Indian Almond Leaves
Indian Almond leaves, in my opinion are essential for keeping your Bettas in tip top condition and for breeding them. this useful leaf is found in Asia and Northern Australia and grows on the tropical tree of the Leadwood tree family.
The leaves are quite big, usually 15 to 25 centimetres long and 10 to 15 centimetres broad (6-10 inches long and 4-5.5 inches broad). They are thick and leathery with an ovoid shape and have a glossy dark green colour on the tree. Before shedding the leaves the tree will extract the green pigmentation leaving the rich golden brown colour that users of the leaf in aquariums will recognise.
Betta keepers can use Indian almond leaves to mimic the natural conditions of their species in aquaria. Adding Indian almond leaves to a tank can help trigger spawning as compounds released by the leaves alter the chemistry of the water, making the water more similar to the habitat from which bettas originate in the wild.
The leaves leech tannins in to the water and these are beneficial due to their antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic effects. tannins are what casue the Amazon to have rich black water low in Ph and pristine in water quality due to the low PH value.
Indian almond leaves are rich in compounds produced by the tree to protect itself against bacteria, fungi and similar organisms. Because of this, it has been speculated that adding IAL,s to a tank will decrease the risk of disease in the tank or even help fish. Although this has not been scientificly proven it has long been beleived that leaves will benefit the health of the fish.
Using Indian almond leaves is not just about chemistry. Leaves and leaf litter makes the environment more natural and in my experience newly free swimming fry love to hide under and around the leaves. Indian almond leaves are also nice for fish to nibble on between meals, and the leaves serve as home and food for infusoria.
Using Indian Almond leaves
Keep your leaves in a dry place at room temperature until you are ready to use them. Dry leaves can be stored for at least 6 months in a suitable environment liek a sealed container. Rrinse the Indian almond leaves well in tap water before placing it in your tank. Do not use Indian almond leaves that are mouldy. Remove active carbon, from the tank before adding your Indian almond leaves. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the leaves into smaller pieces since this will make them leach their content into the water more rapidly.
How much do i use?
Dosages below are based on 15-25 cm (6-10 in) leaves. If your leaf is smaller or bigger, you need to adjust the figures accordingly.
Using 2 leaves per 50 L, 12 uk gallons, is a good rule of thumb, but yopu may to adjust the dosage to suit your particular fish. Some Betta keepers routinely use up to 2 leaves per 15 L (3 uk gallons) in their everyday tanks.Betta breeders normally use 1 leaf per 20 L (4uk gallons ) of water in breeding tanks. In fry rearing tanks, use 1 leaf per 40 L (9 uk gallons) of water.
For how long?
- The leaves will normally float for 2-3 days before sinking. Sinking is natural and it doesn’t mean that your have to change the leaves. I leave the leaves in the tank until they break up.
- The leaves will normally disintegrate after a month or two, depending on how actively your fish tries to destroy them. Some people that dislike the sight of torn leaves normally replace the leaves every 2-3 week, but this is purely for aesthetical reasons. There is usually no need to change the leaves more often than every second month.
In the Betta fry tank
In a Betta fry tank, Indian almond leaves are beneficial in several different ways. In addition to all the other positive effects , the leaves serve as home and food for infusoria; minute aquatic creatures like ciliates, euglenoids, and protozoa. Due to its size and nutritional content, infusoria is an excellent food source for newly hatched betta fry.
In addition to this, Betta fry are naturally inclined to hide among leaves and leaf litter and will feel safer and less stressed in a fry tank that isn’t completely barren.
If you wish to buy Indian Almond leaves you can buy them from the Products page
