Almond leaves (Catappa)- Tuesday tip

Almond leaves are valuable for more than just producing tannins. They are a great spawning media, and as they break down they produce microorganisms that are fantastic fry food.
Some papers on aquaculture using almond leaves can be found at the following links:
www.bioflux.com...
wwwlib.teiep.gr...

[@nicolekeeley200]

I love how sassy your intros are... You and Joey (The King of DIY) are my favorite fish KZbinrs.

[@MissCandyTattoo]

Jazmine ThePuppy you should check out Pecktec. Him and The Clones are pretty cool.

[@chriskoch9829]

DIY is to cocky for me. Bit of a braggart.

[@SnowWhiteTheU2]

My fav aquarium KZbin channel by far. Rachel is so kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. Everyone in the hobby need to follow her.

[@RachelOLeary]

Means a lot, thank you!

[@SnowWhiteTheU2]

@@RachelOLeary will always support you ! thanks for just being you !

[@lukmor7036]

I know your video is two years old, but i find that your information is still up to current and thank you very much.

[@gwynnthiere]

Aaaaaaah! Thank you for this video, no one was able to tell me like clear concise info on what the almond leaves are and why they're important. Most people were just like 'your betta needs them and you have to have them'. I hate 'just cause' answers, this is exactly what I needed! You're the best

[@KewlQT]

Really good Corydoras info pertaining to shipping & transport. I was just gifted 8 gorgeous corys & plecos by a man from a local fish group. So large & healthy! I wish I watched this video before transporting them. He bagged them 3/4 water to 1/4 air but at least I got them home in under an hour. Great video!!!

[@maxinechester9370]

I just go my catappa leaves today, and although I had done my research it was still nice to see you had a video on it for me to watch for that extra assurance. You're honestly my favorite youtuber, and I love going through all of your old videos.

[@RachelOLeary]

Thanks Kitty :)

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Great video. I've never heard anything but folksy anecdotal responses about the use of almond leaves. It's nice to see some science applied. Thanks. I'll definitely be looking to get some of these in the near future.

[@RachelOLeary]

+Dan Hiteshew I put a couple links to just a few papers in the description. I combed through a lot looking for dosing and relevant information to our hobby beyond the anecdotal

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Rachel O'leary Lol A fish keeper after my own heart. Really good info. Thanks again.

[@beckyfalotico2693]

Rachel O'leary well said ! I am so sick of the comments that my tanks look "dirty" because of the tannins from the IA leaves. I hope you don't mind I quote you verbatim. I usually just say "my fishes like tea" 😂😜

[@bebebutterfield1]

Rachel you are an Aquarist/mad Scientist. I can watch your videos forever and feel smarter for it. Thank you.

[@RachelOLeary]

glad to hear it :)

[@Amy-dw7ii]

I was just wondering about these and your video popped up. I immediately closed the random video and went RIGHT to yours ! So thankful for your videos.

[@missaleebounty]

Oldie, but a goodie. This video has been really helpful and informative!

[@bakar29]

I live in Malacca, Malaysia & I guess i am pretty lucky that I can just go outside and pick the dried IAL's off the ground, rinse them in water and put them in my tanks hehe. My Silvertip Tetras absolutely love the blackwater and love to play/take cover in between the leaves. The blackwater really brings out their yellow color and the white tips are really stands out.

[@DanielMorales-ob7xy]

tthe only video that actually explains the cience behind the leaf in the water, great video, thanks :)

[@graffitijunkiejfk]

Such an informative channel and that knowledge truly feels shared...

[@kg2nc]

This was a great topic because I didn't know about those leave I thought it was just for tannin. Thank you very much.

[@celiamarcano9656]

Do you feed the leaves one a month, can you put defferent leave ?

[@johnmorgan5721]

I really Enjoy Rachel’s Talks

[@galaxiegrey96]

You are my source for fish knowledge. I just started in the hobby and when I have a question I just check your channel.

[@angelahewgley6504]

I so appreciate your knowledge. You are a humble person and it's awesome to learn from you. I gather leaves around the Columbia River in Oregon and your right. They break down fast and messy. Thanks so much.

[@beachz101]

Awesome video. I’m off to the fish store for some catappa leaves. Thanks Rachel !

