{"product_id":"casuarina-cones","title":"Casuarina Cones","description":"\u003cp\u003eCasuarina cones (\u003cem\u003eCasuarina equisetifolia\u003c\/em\u003e) are the small, woody, cone-like fruits of the coastal she-oak. The tree is native from India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia and the western Pacific, and now grows along tropical coastlines worldwide. Ours are collected locally in Puerto Rico. Each cone is about 8–21 mm (0.3-0.9 in) long, segmented and warm brown, like a miniature pine cone on the substrate. They need a boil to sink. After that they’re hard and slow to break down, holding their shape for one to three months while releasing a gentle, steady dose of tannins. Scattered across the bottom, they add fine-scale detail and give shrimplets, fry, and microfauna small crevices to work through. Their compact size also makes them easy to use in a mesh bag in the filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eLow–Medium, sustained · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eLight amber · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eIndia to the western Pacific · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e1–3 months · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eShrimp · Nano tanks · Filter media bags · Substrate detail · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e25 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall scale adds micro-habitat for shrimplets, fry, and microfauna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-lasting for its size, holding shape for one to three months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGentle, steady tannin release with a light tint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks on the substrate, between hardscape, or in a filter media bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse, then boil for 10–15 minutes until the cones sink. Boiling also cleans them. Scatter across the substrate, tuck them between leaves and pods, or place them in a mesh media bag in the filter. Use 10–15 cones per 10 gal (38 L). Replace when they soften, roughly every one to three months. Mix in with larger leaves from our range for a layered litter bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eShrimp colonies, fry-rearing tanks, nano aquariums, wild betta builds, and any botanical aquarium where small-scale detail adds to the natural look. Also a good fit for aquarists who want gentle tannin conditioning without heavy water staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"product-notice\"\u003ePlease Note: Not for human consumption. Preparation required. Because this is a natural product, size, shape, color, and texture will vary from piece to piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLet the botanical become part of the system. The value is in the slow breakdown, biofilm, tannin character, habitat texture, and natural behavior it encourages. This is where sunken forests come to life.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackwater Scapes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51838226497832,"sku":"BWS-PD-03","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_07_29_23PM_4.png?v=1781397633","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/casuarina-cones","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}