Nature Boys Cape Cones

Nature Boys Cape Cones

Nature Boys Cape Cones are natural botanical cones for shrimp aquariums. They help maintain good water conditions, provide a grazing food source and give shrimp safe places to hide. They suit aquarists, breeders and hobbyists who want a more natural home for Caridina, Neocaridina and other freshwater shrimp.

Aquarists, breeders and marine enthusiasts all know how hard it can be to keep water parameters right for shrimp, especially in South Africa, where tap water varies from region to region. Nature Boys designed Cape Cones as a nature-inspired way to keep shrimp thriving. Each cone works on water chemistry, food and shelter at the same time, so it is far more than a decorative extra in the tank.

Key Benefits

• Gradual tannin release: The cones slowly leach natural tannins into the water. This gives a soft, tinted look like the blackwater habitats some shrimp species come from.
• Helps inhibit bacterial growth: The released tannins act against bacterial growth. This supports a healthier environment, which is especially useful for more sensitive shrimp varieties.
• Gently acidifies the water: Once added to the aquarium, the cones gradually acidify the water. This helps maintain pH and bring it down for shrimp that prefer slightly acidic conditions.
• Mimics natural habitats: Slightly acidic, tannin-rich water is close to what many shrimp experience in the wild. It supports natural processes such as moulting and breeding.
• Natural biofilm accumulator: Over time a layer of biofilm builds up on the cone's surface. This is a community of microscopic organisms, including bacteria and fungi.
• Self-replenishing food source: Biofilm is a nutritious food that shrimp graze on throughout the day. The cone works like a food bank inside the tank that keeps topping itself up.
• Shelter for baby shrimp: The cone's intricate structure is full of nooks and crannies. Newly hatched shrimplets can hide there from predators, including adult shrimp, while they grow.
• Multipurpose in one item: A single natural product covers three core shrimp needs: diet, safety and water conditions.

How to Use

• Rinse the cone before use to wash away any external impurities.
• Place the rinsed cone in the aquarium. It will start to release tannins and gradually acidify the water.
• Leave the cone in place so a biofilm layer can develop over time, giving your shrimp a natural surface to graze.
• Position it where shrimplets can easily reach its crevices for shelter.
• Expect the water to take on a light, natural tint as the tannins are released. This is a normal part of how the cones work.
• Over time you can watch the tank develop into an environment that closely mirrors the natural habitats of these shrimp.

Suitable For

• Shrimp keepers who want to create blackwater-style, slightly acidic conditions.
• Shrimp from soft water habitats that need slightly acidic water.
• Sensitive shrimp varieties that benefit from a cleaner, healthier environment.
• Breeders who want more shrimplets to survive by giving them safe hiding spots.
• Both beginners and seasoned aquarists looking for a simple, natural addition to shrimp care.

Available Sizes

Nature Boys Cape Cones are offered in several variants. Choose the option that best suits your aquarium and the number of shrimp you keep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Nature Boys Cape Cones change the colour of my aquarium water?
Yes. The cones gradually release tannins, which give the water a natural tint like the blackwater environments some shrimp species come from. This is expected and part of how they work.

Do Cape Cones lower pH?
They gradually acidify the water, helping to maintain and lower pH. This suits shrimp from soft water habitats that prefer slightly acidic conditions. Test your water regularly, as results depend on your local tap water.

Can shrimp actually eat from the cones?
Shrimp graze on the biofilm that builds up on the cone over time. This layer of microscopic bacteria and fungi is a nutritious food source that keeps renewing itself in the tank.

Do I need to prepare the cones before adding them?
Yes. Rinse each cone before use to remove any external impurities before placing it in the aquarium.

How do Cape Cones help baby shrimp?
The cone's intricate shape creates many small nooks and crannies. Newly hatched shrimp can hide there from predators, including adult shrimp, while they grow.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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