Dried Banana Leafs

[BethK]

I have heard that dried banana leafs are good for tanks. Does anyone know if this is correct and what exactly are the benefits of having them?

Thanks

 

[ellena]

I haven't heard that, but I know the indian almond leaves are popular with betta owners and I know a shop in sheffield which has them in with almost all their fish.

 

[mattlee]

or dried out oak leaves as they release the tannins/acids that IAL release

 

[BethK]

Is that what all these leafs do then?

 

[mattlee]

Is that what all these leafs do then?

yes they release tannins into the water which contain humic acids (i think) that can slightly lower pH if your water can be buffered and also are supposed to have natural healing properties for fish... same as bogwood does.

people use them to create black water environments for fish like discus, corys, tetras, plecs etc that natively come from the amazon where the water can be stained so much that it looks like tea...
also used for bettas to help with spawning and healing after the fighting during spawning!
shrimps love them too....

i have a tank set up just for corys and use these leaves to create a slight blackwater effect, i like the look as its very natural but others will disagree

people also use oak leaves for the same reason, they are smaller and do look great but must be dry and good quality. both types of leaves will eventually start to decay in the water and removed unless in a shrimp tank as they will eat them. the amount of leaves used relates to the darkness of the water.

 

[BethK]

Ok, thanks x