Who is using leaves?
- Thread starter HarleyK
- Start date
Ask and you shall receiveThey're 8 - 10 inches now...
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And my favorite...my alpha...
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You don't see many that size. Very nice. Too bad they're illegal here, but its for the greater good
Been toying with this and ordered Indian almond leaves yesterday, sounds like it will be short lived since they're for my 240. If I like it do you feel it would be reasonable from a cost perspective to use some leaves for looks and peat for tannins or still a bit pricey?
I've always used oak leaves,I remove and replace them when they start to break,i attribute it to my 100 percent success rate with crayfish.
I came across this article and thought of this thread. Just adding a bit science and relevance for the natural habitats of our fish
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170303081326.htm
What global climate change may mean for leaf litter in streams and rivers
Date:
March 3, 2017
Source:
University of Utah
Summary:
Carbon emissions to the atmosphere from streams and rivers are expected to increase as warmer water temperatures stimulate faster rates of organic matter breakdown. But a new study suggests these decay rates may not increase as much as expected. In fact, the study indicates average breakdown rates may increase 5 percent to 21 percent with a 1 degree to 4-degree Celsius rise in water temperature — half as much as the 10 percent to 45 percent increase predicted by metabolic theory.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170303081326.htm
What global climate change may mean for leaf litter in streams and rivers
Date:
March 3, 2017
Source:
University of Utah
Summary:
Carbon emissions to the atmosphere from streams and rivers are expected to increase as warmer water temperatures stimulate faster rates of organic matter breakdown. But a new study suggests these decay rates may not increase as much as expected. In fact, the study indicates average breakdown rates may increase 5 percent to 21 percent with a 1 degree to 4-degree Celsius rise in water temperature — half as much as the 10 percent to 45 percent increase predicted by metabolic theory.
I used indian almond leaves but my pH was so low (other reasons) I stopped using them.
Does anyone know if oak has any less of an effect on pH? I have crushed coral in my filter now to keep the pH up, I'd like to add leaves back in if I could.
Does anyone know if oak has any less of an effect on pH? I have crushed coral in my filter now to keep the pH up, I'd like to add leaves back in if I could.
I just googled the Portand Oregon Water Quality Report.
Portlands water is very soft, although initial pH is 7.5-8.
I believe this dichotomy is because the alkalinity (though not listed in the report) must be low. Alkalinity is the waters buffering capacity (ability to neutralize acid i.e. fish urine)
Any leaves will quickly lower pH in this type situation, even with crushed coral as substrate.
An inexpensive way to bolster alkalinity would be be to dissolve baking soda in your water change water. To know how much to add, get a good alkalinity test, and gradually add baking soda until the test reads (and the water holds) the amounted alkalinity to keep pH stable........sounds like a nightmare doesn't it?
If it were me, I would not try to alter my water, but I would keep fish that thrive in soft water.
A fish I have always wanted to keep but couldn't (because my tap water was liquid rock) is Uaru fernandezyepezi, and many of the South American dwarf cichlids, Geophagines, and tetras thrive in your type water (especially if leaf tannins are added).
the link below is an interesting look into the subject,
Freshwater Natural Aquarium Documentary
Portlands water is very soft, although initial pH is 7.5-8.
I believe this dichotomy is because the alkalinity (though not listed in the report) must be low. Alkalinity is the waters buffering capacity (ability to neutralize acid i.e. fish urine)
Any leaves will quickly lower pH in this type situation, even with crushed coral as substrate.
An inexpensive way to bolster alkalinity would be be to dissolve baking soda in your water change water. To know how much to add, get a good alkalinity test, and gradually add baking soda until the test reads (and the water holds) the amounted alkalinity to keep pH stable........sounds like a nightmare doesn't it?
If it were me, I would not try to alter my water, but I would keep fish that thrive in soft water.
A fish I have always wanted to keep but couldn't (because my tap water was liquid rock) is Uaru fernandezyepezi, and many of the South American dwarf cichlids, Geophagines, and tetras thrive in your type water (especially if leaf tannins are added).
the link below is an interesting look into the subject,
Freshwater Natural Aquarium Documentary
I used silver birch, I read that they don't alter your water chemistry. I have been using them for about a year now and there hasn't been any changes in my ph and no tannins that I have seen.
