{"product_id":"alder-cones-for-isopods-terrariums","title":"Alder Cones","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAlder Cones — A Bioactive Essential for Isopods \u0026amp; Millipedes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlder cones are one of the most popular and well-loved natural additions in the invertebrate hobby — and for good reason. These small, woody cones from the alder tree are packed with tannins and organic goodness, making them an outstanding enrichment item and food source for isopods, millipedes, and bioactive terrarium setups alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Isopods \u0026amp; Millipedes Love Alder Cones\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich in tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e — Alder cones release beneficial tannins into the enclosure, helping to maintain a slightly acidic, naturalistic environment that many isopod and millipede species thrive in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural food source\u003c\/strong\u003e — As alder cones slowly soften and break down, isopods and millipedes will graze on the organic matter, fungi, and biofilm that develop on the surface — providing a varied and nutritious supplement to their diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShelter \u0026amp; hides\u003c\/strong\u003e — Their compact structure provides cosy spots for isopods to tuck into, rest, and moult safely away from light and disturbance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity support\u003c\/strong\u003e — Alder cones help retain localised moisture within the enclosure, contributing to the humid microclimate that most isopod and millipede species require.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBioactive-friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e — They decompose gradually and naturally, integrating seamlessly into the clean-up crew cycle without disrupting your enclosure’s ecosystem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful aesthetics\u003c\/strong\u003e — Scattered across the substrate or tucked into planting areas, alder cones add a charming, naturalistic forest-floor feel to any vivarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBenefits in Bioactive Terrariums\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrives the decomposition cycle\u003c\/strong\u003e — As alder cones break down, they feed beneficial bacteria, fungi, and microfauna — the invisible engine that keeps a bioactive enclosure clean, balanced, and self-sustaining.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports springtail colonies\u003c\/strong\u003e — Springtails thrive on the fungi and organic matter that develop on decomposing alder cones, helping to keep mould and waste under control throughout the vivarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural pH buffering\u003c\/strong\u003e — The tannins released by alder cones help maintain a stable, slightly acidic environment — ideal for tropical and temperate bioactive setups alike.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe for reptiles \u0026amp; amphibians\u003c\/strong\u003e — 100% natural and untreated, alder cones are safe for use in enclosures housing reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for all isopod and millipede species including \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eArmadillidium vulgare\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCubaris\u003c\/em\u003e sp., \u003cem\u003eNarceus\u003c\/em\u003e sp., and many more. An excellent addition to tropical, temperate, and arid bioactive setups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dainty's Pods","offers":[{"title":"10","offer_id":62009618530634,"sku":"DP-ESS-ALDER-10","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20","offer_id":62009618563402,"sku":"DP-ESS-ALDER-20","price":1.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1039\/1758\/4714\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_c4e8d1b1-d672-43d8-a32c-e0623a48d0c0.jpg?v=1780780476","url":"https:\/\/daintyspods.co.uk\/products\/alder-cones-for-isopods-terrariums","provider":"Dainty's Pods.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}