Allie

QUOTING a betta breeder:
"We have always used Indian Almond Leaves for conditioning and care of our Plakat. It increases fertility, health, and vigor. Reduces Ph in water, aids in the recovery of diseased/damaged fish and the tannin quickly colors the water."

I wonder if we used them in our pet Betta's tanks, would they help aid in keeping your betta healthier in water conditions more like in their natural environment.
I think I am going to try it in one of the 5g I am cycling for a new betta boy in the future. Since I have so much trouble keeping them for long periods of time with every other care advice I have been given, I thought it would be worth a try.
I was wondering what you other betta keepers think?
IAL links:
http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Betta,%2...d%20Leaves.htm
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums...d.php?t=132234
http://ezinearticles.com/?Indian-Alm...Fish&id=341852

jdhef

If I'm not mistaken alessa had used an extract made from Indian Almond Leaves previously. She said it didn't make a big difference (if indeed it was her.) You may be able to find the thread if you do a search.

Allie

I mean using the actual leaves and leaving them in the water.

jdhef

Yeah, I understood that, but I just thought the thread about the extract might be of interest to you.

Allie

Sorry...I am not on the ball today. lol
Thanks, I found a post where the topic was discussed.

COBettaCouple

I'm not sure how much of an effect they have, but I don't think they'd hurt anything and if they provided any benefits (such as lowering self-fin biting) then cool.

ara

I used almond leaves. Did not noticed any dramatic differences in the health of my bettas. But it seems they liked the leaves: they hid under them and enjoyed swimming around the leaves. I agree with CoBettaCouple: the leaves will not hurt. I buy almond leaves from ebay's Amy-Lim.

Allie

Here's an interesting read on IAL
http://www.siamsbestbettas.com/articles.html#Benefits

Alessa

Yes jdhef, I have used almond leaf extract and im currently using attison's betta spa (which is mainly the extract). It has made a huge difference with my boy. I usually use it in low quantities, and right now since my boy isnt feeling well, i am using it in higher concentrations. What I have noticed is that my boy gets full of energy, and goes bubble nesting like crazy after I add it.

I believe that the real thing must be much better, and I would love trying it with my boy.

jdhef

Oops! I stand corrected. I had thought you had said it didn't help much. Sorry if I lead you astray Allie!

Allie

It's all good. I am following my instincts on this one and ordering IALs asap.
I want them for my dragons.