Shrimp and leaves

[david052856]

I laid out some Mulberry leaves in a container with tank water. I put it in the sun and left it out there for about a week.

I have gone and checked on them and they are covered in this gross filmy algae - and they smell very organic. Kinda gross.

Can I put these leaves in my tank to allow them to eat the leaves or is this dangerous?

 

[Jody]

well how many is there i wouldn't put in a bunch of them but 3-4 would never hurt just give them a wash before putting them in , and dont put in the old water your were soaking them in

your shrimp well love the algae that has grown on them your probably seeing the bio film and if you have baby shrimps in there they well love that as well

GL

 

[david052856]

Ok would cardinal shrimp like one as well?

 

[Jody]

I don't have cardinal shrimp but cant see why they would be any different when it comes to leaves

 

[pixl8r]

Here's what I've learned over the years. It's best to use leaves that have died and fallen to the ground, in the fall. That way most of the chemicals have been pulled back into the tree. They also should be pre-soaked, to remove other chemicals, such as the tannin chemicals and fertilizers. I no experience with Mulberry leaves, so I can't comment about them. However, most of the well reputed shrimp experts, use Oak and sometimes Maple. As for the 'organic' smell, that's normal.

FYI, when you pre-soak leaves, don't use untreated tap water, and don't use leaves that have soaked in a pool, with treated water. I use water from my monthly water changes, then do a rinse and a short soak in pure filtered water.

 

[david052856]

Thats what I did I used aquarium water. The cardinals turned their noses up at it (big surprise) but my cherries and my trumpet snials engulfed it.