[@juliamahler415]

Thank you Rachel , I always learn so much from you, my fish thank you too , you have made their lives much more comfortable :)

[@144928]

I just recently found you're videos. Well done ! I intend to use these leaves with a Betta tank I am about to start. You are an inspiration to me, and I sure many others.

[@RachelOLeary]

+Michael Vard thanks michael!

[@octavioocampo3230]

Congratulations on your videos. You're direct, focused and don't use a bunch of "gansta" hand gestures and phrases. You are remarkably knowledgeable. Thank you.

[@almarma]

For any question I may have, you always have already a video with the answer! THANK YOU RACHEL! You're the best! I ordered a bag of leaves today and will see if they help my guppies get rid of the fin rot disease some of them have or at least, keep the rest healthy :(

[@metaltrooper62]

When I use to breed and raise poison dart frogs I used Almond leaves. I would make my own black water with about 3 leaves in a 5 gallon bucket of water. I had an air stone to circulate the water in the bucket. I had about 99% hatch rate and tadpoles morphing out perfectly healthy when I used this method. I'm planning on setting up some aquariums (once I figure out what fish I'm going to keep) and I will be using Almond leaves in those setups.

[@HomeAquatics]

My fish love these leaves. Corydoras Habrosus fry love to hide under the leaves when they are very young and shrimp are always picking at the leaves.

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Just fantastic, interesting and informative. I watch your channel all the time. I've given up on watching TV

[@williamneill5441]

Excellent video! I’ve been using these leaves for years. To me they add such an appealing and natural look to an aquatic habitat. My Cherax crays each them like chips, too!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thank you thank you for the low-down on cattapa leav.i do have them in my 29 gallon freshwater tank. 😊👍👍😏

[@jonwebb5241]

I loved your vids. You apologized for pronunciation of a biological word, but pronounced it perfectly, and your ability to explain water chemistry in plain English demonstrates that you really do understand it. I think you should get a Master’s in biochemistry or microbiology along the way.

[@RachelOLeary]

still paying for my last masters, and bachelors degrees and soon my kids will be in college. I would LOVE to go a more academic route, but don't think its gonna happen for me

[@jonwebb5241]

Rachel O'Leary , you already did the academic thing, and it shows. My bad. You have the rare combination of left/right technical and artistic balance in your art. I am following and wish you every success. I think industry and research and public aquarium sectors would be wise to pay real stipends for lectures and your expertise.

[@samlovely5208]

I love listening to your videos

[@birannanan8591]

Thanks a lot rachel ,very valuable info.

[@nicholehorn4818]

This video answered so many of my questions. I was on the fence about buying leaves for a few of my tanks and this sold me on getting almond leaf litter. My tank with kuhli loaches and ee betta will definitely dig :)

[@Mediaboon]

Cool video. I grew up on a street with dozens of catappa trees. If you crack the fruit there's a small almond. Bats love the fruit when ripe.

[@juliemartinezhayes8319]

This was a great tip to re-watch. I'd forgotten the anti-fungal uses. Thanks for the GREAT info!

[@whatthefudge6511]

These leaves are great..ive been using them for years and my bettas love them..it has a strong medicine smell to it which i think is good for healing and everything that you've explain..great job on the vid

[@erickangel6282]

Hello question how long do you need to leave the almond leaves in the water i mean how many days?

[@lisachesters4991]

You make some of the most informative videos. Thank you.

[@MrDsuperman]

Informative video, in that vein i use Catalpa Speciosa leaves for certain scenarios . They break down quickly if thats what you need and shrimp and crays devour them. I also use Sweetgum tree seedballs as an alternative to Alder cones. Both these trees are probably in your backyard.

[@presouz]

Why did I not know about your Tue Tips? Love them so much thanks heaps

[@shanamm1345]

my cory-cats & otocinclus also like the leaves once they breakdown a lil. snails like them too. my cories love taking naps under the leaves. usually once the leaves sink i prop it against a rock or ornament . the cories really love hanging out under the shade it provides. in fact, that's what made me aware that corycats seems to not like bright lights and will seek shade if its provided. so i make sure to have plenty of real or fake plants for my light sensitive fish.

[@johnbearsfishroom8444]

Thank you for making these into a play list! Much easier to find!

