[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: Oak Leaves and such
> >Ted Klotz wrote:
[edited]
> >> If the species is new to me , I set up a 5 gallon tank with a
> >> dark green spawning mop, a clump of Java moss and a few oak leaves.
> >and Joe Weber wrote:
> >Ted, you're the second person that has mentioned oak leaves in
> >Aphyosemion tanks. I presume these are to acidify the water? How do
> >you use them, whole or shredded? Do you boil them first? Just curious.
> and Ted Klotz wrote:
> I use whole oak leaves alot. It does help to acidify the water some what
> and also gives the water a nice amber coloration. In addition it gives the
> fish a place to hide. Most Aphys' are shy and need as many places to hide as
> you can provide.
> I don't boil them. I usually pick them up off the ground in the fall,when
> they're dry.
I use the leaves of Terminalia catappa, the tropical almond, for the same
purpose. According to a Betta breeder in Singapore the tannins have anti -
microbial activity in addition to acidification and coloring the water.
-Ramon De La Cuetara
San Juan, Puerto Rico