Indian almond leaf (IAL) or Catappa dried leaves (pack of 7-10 leaves) by Aquatic Farmer

Indian almond leaf (IAL) or Catappa dried leaves (pack of 7-10 leaves) by Aquatic Farmer

There are many benefits of adding Indian almond leaves to aquariums. You may refer to the following for some commonly known benefits:

1) Natural solution to improve water quality.
When added to your aquarium, an Indian almond leaf will gradually break down and releases tannic acid,
tannins and other substances into your aquarium, this helps lower the pH level of the water, and significantly
decreases water hardness (GH)

2) Indian almond leaves change the water so that it becomes a close resemblance of the natural habitat of your fish, in particular, those from Southeast Asia and South America.

Some commonly know fishes that will benefit from dried Indian almond leaves:

Angelfish
Barbs
Betta
Cory catfish
Discus
Tetra

3) Natural medication for fish's skin problems
Many aquarists use Indian almond leaf as a natural remedy for diseases or injury involving their fish’s skin or rather their scales. The tannins released by the Indian almond leaves is believed to help kill bacteria, fungus and viruses, allowing an injured fish to heal much quicker.

4) A conducive environment for your fish to spawn.

A huge population of fish releases their eggs (spawn) on or below fallen leaves. This helps hide eggs from predators or from being washed away.

The reduced pH and water hardness may be exactly what is needed to trigger the fish to start spawning.

5) Shrimps are widely known to be fans of the Indian almond leaves, they love the taste! They will start swimming around the newly placed Indian almond leaf in the tank. Your shrimp will happily munch on Indian almond leaves and the microorganisms that grow on them as they break down.

Shrimp also happily hide underneath the leaves once they are full.

Warning: Please do check if your shrimp species prefer higher pH and water hardness level. For these species, Indian almond leaves will not be suitable.