Indian Almond (also known as Ketapang or Tropical Almond or Sea Almond or Seemandelbaumblatter or Terminalia Catappa) leaves are becoming very popular amongst fish keepers/breeders, not just in South-East Asia but around the world, as a natural medicine and water conditioner for aquarium use.
Indian Almond Leaves are used for conditioning and care of our Bettas. They are believed to aid the fish in a number of ways, they increase fertility, health, and vigour. Reduce Ph in water, aid in the recovery of diseased/damaged fish and the tannin quickly colours the water.
Aquarists also use Indian Almond Leaves to mimic the natural conditions of their fish in their aquaria. Simply adding Indian Almond Leaves ( IAL ) to your aqurium will release compounds by the leaves which alter the chemistry of the water, making the aquarium more similar to the habitat from which the fish hails.
As well as bettas, these leaves are also ideal for Discus, gouramis, killiefish, tetras, arrowana’s, angelfish, South American dwarf cichlids, corys, plecos, some rasboras some cat-fishes and crustaceans, shrimps just love to chew on them.
Studies have shown that Indian Almond Leaves leache many beneficial substances and not only tannins when submerged in water. When soaked in water these leaves will leach a strong brown tea colour dye that is full of organic acids like humic acids and tannic acids. These may be useful for inhibiting many types of bacteria as well as to detoxify harmful heavy metals found in the aquarium.
They are known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacteria properties. By just putting a few of the leaves into their tank Betta Splendins can be induced to spawn. By adding the leaves in their quarantine tank, fish suffering finrot or injuries (such as spawning injuries) will definitely benefit from having the leaves in there. Southeastern Asia, betta breeders usually add a dried leaf into their breeding tanks to provide a surface for the bubblenest and to leach substances that protect the fry from diseases. As the leaves decay, they also provide detritus to grow extract-resistant infusoria for the babies.
Besides Betta's, Indian Almond leaves are also ideal for discus, gouramis, killiefish, tetras, arrowana’s, angelfish, South American dwarf cichlids, corys, plecos, some rasboras some catfish, shrimp and crustaceans.
The Indian Almond Leaves originate from Thailand where they have been selected for maximum colouration and shape. They are collected after they have naturally fallen to the ground, not hand picked, ensuring they are high in tannins. The leaves are 100% organic and free from any chemicals.
Once the leaves are collected they are stored in a dry room. The IAL are then gently washed and then sun dried/ pressed and finally boxed and stored. They are then cleaned one last time to ensure no dust, moisture, mold or insects are present and are finally packaged to be sent to you.
Dosage:
Standard Dosage: One Large Leaf/ 20 litres or One Small Leaf/15 litres are recommended though dosages as high as 1 Large Leaf 7.5 litres or 1 Small Leaf/ 5 litres are used by some Betta breeders. Leaves should be replaced approximately every 2-4 weeks or when leaves start to noticeably break apart. Dosages are a guide only and should be tailored for the aquarist’s personal needs and taste regarding aesthetics or both leaf litter and water colouration.
Betta Breeding:
Dosing Techniques
Outlined below are four different techniques for dosing Indian Almond Leaves in your aquarium:
Note: The use of activated carbon will remove the tannins from the water and consequently all the benefits the leaves provide within your aquarium. It is therefore recommended to remove activated carbon prior to commencing a dosing regime of Indian Almond Leaves.
1. DIRECT
Following the dosing directions outlined on the Indian Almond Leaves page add the leaves to your aquarium. After approximately 1-3 days the leaves will become water-logged, sink and begin working their magic. At this point the water will start tanning (to a clear amber colour) and provide a natural environment for your tanks inhabitants.
Once you notice your leaves start disintegrating (this usually takes between 2-4 weeks dependent on how vigorously they are grazed upon by catfish or shrimp, remove the leaves and replace with new ones.
2. INDIAN ALMOND TEA
Using either Indian Almond Teabags or chopped up leaves, add the leaves to a container with boiling water as if you were making tea. The water will take on the colouration of dark tea and once cooled can be dosed into your aquarium until the desired colouration of the water is achieved. Excess tea can be stored in the refrigerator up to one week. (the dosage quantities described in the direct application can also be followed in chopping up leaves. If teabags are utlised, 1 teabag =1.5 leaves). This method can also be used by soaking the leaves in cold water for 3-4 days and adding the tanned water to the aquarium and topping up the water in the container. The leaves can be used until the water ceases to change colour.
3. FILTER BAG
Using a filter bag, add crumpled leaves according to the standard dosing quantities and place in a high flow location within your filter, preferably after any filter wool or mechanical filtration. Leaves should be replaced every 2-4 weeks.
4. INDIAN ALMOND LEAVES BLACKWATER EXTRACT
Recipe:
Add 50 leaves and 4 litres of water into an adequate sized pot and let soak for 24 hours (it is recommended to weigh the leaves down to stop them from floating)
After 24 hours (day 2) boil the leaves for 15-20 minutes, allow to cool and soak for a further 24 hours
After 24 hours (day 3) boil the leaves for 15-20 mintes once more and allow to cool. At this point the water should be black and extremely fragrant
Filter the water through a paper coffee filter and store in a sealed plastic of glass container and refrigerate until needed.
Dosage: 10ml / Litre
