Tourmaline Balls

[Ridgerunner]

Are these minerals necessary for Betta Health. Same for Almond Leaves. How to they benefit my Betta? Thanks for your enlightenment.

 

[Essjay]

I had never heard of tourmaline balls so I had to google them. I have not yet found a site which says what's in them so on those grounds alone I wouldn't put them in my tanks. If you have found what's in them, can you let us know please.

On the other hand, Indian almond leaves are commonly used in fish tanks, for bettas and other fish. They release tannins, lower pH (the amount varies with the hardness of the water) encourage infusoria which are useful as fry food etc. They are also reputed to have mild antifungal and antibacterial properties.

 

[Ridgerunner]

UPDATE: This is the blurb on seller's Amazon ad:

• Vibrant health: Just like vitamins, minerals and pH balanced water for humans, your Shrimp, Bettas, Crayfish and Snails also need those things for bright colors, healthy breeding, molting and play! So, when you add DDSG Mineral Balls to your tank you’re giving your fishy friends, the best of health!
• How do they work? Out in the wild, cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp, amano shrimp, freshwater fish and all other water-lovin’ life are constantly exposed to pH balanced, mineral water from earth’s rocks – with natural bacteria. This is how they molt, breed and maintain healthy vibrancy. Our organic tourmaline is a natural rock with over 30 minerals to keep your tank balanced just like those wild waters.
• Size and quantity: This is the most cost effective pack you’ve found on your search. Chances are you have at least one 10 gallon fish tank (but commonly 20 gallon tank, or 50 gallon). And because you’ll add one ¼ inch ball per gallon, you’ll need enough for every tank! So this 100 pack makes perfect sense.
• Copper-free! Of course you may have some nerite snails and other friendly things in your shrimp tank, so you’ll love knowing each tourmaline ball is copper-free! And because they’re natural and pH balanced they keep your aquarium crystal clear, free from impurities, ammonia and hold a stable pH balance. And because they’re so mineral rich, your aquatic plants will get the nutrients they need, too.
• Calcium-enhanced and more: DDSG Mineral Supplement beads contain 30 minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, boron, manganese and more. It’s like a daily dose of Spirulina for our splashy pals! Suited for freshwater aquarium snails, betta tank, freshwater shrimp, live crayfish and goldfish. So, feed them well, keep them clean, and supplement with DDSG Minerals so they can dazzle you for years!

mazon ad:

 

[Colin_T]

sounds like a gimmick
Bettas come from soft water with a low mineral count so it is not needed for them.

Shrimp and crustaceans get most of the minerals they need from their food. Feeding them a varied diet should help them lead a normal life.