[@LinardBraslin]

This is really good information. It's quite ironical - I live in northern Europe and avocado leaves are not readily available here, obviously, BUT I have a little tree grown from seed going on in my room. I'll sure make good use of it now :D

[@marthanewsome6375]

Rachel, very informative video. I also think they are fantastic if people want to keep shrimp with inert substrate or substrate less tanks. I also use peat and sphagnum moss in my filters, it substitutes. Because of the tannin's it reduces algae blooms. This may just because less light is able to penetrate through the water, but when ever I get green spot algae I pop a couple more leaves in to make the water a little darker. They are fantastic and I'm trying to track down someone here in Australia that sell them in bulk here, because I use them so much in all my tanks, fish or shrimp. I also want to grow some plants myself to self supply as well. Not sure how they will go as they are tropical and Sydney is sub-tropical, but will give it a try.

[@RachelOLeary]

Banana leaves also work well, should they be more readily available

[@peachimonn]

Love this video! Very informative for someone like me who is new to the hobby. Thank you

[@DJ_LittlePea]

Excellent video Rachel 👏👏

[@AussieAquatic]

Excellent video, and great contribution to the aquarium hobby.

[@JustJamie-h3l]

you do the best most informative clips on the net, great stuff mate :)

[@cl6633]

Great video. Was wondering what benefits these have. Will definitely buy some for my tanks!

[@MinnyLouWho]

Good to know one can use maple leaves, I was wondering about those. I have Almond leaves in all my tanks now, not just me shrimp tanks, thanks to you ;) Love your channel! Your real and down-to-earth with lots of awesome tips. ( Plus your not a braggard ;) )

[@pungr]

You are my go-to aquarium woman!

[@erxkeel]

Awesome info Rachael, appreciate that!

[@JB-wg9zj]

Great info. I had heard that guava leaves are effective as well. I will have to get a hold of some almond leaves to try it out.

[@ggggg-h9s]

Always use them.. I find them very beneficial in my community tank....

[@salvolondon]

I’ve ordered them via amazon . They’ll arrive in a few days , I’ve never used them but seems like it’s good .

[@vickymast8485]

Great info again ~ Cheers from Bend Or

[@narrateanewtunnel2352]

Great video....extremely informative. Thank you for taking your time to do these videos!

[@kdr1048]

Really great video thank you Rachel your one of my favorite you tubers. I'm going to get some of these for my cardinal tank

[@angella6577]

great thankyou for this information.. thankyou for this video.. keep going with your best videos🙏🙏🙏

[@tinablum9089]

I learn so much from your videos! Thanks so much!!

[@karenjgray5577]

Botanical name of the tree is Terminalia catappa. Aka Sea Almond. This tree has been planted as a yard tree in Florida and has become naturalized in some parts of the south now, but only where it's warm enough for them.

[@dimasfishdiary9461]

We got lot of it at Indonesia. My Neighbour have it. It really help for cure sickness for the fish and for they Betta Fry.

[@sedghammer]

I use oak leaves in my aquariums for the same purpose. There are a lot of tropical Quercus spp., so it's probably closer to what they would experience in the wild.

[@AmusedToast]

Would putting too many of the almond leaves make the water a little soapy? Saponins are used for detergents and tend to lather when the water is agitated. Although not fish related, people who live on the land and don't buy commercial products use plants that contain saponins to make soapy water to clean themselves, which I found interesting. :)

[@xoticflauer]

Great video!

[@anamikanandy1785]

Wonderful and informative video

[@RyansAquarium]

Great tips Rachel!

[@lovesdiy5660]

Love this channel. You are a great teacher :)!

[@RachelOLeary]

thank you!

[@kojiking]

they have some form of antibacterial benefit as well. I will drop some into my tank if I find some minor form of infection on my fishes and they will start to recover.

[@RachelOLeary]

+kojiking Yup! Antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiparasitic! Wins all across the board!

[@nathanbusch3781]

Hi Rachel, I was wondering what resources you use for your research articles? I'd love to do some research of my own hobby related topics but don't know where to start. Thanks!!

[@Jabinho]

great video. good to get some definitive information about almond leaves.

