Indian Almond Leaves?

[blue_betta]

whats their benfits? i understand they are a natural tonic and help to create a better living condition for betta, but do they have a noticable benifit on breeding?

 

[hollyp0p]

i've read they help providing a safe cover for bubble nests, in general terms I think people use them as a tannin for their water (makes it sort of browny in colour) to make it like a natural environment would be rather than the crystal clear water from taps, etc.

 

[nakomis90]

if your breeding betta's these really are best to be used!
i have tried breeding bettas wiithout them and had no luck!

 

[blue_betta]

if your breeding betta's these really are best to be used!
i have tried breeding bettas wiithout them and had no luck!

thing is ive had 3 spawns last year... never used em

 

[ibbledibble]

Hope this helps

ARTICLE INFORMATION:
Author: S.N. Nagendra
Title: Almond Leaf - The poor man's water conditioner
Summary: Parts of the almond tree are used in traditional medicines throught S.E. Asia and India. Some aquarists in India pick leaves off local almond trees and use them as a water conditioner. They release anti-bacterial substances, lower the pH, and absorb harmful chemicals.

Benefits of almond tree leaf:
The (wild) Sea Almond tree (Terminalia catappa) produces a poison in its leaves and sap to defend against insect parasites. Even the dried leaves contain this chemical substance. These leaves when put into water release anti-bacterial substances into the water. The colour of the water also turns to brown gradually thereby creating an environment of black water.

Almond leaves actually release organic acids like humic and tannins. This lowers the pH. They help to absorb harmful chemicals and thus create a soothing and calm environment for the fish.

Aquarium Use:
Now this is where we shall start. You will discover that a lot of betta enthusiasts often use Indian almond leaves and actually rave for its benefits. The main reason is that their antibacterial properties minimize the chances of bacterial infections, improve health, stimulate the natural environment of fish who hail from soft, acidic waters, stimulate breeding conditions and harden scales in which case as mentioned before does minimize skin diseases and pathogens resulting in bacterial infections that dwell on the epidermis of the fish.

The leaves are often harvested in many Asian countries hence the controversial name originating from various countries. These are considered organic and for aquarium use, they should be free from pollutants and chemicals that could kill the fish.

Like driftwoods and peat, they release heavy amounts of tannic acids. You may not like the looks of yellow water but your fish will naturally benefit from its use. The tannic acids will considerably lower the pH level depending on the hardness levels. Allow one large leaf of 8-10 inches per 10 gallons although I admittedly do not follow what is often recommended as I really like the idea of having a leaf litter in my aquaria no matter the size. Removal of tannic acids is done by either use of activated carbon or doing plenty of water changes.

For aesthetic reasons, I was asked in another forum how long the leaves last before they eventually disintegrate. To answer this, it will take a long time most often a month or two before they actually disintegrate although I admittedly try to replace mine every two to three weeks.

 

[Jaded12]

Indian Almond Leaves act as a stimulent for bettas when breeding, its gets them in the mood I've spawned with and without it, but it helps make the bubblenests stickier so it doesn't fall apart so easily and such. Its a matter of choice but I'd recomment using it if at all possible.

 

[blue_betta]

hmm.. kinda helps, but not much i havent already read about them.

im hoping to breed from a pair quite soon, would you recomend them for use in a breeding tank? would they effect any live food i provide the young(im actualy going to be trying out betta starter but failing that, my vinigar eel culture is well and truly booming)

Indian Almond Leaves act as a stimulent for bettas when breeding, its gets them in the mood I've spawned with and without it, but it helps make the bubblenests stickier so it doesn't fall apart so easily and such. Its a matter of choice but I'd recomment using it if at all possible.