Indian almond leaves

[otap]

I've read about using this in aquarium water kinda like blackwater extract. In our place its called a talisay tree (terminalia catappa) I found out we had one in our neighborhood. is this the one ??? according to my neighbors it's a talisay tree.

If so, How do i prepare it?? dosage per gallon??? our water here is pretty hard.. this might be a cheap alternative to buying blackwater extract.

 

[OrionGirl]

A wide variety of leaves can be used to soften water. You can either soak them in your change water, or add them directly to the tank--many fish really like playing in the leaf litter.

 

[otap]

thanks, Oriongirl.

but they have to be really dry...right?? like tea leaves dry?

 

[OrionGirl]

They do need to be dry--when they fall off, you can collect them and hang them to dry for several days. These might help as well: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18735&highlight=tea+leaves

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1528&highlight=tea+leaves

 

[otap]

thanks for the tips. Oriongirl

I'll gather as much as I can and store them.

 

[N8DOGG]

I've seen a fellow cichlid owner with a 125 with lots of drift wood and tons of leaves in the fall.....it looked great.