What leaves do in the aquarium
Leaves acidify the water with their humic substances, so that the pH value drops. How much the pH drops depends on the carbonate hardness (KH) and the amount of foliage used. Only at low KH values below KH 4 can a significant drop in pH be observed. In addition, leaves have a slightly antibacterial effect.
Which animals like leaves?
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In many tropical streams and lakes there are several thick layers of leaves on the bottom. Some fish species have adapted to this environment and feel particularly at home in appropriately equipped aquariums. These include fry catfish and Apistogramma species (dwarf cichlids). I like to hide Apistogramma under and between the leaves. Leaves are also recommended for Pelviachromis.
By darkening the substrate with leaves, the colors of many fish species, e.g. B. of Apistgramma species, well shown.
Some catfish species, e.g. B. Witch catfish and young Ancistrus as well as shrimp like to eat the leaves themselves or microorganisms living on the leaves.
Leaves also have a positive effect on water flea farms.
How leaves are used in the aquarium
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In the aquarium, the leaves are simply placed on the water surface. After a few days, the leaves sink to the bottom, where they slowly decompose.
The leaves used should be collected away from busy roads. In autumn, dry leaves that are still hanging on the trees can be collected. Fallen leaves can also be used.
Leaves from ponds or streams are already well watered and sink quickly. However, they should be thoroughly cleaned with water before use, as mud, pieces of branch and all kinds of animals are still stuck to them. With leaves from ponds and streams, care must be taken to ensure that no pests such as yellow-striped beetles or dragonfly larvae are introduced into the aquarium. Attached mosquito larvae etc. are readily eaten by the fish. Dry leaves can be briefly rinsed with hot water to clean.
The leaves can also be boiled to be on the safe side. Any dirt is loosened, fungi are killed, etc. The leaves then immediately sink to the ground. However, some of the desired substances are destroyed or removed by boiling. Boiled leaves therefore color the aquarium water less yellow-brown. Whether this is desired depends on the specific area of application.
The coloring also depends on the type of leaf. Not all leaf species color the water. Oak and beech leaves color the water, but to different degrees.
save leaves
Leaves collected in the fall are loosely placed in a plastic bag and frozen. The leaves must be absolutely dry for this. The cold stops the decomposition process.
Alternatively, the leaves are kept dry and loosely layered. Moisture collects easily in plastic bags, which can lead to mold growth on the leaves.
What sheets can be used
In principle, leaves from almost all trees are suitable, including fruit trees. Dried leaves that are still hanging on the tree or have already fallen off are used. Fresh, green leaves straight from the tree are less suitable, even if they are dried afterwards. The color change of the leaves in autumn is caused by the depletion of the chlorophyll present in the leaves. The chlorophyll is still present in freshly picked leaves, so at least these leaves do not take on the dark coloration that is often desired. In principle, fresh leaves can also be used, but it is not certain which possibly undesirable substances are brought into the aquarium with them. This is especially true for «dairy» plants, including a number of houseplants. Rhododendron leaves probably last the longest, but it is not certain whether the spurge they contain is harmful. There have been reports of deaths in pond fish after green clippings fell into the pond. On the other hand, long brown leaves are used in aquariums without fish losses.
- beech leaves
- oak leaves
- maple leaves
- chestnut leaves
- Fiddler Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Ficus benjaminii
- birch leaves
- willow leaves
- poplar leaves
- Indian almond tree leaves (import not available in native nature)
Oak and beech leaves, which acidify the water well, are particularly suitable for Apistogramma species. Even in warm water, these leaves do not disintegrate as quickly because of their high tannin content and can last up to four months. Ficus benjaminii leaves also last a long time.
For shrimp and crayfish z. B. chestnut leaves well suited.
Care should be taken when using leaves from trees that shed their leaves early in the fall and whose leaves are prone to black spotting. Maple leaves contain z. B. a lot of phosphate, but can also be used. You should also carefully gain your own experience with leaves from ash, walnut and willow trees.
How many sheets are used?
No general information can be given about the number of sheets. There have been no reports of too many leaves causing problems. To be on the safe side, the water values, especially pH, nitrate and phosphate values and the carbonate hardness should be measured during use.
Do leaf debris lead to high nitrate and phosphate levels?
First, the protein-containing parts of the leaves decompose in the aquarium water. Even if the leaves are largely decomposed, leaf remains remain in the aquarium. These residues consist of substances that are difficult to degrade, such as lingnins, humic acids and fulvic acids.
These substances are exactly the biological material desired in the aquarium, which, among other things, prevents excessive algae growth. These residues therefore do not have to be removed from the aquarium.