[@ami-louh6362]

Excellent video. I'm a beginner aquarist l have a 10 gallon tank containing a baby Pleco, 3 endler guppies and 6 amano shrimp. Its a well planted tank and a of ph 8. (l also have a larger tank for when the plec matures). My question is if l use a almond leaf in my shrimp tank will it impact the ph? Thanks in advance

[@karenjgray5577]

I only wish they were easier to get here in Ontario (Canada). Sometimes I hear they've been banned and can't be imported, but sometimes a shop will have them and then I'll get them. Meantime, I collect oak leaves off trees in cleaner areas after they've turned brown, so they won't pick up dirt from the ground. Oaks hold their leaves for ages, some trees here still have dry brown leaves hanging on. They're great for tannins but as you pointed out, they lack the manifold benefits of catappa leaf. I wonder if they produce saponins? I also wonder a lot about green tea, which has a number of interesting compounds too. Fascinating to learn that Catappa leaves actually bind to calcium ions! Learning water chemistry has been a real challenge for me and while I think I've got the basics pretty solidly now, I've often wondered why it was said that some leaves would soften water, because I didn't see how it would work. Now I know and I send you many thanks for the education!

[@davidingram2537]

Karen J Gray You can get them on Amazon.ca.

[@Ash060786]

Karen J Gray if you're anywhere near GTA there's a petstore downtown called Menagerie petstore that used to sell them. Not sure if they still do, but I'm heading there this week to check it out.

[@vibeindian6153]

Im selling good quality of amlond leaves for fish tanks

[@robertl6440]

They do less some in some calgary pet shops

[@theninjafilmcompanyvidioan6235]

It did really help! I've only just started using them..based purely on seeing videos like this one! Richard Pond guru sent me some..and the tanins don't bother me. As I'm starting off with just one leaf in a 150 ltr tank.. slowly does it..🐺leave em in to rot down?

[@redfishbluefish1164]

Your insight is great thx! I just ordered some Catappa leaves to help a few of my red eye tetras and black mollies fight fungus and fin rot issues. I have never used leaf litter before but do get very light tannins from drift wood. My tank is 46 gallons. Should I put all 12 leaves in when they arrive or maybe just half?

[@SevernRunAquatics]

I love using catappa leaves although rather then buying them nowadays I just use oak leaves and magnolia leaves from my backyard. Shrimp evidently love mulberry but my apistos do too. I tend to let the leaves just break down. My tanks with leaves are my healthiest tanks!

[@janicestp5558]

Thank you so much I didn't realize the health benefits were so good with almond leaves. Is there a brand you would recommend. Also, how do you feel about alder cones?

[@kitd4386]

The almond leaves change the PH from what I heard, and i can't remember the acidic/alkaline but my ph range is regularly caught in the 6.4 to 6.8 range when i test heavy fish/snails and heavy planted and regularly adjusted to put it more in the moderate range. Will the almond leaves help move to more moderate ph ranges from the 6.4 and 6.8 range. Or will it push it further into the 6 range?? And i know snails and shrimp will munch on dead leaves but will endlers eat these??

[@henriqueb8538]

I've put just one of these leaves inside my 12 galon aquarium to try to acidify water. As I've stopped the usage of co2, my criptos and microssorums had been strongly beaten by algae at time. After using the almond leaves the ph keept without any change but my algae problem was realy gone. Even at the time I was using CO2, I've never seen the aquarium so damn clean as after these leaves. Anyway, around my house there are tons of Almond trees growing. I get the amount I want for free.

[@vibeindian6153]

Henrique Brust how many days keep almond leaf in betta fish tank

[@terryterry1655]

good for Red cherry shrimp? will it not lower the pH level

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

I have banana trees are the leaves good to use. and do they release some of the same nutrients you were talking about. Awesome video

[@RoundhouseAquatics]

I bought some i have one in each tank for a few days and the water is still clear. maybe defective ? where is a place to get quality leaves that will add tannin's or will ALL leaves add them? TY for help in advance

[@LagiacrusHunter]

Awesome video Rachel, I love your Tuesday Tip series! I have a question about the sponge filters you use in your tanks. How do you choose the right size for a particular tank, and what kind of pumps do you use to run them? I'm interested in setting up some tanks with shrimp and other small fauna when I can afford to do so, but until then I'm doing as much research as I can.

