DigDug Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 (edited) Hello! Does anyone know where i can buy aquarium safe Silk/Plastic Catappa leaves or oak leaves? Edited November 2, 2021 by DigDug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solstice_Lacer Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 May I ask why you don't want real ones? A lot of the benefits they provide come from breaking down and creating healthy microorganisms. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DigDug Posted November 2, 2021 Author Share Posted November 2, 2021 Thanks for the reply It's going to be a 15 gallon tank so, I want the looks of a lot of leaf litter without worrying about crashing the ph of the tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Streetwise Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 pH changes from tannins are in proportion to tannin elements. I would not consider a pH crash a risk from natural sources. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 Alternatively, it is possible to presoak the leaves, as I think @Streetwise sometimes does. In his case he wants extra tannins, but in mine I would be discarding the first water change to keep tannins lower. The leaf litter is so awesome for your tank I would really try to find a way to use the real stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Streetwise Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 @Brandy is correct that I did a soak test with maple leaves. I saw pH go down, and I used some of the water, but I didn't really need to make more, so I put the buckets away. In most of my tanks, I get tannins from soil and wood, and the effects are slow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppysnail Posted November 3, 2021 Share Posted November 3, 2021 I agree IAL are great for ecosystems. I can use 5 large in a 10g hard water 7.6 ph with little noticeable affect of my ph. I do do water changes so longer term effects I cannot speak on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted November 3, 2021 Share Posted November 3, 2021 I would highly recommend using real as well but found these, they are not IAL but maybe would work. Disclaimer I’m am not sure they are aquarium safe so please do your own research on that. TURNMEON 1200 Pcs Fall Artificial Maple Leaves Decorations with 6 Mixed Colors Fake Faux Autumn Leaf for Festival Thanksgiving Fall Harvest Home Decorations Indoor Outdoor Wedding Party Table Decor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091DQW1G1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9FV803ADSNCDQ4ZZKMQ7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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