Where to source dry leaves for tank?

[Fruju]

I want to put quite a bit of dry leaves into my tank for a tannin effect, and for the comfort of my bichirs. I could wait until Autumn I suppose and then run around collecting them off the ground, but I was wondering if it is possible to buy them or if another option exists?

Also, which leaves would be the best for this? I would like large leaves and so far I am under the impression that oak leaves and indian almond leaves (don't know where to get these) are the most likely choices.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... 10&page=26

This is something similar to what i want to achieve, the tank in question is near the bottom of the page.

Thanks guys.

[MarkLB]

Hi

indian almond leaves (don't know where to get these)

You can often find them on TM

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pe ... 125414.htm

[Stella]

I just get mine under trees.... always some leaf litter piled somewhere in the bush.

You definitely want (predominately) dry brown leaves. Some will float for a while, I tend to pull out those still floating after a week.

Rewarewa and ponga leaves tend to be a lot more robust and don't break down very fast. They make a great structural element for the softer leaves.

Just remember your tank is not a sterile environment, and nor should it be. Your tank will wind up with dirt in it (shock horror!) and gravel vacuuming is impossible. The leaves may wind up doing things you don't expect, and particularly in the early weeks you may get a cloudy bacterial bloom. This won't harm the fish etc, just looks a bit manky and will clear in time. Good water circulation is important during this time to keep oxygen up.

Negatives aside, leaf litter in aquaria looks AWESOME and it is great seeing the fish diving into it! :happy2:

[Ira]

I was reading this thinking, My tank would look pretty cool with a bunch of leaves in it...

Then I realised I have WAY too much flow for that.

[Fruju]

Hi

You can often find them on TM

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pe ... 125414.htm

Holy smokes thats expenisve IMO, dead leaves??

I just get mine under trees.... always some leaf litter piled somewhere in the bush.

You definitely want (predominately) dry brown leaves. Some will float for a while, I tend to pull out those still floating after a week.

Rewarewa and ponga leaves tend to be a lot more robust and don't break down very fast. They make a great structural element for the softer leaves.

Just remember your tank is not a sterile environment, and nor should it be. Your tank will wind up with dirt in it (shock horror!) and gravel vacuuming is impossible. The leaves may wind up doing things you don't expect, and particularly in the early weeks you may get a cloudy bacterial bloom. This won't harm the fish etc, just looks a bit manky and will clear in time. Good water circulation is important during this time to keep oxygen up.

Negatives aside, leaf litter in aquaria looks AWESOME and it is great seeing the fish diving into it! :happy2:

Ok thanks Stella I will keep that in mind.

[Fruju]

Will decomposing leaves create deteriorating water quality? ammonia?

[Sophia]

One Tree Hill - the driveway next to the Observatory has some oaks a little way in, part way to the top of the hill, can collect some from there.

[Fruju]

Thank you.