Paleofish

I know a few people use these for their bettas and I was wondering, Which do you guys think are best for use with bettas? I am talking about the chemical properties of the leaves. From what i have seen, The oak(live oak) Leafs i used seem to lower the pH more. But i really didn't pay to much mind to when i was using the IAL, But the next time i do i will look at the pH. But from what i remember the fins of the females grew back pretty quick in a dark tea of the IAL.

matt6765

Indain Almond leaves

Shawnie

never knew that information about oak leaves...we learn something new everyday!!
I do use IAL tho ...so I cant recommend the oak but im glad to have the information...I hope other members have advice on the oak

pepetj

Oak leaves? wow that's great to know. I am willing to try them! I have been using Indian Almond Tree leaves since July 2008, in a variety of settings (Bettas, Central/South American Cichlids, Loaches, Rasboras...) so my vote is biased toward IAL just because I have no experience with Oak leaves.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

matt6765

Do you mean oak leaves from an oak tree..... I have two oak trees in my backyard

Paleofish

Yes, If you use them make sure their are no chemicals on them and they are a nice brown.


Most of the people that use them use them for wild bettas and For SA cichlids.

But right now i made a tea out of it and have it in one giant bettas tank and I have some leaves in my smaragdina tank.

matt6765

Oh wow really..... does that mean I can sell them..... when can I use them... can I just pick off tree or do I have to wait untill fall

Paleofish

Well i thought of that, But since about any person in amarica has a oak tree near by I don't think too many people would buy them. But it's worth a shot.

Like IAL the best leaves are the ones that fall naturally and turn brown.

Martinismommy

I only use IAL so can't really comment on the difference....I actually only use them is I am shipping or have a fish that is under the weather....For the sick fish I boil them and make a tea...I put them in the dark IAL water to heal (after it cools of course)

Paleofish

Yeah, That's about the only time i used IAL cause of the price of it, But my water has a pH of 7.8-7.9, So the oak tea is a cheap leaf to use to lower the pH.

Regal

I read somewhere that you have to boil the Oak leaves for a minute to make them sink.

Paleofish

They will sink if you leave the leafs floating in the tank long enough, But since i normally make a tea out of it, I just put the leaves after i boil them in my tanks.

Jark

I've been wondering about using oak. Here in Texas they are everywhere. How much Tea do you use per gallon? Does it darken the water much?