Re: Oak leaves

[Wright Huntley <jwwiii at pacbell_net>]

I, too, like oak leaves a lot. The small, oval leaves of our California 
Live Oaks are not too good, IMHO. They have sharp spines on the edge among 
other problems. I like the traditional scalloped leaves of the classic 
eastern acorn-type oaks, and only use them after they have fallen and 
dried well. They are available in most CA foothills if you look hard.

They are as effective for many uses as fibrous peat, and even better as 
hiding cover for the more shy fish.

A kitchen garbage bag full is a lifetime supply, as they seem to last 
almost forever and you need only a few per tank.

Wright

Rjga at aol_com wrote:
> 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. 




-- 
Wright Huntley -- 209 521-0557 -- 731 Loletta Ave, Modesto CA 95351

       "The problem with the French is that they don't
              have a word for entrepreneur."
      -- George W. Bush, discussing the decline of the
    French economy with British Prime Minister Tony Blair

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