Malta Aquarist Society

Many of you may have heard the use of dried leaves in use in aquariums. Some are readily available while others not. I am referring to the Indian Almond Leaves or known worldwide as the Ketapang Leaves. They originate from the far east and have mainly dual purposes in nature, they act as PH reduction as well as they entice fish to breeding. They can be purchased from all lfs or on order and cost around 30censt Euro each depending on the quality. I found the same on Ebay for a good quality grade A leaves for less the price. What is their use? These dried leaves can be placed in any tank and they release tannins over time and turn water into yellowish in colour. It also helps to soothe fish and act as antibacterial. It is widely used in any breeding tanks for Bettas but I am sure that it will leave some effects on other fish.

Commercially there are extracts available under different brand names. I found that using three to four leaves and boil them for some time, I can collect around 2 litres of black extract...here is an example...

 

in thoery it works but did you test it? i mean maybe it loses some of its componnets this way and i would rather use the whole leaf as it makes the tank look more natural XD

IAL leaches tannins which have the ability to reduce ph, the same as peat moss. In this case, the chemical structure will not change as extract of this is found available and they mix with it mineral salts for a tonic effect. Otherwise there is no change. The only good thing of the leave that it allows the growth of infusoria which in large quantities can be good for the fry as well as other minute animals that are grazed upon by shrimps.