Leaves

[RealCrix220]

hi
I’m wondering if anyone could suggest any leaves to use that are good or would help the health of South American cichlids.
ive never used leaves or even thought about them but seen a few set ups with some leaves on the bottom and it does give a natural look so was wondering if any what is best to use.
I have a pair of red terrors on a tank on their own and just wanted to give the tank a better look
Thanks

 

[duanes]

Above and below are Magnolia leaves, I have also use oak, and maple.
All eventually break down, but Some break down faster than others.

Some leaves leech a lot of tannins that can turn water the color of tea, although some find the color not-aesthetically pleasing, for most fish tannins are medicinal.
During the rainy season (because my tanks are outside) tannins are leeched in from surrounding vegetation, and at times so thick, I cannot see the back wall.

 

[RealCrix220]

I always thought tannins was good for the fish

thanks for the photos and info, I might try a few and see how they go

 

[duanes]

I always thought tannins was good for the fish

thanks for the photos and info, I might try a few and see how they go

They are good for fish, and there is more and more research these days showing that.
Some people don't find the color the water gets, pleasing.
As you can see with my tank, I embrace it.
But some fish need them more than others, such as S Americans from black water rivers.

 

[RealCrix220]

Brilliant
Thanks again for the info im going to grab some

 

[gaisller]

Here we usually use mulberry or guava tree leaves.

Btw, I don't know if "mulberry" is actually a tree ? have to use google translate, but it's the blackberry tree.

 

[Punjabiking1500]

They are good for fish, and there is more and more research these days showing that.
Some people don't find the color the water gets, pleasing.
As you can see with my tank, I embrace it.
But some fish need them more than others, such as S Americans from black water rivers.

BRother what about Indian almond leaves
I live in India so they are easy To collect
How can I u use them in my tank

 

[tlindsey]

BRother what about Indian almond leaves
I live in India so they are easy To collect
How can I u use them in my tank

There is 2 ways to use the India Almound Leaves either drop leaves in the aquarium or boil them for the Tannins. I personally have Oak Trees where I live so in the fall collect them off the ground inspect them prior to adding to the aquarium.

 

[gaisller]

BRother what about Indian almond leaves
I live in India so they are easy To collect
How can I u use them in my tank

Found a lot of websites selling it as tank ornaments... should be fine. Also I aways saw these trees near rivers and beachs. Sorry to intrude.

 

[Jim bean 20055]

Here we usually use mulberry or guava tree leaves.

Btw, I don't know if "mulberry" is actually a tree ? have to use google translate, but it's the blackberry tree.

mulberry tree is a tree lol. Here where I live there are hundreds of them everywhere.