Oak Leaves

[nashnut]

Did someone try oak leaves in with their bettas?

 

[Neal]

I think it was Synirr who done something like that, but i'm not 100% sure.

 

[happyannie]

Did someone try oak leaves in with their bettas?

I remember seeing them in photos of wuvmybetta's tanks. She's the moderator of this forum.

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

You're right, I believe it was Wuv. If I remember correctly, you have to boil them,
lay them out to dry and then they're good to go in the tank.

 

[Styx]

I have them in with my smaragdina. I KNOW Wuv has them in her tanks because I got them from her! They don't lower my ph, nothing does, but my fish LOVE to hide in them. LOVE to, I can't tell you how much they enjoy those leaves.

 

[wuvmybetta]

It twas me. I think they're great, so do the fish. Give em a try, they'll cloud up the water on day 2 and 3 but it clears up and browns by day 4


By the way, if anybody needs some just let me know. I have a huge bag FULL that a friend collected doing yard work. It's more than I can use in a lifetime.

 

[Phoenixfish]

dont they like rot?!? or do you just take them out?

 

[wuvmybetta]

I've had mine in for a few months and they still feel firm when I feel around. Switching them out now and then can't hurt though

 

[lopeva]

Wow, are these just regular oak leaves? Do you clean in some way before you place in the tank? I still have some left over from the fall, and it would be a useful way to dispose of them.

 

[nativecollector]

How do you prepare them for use, are they dried out already or do you dry them yourself? Also how does it affect the water conditions? Info Info Info please, It would save me a good sum of money if the old oak I have in the yard will do what IAL's do.

 

[wuvmybetta]

They say they will do the same as IAL, that's why I started using them. I've never tried IAL before though.

I just put a pot of water on to boil and dip the previously rinsed leaves in for like a minute, then lay them out to dry. You can microwave them afterwards if you want to. I do that on occasion.

As a sidenote, I would never use leaves from a yard that has been chemically treated in any way. So use your best judgement when gathering them.

 

[nativecollector]

one last question about them
are you useing green leaves and then boiling and drying or are you useing the dead leaves that have not yet fallen from the tree?

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Goodness! Oak leaves? I use IAL for my bettas alot and they adore them even if their water looks like I've strained a teabag in it.
Hugs,
P.

 

[wuvmybetta]

one last question about them
are you useing green leaves and then boiling and drying or are you useing the dead leaves that have not yet fallen from the tree?

I use fallen leaves.

 

[nativecollector]

Goodness! Oak leaves? I use IAL for my bettas alot and they adore them even if their water looks like I've strained a teabag in it.
Hugs,
P.

well its funny that you say strained a tea bag in it because that is another way to darken the water. but it can only be black tea, not any of those fancy teas. I know several people that have done this and it worked just fine. One cup of black tea (english type what ever that is) per 5-10 gal of water depending on how dark your fish like it.

ps. thanks Wuv, I think I will try it just to see the effects.