Re: Oak leaves

[Rjga at aol_com]

I've used a mixture of various kinds of hardwood leaves, including several 
oaks. The important thing is to use dried leaves collected from the ground in 
the fall and winter. These degrade slowly, tint and acidify the water, and 
provide infusoria on their surfaces for small fry. If you use fresh leaves, 
you must carefully watch them, as they are prone to fungus and rot too 
quickly. You can, of course, use them, but be prepared to remove them quickly 
if they start fouling the water. Avoid leaves of softwood trees (pines, firs. 
ect.), as they contain toxic oils. A few needles mixed with your hardwood 
leaves are okay, but not a whole lot of them. 

Robert J. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Robert J. Goldstein & Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
8480 Garvey Drive
Raleigh, NC 27616 USA
tel  (919) 872-1174
fax (919) 872-9214
URL   www.rjgaCarolina.com
e-mail  rgoldstein at rjgaCarolina_com


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