Pick the texture that matches your goal, prep before adding, and remove soft waste promptly.
Our pick: the balanced Caridina setup with Fluval catappa leaves and alder cones for most keepers, because dosing is clear, removal is simple, and it suits Neocaridina, Caridina and Amano tanks alike.
These picks are not a good fit if you want crystal-clear, tint-free water; botanicals naturally tint the water and are aimed at keepers who want that look and the microfauna it supports.
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