Video credit: Shrimp Life. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHa80t82MLU. 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.
This video shows a setup in this class built around leaves, wood and cones for shrimp. It is useful if you want natural grazing surfaces, gentle cover and light tannins without rebuilding your whole tank.
What This Video Covers
This botanicals shrimp tank tutorial from Shrimp Life gives a real world look at how leaves, wood pieces and cones fit into a shrimp focused aquarium. I treat it as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list, so you can borrow the ideas and match them to your own tank volume and colony size.
The approach suits Neocaridina cherry shrimp, Caridina crystal shrimp and Amano shrimp, plus the baby shrimp and snails that live with them. If you keep a small footprint nano tank, a scale keepers commonly report as around 5 to 10 gallons, this style works well because every piece doubles as decor and food surface.
The core idea is simple. Dried leaves soften in water and grow biofilm. Cholla wood adds tunnels and climbing area. Alder cones add visual texture and slowly tint the water. Together they give shy shrimp places to graze, molt and rest out of sight.
One tradeoff at this level is tannins versus clarity. A light tea color looks natural and many keepers like it, but too many botanicals at once can darken a small tank fast and reduce visibility. That is why quantity depends on tank size and desired tannin level, not a universal count.
A second tradeoff is natural food versus control. Leaves like mulberry and almond leaves feed grazing over several days, which is great for babies. The downside is soft, decomposing material left too long can foul water, so you should steep or rinse botanicals before adding them to reduce tannin shock in a small tank, and remove decomposing leaves once they turn soft.
No verified GH, KH or TDS numbers are stated in this video, so I keep water notes qualitative here. Expect a gentle downward shift in pH and a tea tint when you add catappa style leaves or cones, with the strength tied to how much you add and how often you do water changes. For prep basics, see how to choose indian almond leaves for shrimp tanks and our Indian Almond Leaves + Botanicals archive.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. Use the table to match what a setup in this class commonly includes with what you can buy today in 2026. I did not assume the creator used these exact brands.
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 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
SunGrow Alder Cones 50 Pack for Shrimp Tank
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
- 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout video | setup | a similar setup in this class | SF BAY Indian almond leaves | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Throughout video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval catappa leaves | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Throughout video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Cholla wood | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Throughout video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Alder cones | A grounded, currently sold option in the almond leaves botanicals category. |
| Throughout video | 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 which leaf you start with. Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium is a clear, portioned option because it comes as a 10 pack and the maker suggests adding 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L of water, then removing disintegrated leaves and replacing every 4 to 6 weeks. That guidance helps you avoid dumping in too much at once.
The second key choice is structure. SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood gives you three 6 inch branches with a porous surface for biofilm. The maker recommends soaking in hot or boiling saltwater and sun drying before placing it in the tank, which matches what I do to help it sink and rinse off dust.
The third choice is small extras for grazing variety. SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps comes as 50 pieces sized around half an inch to a full inch, while Dried Mulberry Leaves for Shrimp, Snails comes as 10 grams with 10 to 15 leaves. Both are easy to portion, and both should be rinsed first with a short hot water soak to help them sink.
My Experience
I run a Neocaridina colony in a small nano tank, a size keepers commonly report as similar to a desktop starter, and I use botanicals much like this class of setup. I add one almond style leaf at a time and let it soften for grazing, then pull it once it turns mushy and skeletal. That routine keeps the tint light and the babies busy without clouding the water.
A product like Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium performed predictably for me because the leaves sink after a soak and break down over weeks, not days. I follow the replace every 4 to 6 weeks idea loosely and judge by texture. If the leaf tears with a light touch, it comes out at the next water change.
Comparison and Alternatives
The top two leaf picks cover the same job in different ways. Rani Bay Leaf (Leaves) Whole Spice Hand Selected is listed as a hand selected whole leaf option, which appeals if you want larger intact pieces to place as litter. Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium is more aquarium specific, with a stated 10 pack count and clear use notes to add 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L and replace every 4 to 6 weeks.
In practice, I suggest beginners start with the Fluval style portioned leaves because dosing is easier to repeat. Large loose leaves are fine, but you have to judge size yourself and tear pieces for nano tanks. If you want background on timing, read how to choose catappa leaves for shrimp tanks.
For structure versus leaves, cholla and cones serve different roles. SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood is long lasting shelter with climbing and hiding space, while leaves and cones are consumable grazing surfaces. If shrimp hide a lot after a molt, wood helps more. If babies need soft grazing film, leaves help more.
On a tighter budget, a lower cost swap is to start with SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps instead of wood. The 50 piece count lets you add just a few cones at a time, rinsed and briefly soaked first. Who should not buy wood right away. Anyone with a very small, newly cycled tank that already has low flow and light stocking should wait, since wood plus multiple leaves can tint fast and trap debris.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Adapt quantity and size to your own tank volume and watch the tint for the first week. Start light, then add more only if water stays clear and shrimp graze actively. More detail on bundles is in botanical bundles for 10 gallon shrimp tanks tested.
Budget Starter With SF BAY Indian Almond Leaves
Use Rani Bay Leaf (Leaves) Whole Spice Hand Selected style leaves as your base, adapted to your own tank volume with one small piece to start. Rinse well, steep briefly in hot water, then place flat where shrimp gather.
This suits a Neocaridina starter tank on a tight budget. It gives grazing and light cover with the least gear to manage.
Balanced Pick With Fluval Catappa Leaves
Use Fluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves Aquarium plus Dried Mulberry Leaves for Shrimp, Snails for food variety, and a few SunGrow Alder Cones for Shrimps for texture. Follow the 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L starting point and adjust to your tint preference.
This is the balanced version I recommend for a Caridina community or mixed Neocaridina and snail tank. It pairs steady leaf grazing with small cones you can dose in low numbers.
Higher End Habitat With Cholla Wood
Use SunGrow 3 Pack Shrimp Cholla Wood as shelter, with almond leaves and cones as consumables around it. Soak the 6 inch branches first, arrange for flow through the tubes, and leave open sand in front for feeding.
This suits a Taiwan Bee or other showcase dwarf shrimp tank where cover matters. It costs more in hardscape, but the wood lasts while leaves get replaced on cycle.
FAQ
How many almond leaves should I add to a shrimp tank
There is no single count because quantity depends on tank size and desired tannin level. A cautious start is the Fluval guidance of 1 to 2 leaves per 2.6 US Gal per 10 L, then wait and watch clarity. Remove disintegrated leaves and replace every 4 to 6 weeks or when they turn soft.
Do I need to boil cholla wood and cones before adding them
You do not need a harsh process, but prep helps. Rinse cones under tap water with a post boil soak in fresh water as SunGrow suggests, and soak cholla in hot water before placing it. This reduces dust, helps pieces sink and limits a sudden tint shift in a small tank.
Are mulberry leaves good for baby shrimp and snails
Yes, when used as a supplement. Dried Mulberry Leaves for Shrimp, Snails softens into an easy grazing surface for babies, snails and plecos. Rinse first, add a whole leaf for larger colonies or tear pieces for nano tanks, and pull leftovers if water cleanliness slips. For a wood versus cones choice, see awesome aquatic natural staghorn cholla wood tube vs liquid gardens alder Cones, 25 pieces.
Final Verdict
Botanicals work best as a light, repeatable routine rather than a one time dump. Start with one leaf type, add shelter if shrimp seem exposed, then use cones or mulberry for variety once the tank stays stable and clear.
Our pick: the Balanced Pick With Fluval Catappa Leaves for most keepers, because portioning is simple and it pairs well with small cone additions for Neocaridina and Caridina colonies in November and 2026.
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.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!