Oak leaves

[Fishman007]

Ive been reading up on apistos and it says that they enjoy haveing leaf litter on the substrate. Is it safe to have oak leaves inside their tank?

 

[Rivercats]

Yes you can use dried oak leaves. They will darken your water as they release tannins just so you know.

 

[Fishman007]

Yes you can use dried oak leaves. They will darken your water as they release tannins just so you know.

So how should i prepare the dried ones? Ive heard you can bake them to make them dry is that ok?

 

[Jbrock]

I wouldn't think you'd necessarily need to dry them first. Theyre gonna get wet anyway!

 

[Rivercats]

IDK, you'd have to read up on that. I use Indian Almond Leaves myself.

 

[Rivercats]

I wouldn't think you'd necessarily need to dry them first. Theyre gonna get wet anyway!

No they need to be dried and for the life of me I can't remember why... senior moment!

OP here is a good article I forgot I had bookmarked.... Leaves for Aquaria (Full Article) | Details | Articles | TFH Magazine®.

 

[Fishman007]

Can i use any dried leaves?

 

[Rivercats]

It gives you a list of leaves in the link above. Basically you can use dried oak, beech, and indian almond leaves.

 

[bshenanagins]

In order to get the most out of the leaf it's best to let the leaves fall and dry out naturally. I believe baking them to expedite the process is not the best route. I have an oak tree next to me dropping some fall leaves now if your interested I could gather some for you. Indian almond leaves are much larger though and probably last longer.

 

[Jbrock]

Great article, good info. Thanks all.