Some doubts about Almond leaves. (ketapang)

[Harsh]

I read that almond leaves can be used as water conditioners for aquariums, i have easy access to plenty of Indian almond leaves (have a tree in my neighbours yard) so will be using them now. Just wanted to clear some doubts though...

1. My tap water has pH around 6.6, will adding the leaves lower the pH even more up to an extent that it is harm ful to my fish? (i have Discus and kuhli loaches)

2. How many leaves should i add to my 55G tank?(each having surface area of about 0.5feet)

3. Should i let the leaves float or submerge them? as they'll block light from reaching the plants if left afloat.

4. Are dry leaves necessary or i can use fresh leaves too?

any other suggestions are also welcome..

[Jungle-mania]

Dried leaves only. And you should soak them ina another container and then use the water to add into your tank as required.

[budak]

it's not the almond nut but a species called the sea almond.

http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/sea_almond.htm

Here's a related thread on the topic: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=19773

[Harsh]

Oops my mistake.. edited..

[budak]

No problem! Can you find this species in India as well?

[Harsh]

yeah lot of them. one large one is in my neighbour's backyard it is atleast 10mtrs high, lot of falling leaves.

[hwchoy]

No problem! Can you find this species in India as well?

Budak, I have seen the ketapang throughout southeast asia including philippines, and also in colombo. Since the plant's seed can float on the sea it is no surprise that it is a wide spread species along the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

[celticfish]

harsh,

1. My tap water has pH around 6.6, will adding the leaves lower the pH even more up to an extent that it is harm ful to my fish? (i have Discus and kuhli loaches)
i don't know about the kuhli loaches but the discus is no problem. especially heckels. they have been caught in waters in the 4 pH range.

2. How many leaves should i add to my 55G tank?(each having surface area of about 0.5feet)
most website i have seen give a dose of one dried leaf for each 10 US gallon.
however, i have loaded my tank with many times the suggested dosage with fresh leaves. which i personally believe (without scientific evidence, only empirical evidence of my own observations) is "better" than the dried ones.

3. Should i let the leaves float or submerge them? as they'll block light from reaching the plants if left afloat.
this is a dilemma for sea almond leaf users. you have to contend with two points. yellowing of water which reduces light penetration and the big dried leave that float for the first day or so...
some people put the leave in a mesh bag in their cannister filters.

4. Are dry leaves necessary or i can use fresh leaves too?
i have used the leaves fresh with the sap leaking still. no problem.

[Harsh]

Thanks for te detailed reply celticfish.