Ketapang Leaves Question

[Igtenos]

Hi guys,

Read a couple of thread stating that ketapang leaves are good to be place in shrimp tanks. However, it seems like the leaves also have anti bacterial properties? Won't the "anti-bacterial" properties leaves kill off the beneficial bacteria in the tank?

Pardon me if my question sounds noob. Thanks.

[Urban Aquaria]

The tannins released from the decomposing ketapang leaves reduce pH. At low acidic pH conditions, most bacteria (including nitrifying bacteria) multiply slower and work less efficiently, so in a sense that could indirectly affect how well the beneficial bacteria work. Though at lower pH, more percentage of ammonia is in its less toxic state, so its a trade-off.

Its mainly the effect of lower pH, not just the ketapang leaves (could also be driftwood or active soil, anything which lowers pH).