[@RachelOLeary]

+AugyBear I use the same size in pretty much everything, as I am a big fan of Poret foam (www.swisstropicals.com)- the same kind of foam in used for the corner mattenfilter in my 150g build. I use a central pump, just one for the entire fish room. I prefer to keep my energy usage down, so one pump ismuch better than a series of small ones in my application. ATI pro sponges are also good (i like the pro series as they are more porous so don't clog as frequently) or the aqua-pharm.com biologic sponges. I am not specifically endorsing only those products, they are just the three I choose to use here. Most give a guideline for size, I always go bigger because I have so many tanks and like to cut down on my filter maintenance as much as possible.

[@LagiacrusHunter]

Thank you, you're awesome!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thanks for thus video 👍

[@tolmiepheasants8079]

Great !!! How many leaves should i put in my 450l discus tank? Thanks

[@zechdemulling9970]

Great topic, loved it

[@just4fun-family145]

Hey Rachel, thank you for all the awesome videos… I am subscribed and have a quick question… I saw your video and ordered some Indian almond leaves online. I put one large leaf which is 7 to 12 inches for each 10 gallons in my aquarium. I noticed five hours later my convict cichlids were acting very strange. Or use my master test kit to test all the water and the pH was around 6.4 to 6.8. My tapwater and tanks are usually at seven. Two or higher in my fish I’ve grown accustomed to that because my local Pet stores are pretty close. My question is is this going to harm my fish? I’m assuming when I do my weekly water changes sometimes twice a week the water will balance out but any advice on using these leaves would be great. I am currently putting them in my convicts tank, Cory tank, guppy, Featherfin and Oscar tank… There’s some loaches in there too and just wanted to get your advice if it’s OK and all those. Thank you so much and keep up the great work!

[@vb2377]

Do you think shrimp can feed off of the shrimp as a stable?

[@rushigalande1]

How about using these leaves for a shrimp and cherry barb tank for feeding while on vacation? I saw your suggestion where you suggest not to feed. But these leaves may just be an answer for people who are going on vacation. What do you think people?

[@manuelnambo9613]

Love your videos 😊👌

[@davidispisces]

can i use these leaves while medicating my tank? im using paraguard

[@Shaden0040]

Rachel, instead of placing all the leaves in a tank say 11 for a 55 gallon tank can you place some of them inside your filter placed between the rough media and the activated carbon? either in a back of the tank or a canister filter? So place 4-5 in the tank and the rest in the filter? Have you tried this in a test for any of your tanks, and i f not would you be willing to try both a canister and back of the tank filters?

[@RachelOLeary]

+Shaden0040 absolutely, you can also brew it like a tincture to add just the treated water

[@Pray4Mojo1]

I think leaves have their place. Especially blackwater tanks. They're a natural part of the environment and should be used more often.

[@aliceinwonderland6208]

Awesome video where should I order these leaves from

[@ginarodriguez7899]

Love this video. Where would I get me some almond leaves at? Are they very expensive? I'm just starting out and really enjoy your Tuesday Tips. Thanks for all your help

[@mrlordsnooty]

Great vid , learnt a lot . Thankyou

[@jamesglassey3581]

Rachael where have my baby rabbit snails gone not seen them for a couple of weeks.

[@call_me_stan5887]

I agree - I have a sh..t load of oak leaves in stock and use them periodically, but yes - even though they seem strong and long-lasting, actually they break down pretty fast. I need to buy catappa and try it out ;)

[@faribaomari1982]

Can I use for my goldfish?

[@Ballacha]

how long, if ever, do the chemicals from the leaves fade after taking the leaves out of the tank?

[@frankstockton4480]

Mrs. O’Leary I know this is an old video but I didn’t know where else to turn. I recently decided to go from a traditional aquarium to a “dirt planted” tank. In doing this the first layer I chose to use is an organic soil which has (as I found out ) a lot of peat, bark and such in the mix and very little “dirt” in it. I NOW have about a half in of this in the tank and my tank is tan with tannins. Now I’m going to get some outside dirt cook it and place it in the tank then cap it off with gravel and plant as purchased. My questions are will these tannins diminish? Will the soil and capping prohibit the reoccurrence of tannins? Thank You.

[@YeshMCx]

Does anyone know if these almond leaves would be safe for leaf litter in a whites tree frogs terrarium?

[@save7043]

Will black water result in poor growth for planted tanks like Cuba?