Indian Almond Leaves

[LadyDragon]

Because it came up in a couple of unrelated conversations today, I thought I'd ask you guys what you think about the use of Indian Almond leaves with your Bettas.

I have read much about the benefitial qualities of their use, whether it be from the tannins they release into the water or the placebo effect, or even the synergistic effect of mirroring the natural habitat, I wanted to pick everyones brain on the benefits you may have noticed in using them, and how you use them.

I happen to have access to as many as I'd like, as the Indian Almond is grown all over out here in my area (Hawaii) and I've been experimenting with using it in ways
I have uncovered on various websites.

Two main things I've noticed, that somewhat diminish my enjoyment of the Bettas, is the odor it seems to attach to the water, and the other is the "tea stained" color, which can be a little unsightly. It's too soon for me to say that I have seen any real difference in it's use, but I can deal with both (they aren't TOO bad) if it makes the fish notably happier and healthier.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Tolak]

I'd like to see what percentage of almond leaves end up in the water in their natural habitat, as opposed to then percentage of other naturally found leaves that fall in. While I've never used them with bettas, I've tried them with other species, and find no difference using locally found hardwood leaves as a leaf litter substrate.

 

[LadyDragon]

I agree that Almond Leaves may not be the dominant plant liter in their natural habitat (although the way they are grown here, I can see it as a possibility)... But I figured there had to be some logic to why it was singled out as the beneficial one, since almost every Asian source highly recommends them, I figured that the Asian cultures have been keeping them longer than anyone else, they've had time and opportunity to use and experiment with other plants, so there had to be a reason for the focus on this one particular one.

It would be an interesting experiment at anyrate

 

[Tolak]

They have been used in medicine for centuries in Asian countries, and are commonly available there. They do have a higher concentration of various substances that are beneficial to certain species than most other leaves, making them easier to use, as well as ship. Locally, hardwood leaves have been found to have the same effect, though having lesser concentrations of the substances found in almond leaves more must be used. The advantage is that they are free.

 

[Hmongol]

Almond leave is cannot be scientifically explained but many breeders claim that they do help relax and heal fish. Although it is uncertain if it really does or not so that is up to you.

Here is my story, I use to have a 1.5 gallon betta tank and I tossed in a pretty big indian almond leave and a few weeks later the water was very tannisly. I read that they did do that but I wish that i also read that depending on your tank you need to cut up the leaves to match. Soon enough my betta became ill because the leaves over tannised the small little tank. I took it out and changed the water and he became better... It was sorta bad although I still use the leaves, just only in a 20 gallon now so that it can't somehow over tannis.

 

[loraxchick]

i honestly dont see any benefit to using them other than maybe lowering/buffering pH with the tannins they release. Ive tried to do my research on them too when i first heard about them. Seems like snake oil to me
as Tolak mentioned, if i were to use anything, it would likely be local hardwood leaves that would accomplish the same thing and are free.
my two cents
cheers

 

[LadyDragon]

For me, Indian Almonds ARE among the "local hardwoods" as they are planted all along the parks and road sides here in Hawaii.

I was just curious since with all the many options we have here in the tropics why the Indian Almond was singled out as having such beneficial qualities. I mean there are so many tropical hardwoods to choose from, it seems odd that this one would get singled out.

Hmm... I have enough Bettas that I suppose I could run one group with, and one without...

 

[Caprichoso]

I'll try anything if I think it's going to benefit my fish. I've recently started adding them to all my tanks but other than the tannin release, I haven't noticed any difference, but, then again, there wasn't anything wrong with my fish to begin with. I just thought they would be nice to try. My shrimp like to eat them. I read that they may have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties so I guess some added prevention couldn't hurt eh? Although, water changes are very good for those ailments too

 

[TwoTankAmin]

There are number of reasons why these leaves work, and yes there is plenty of scientific evidence as well. Google Scholar, "catappa leaves" =
http/scholar.google.com/scholar?q=catappa+leaves&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&sa=N&tab=ws

 

[Caprichoso]

There are number of reasons why these leaves work, and yes there is plenty of scientific evidence as well. Google Scholar, "catappa leaves" =
http/scholar.google.com/scholar?q=catappa+leaves&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&sa=N&tab=ws

Great, I will continue using them then. Thanks for the info.