Hobby Alder Cones are harvested from black alders (Alnus glutinosa). This product is made by nature and collected only at places where nature has been left intact and men hasn't taken harmful influence. What makes Alder Cones so special? Alder Cones are extraordinary suppliers of important humins and tanning agents. Humins in the aquarium provide for plant growth (they release nitrogen, phosphor and sulphur to the water), for a gentle decrease of the pH value and the water becoming of a natural yet crystal clear colouring, just as many of our aquarium inhabitants prefer it in their natural environment. Even for animals not originating from such regions, the Alder Cones offer additional benefits. The tanning agents provide the benefit of naturally inhibiting germs harmful to your animals such as bacteria and fungi spores. Therefore, the use of Alder Cones is ideal also if you wish to promote the reproduction of your fish. It is only thanks to the 'blackwater effect' that animals become