Dry Bay leaves

[jecolaco]

Hi folks,
Importance of dry Bay leaves in the aquarium hobby?

Thanks & Regards!

[Aiken Drum]

Cant find much reference of them being used in the aquarium hobby beyond a discussion that leaves from ornamental bay trees are toxic. I assume you are talking about food grade dried bay leafs rather than leaves you have picked and dried yourself?

I would say they are of no importance to the aquarium hobby at all. Im sure someone, somewhere probably uses bay leaves, but its not common.

A lot of these leafs used in the aquatics hobby are from deciduous trees and the leaves gathered are fallen dead leafs rather than picked and dried. So the tree has reabsorbed a lot of the nutrients and minerals that may harm anything in your tank. Bay tree is evergreen i think, so the leaves are unlikely to be fallen dead leafs.

I wouldnt risk it without someone confirming they have personally done this or at least knows someone who has. But, if you do, let us know how you get on.

[Autumnsky]

Many leaves are used, but I haven't ever heard of anyone using bay leaves.

[Brookster123]

I put them in my marinara sauce!

[Autumnsky]

There is a culinary leaf and it is good for food. And an ornamental type which is toxic.

So at best at least knowing which one you habe would be important.

A toxic leaf in a river would be diluted with the amounts of water, but in a closed system like a home aquarium, it could potentially cause illness.