Tantora Catappa Leaves

Tantora Catappa Leaves

Tantora Catappa Leaves (Indian Almond Leaves) are an essential part of any shrimp tank, providing a multitude of benefits.

Indian Almond leaves have been used for many years by tropical fish breeders. When added to water the leaves leech many beneficial substances into the water including humic acid and tannic acids which help lower pH naturally. The Indian Almond leaves also release compounds that have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The leaves will turn your tank water a brown color (intensity depends on how many leaves you add). If you do not want your water to darken you can presoak them for a couple of days to leech out some of the tannins.

In shrimp tanks these Tantora Catappa Leaves are often used not only for their pH lowering ability, anti-fungal, or anti-bacterial properties but also as a food source for shrimp. When the leaves are left in the tank a multitude of microorganisms will begin to colonize the leave and break it down. These microorganisms create a biofilm which is the preferred food source for shrimp, especially shrimplets. Increasing the biofilm in a tank will often result in higher survival rates for shrimplets. These leaves can be left in the tank until they are fully eaten (the stem is usually left behind) and they will not have any negative impact on water quality.

Besides shrimp these leaves are idea for betta’s, discus, gouramis, killifish, tetras, arrowana, angelfish, South American dwarf cichlids, corys, plecos, and any other species that comes from blackwater habitats.

Tantora Catappa Leaves also go by the following names: Indian Almond Leaves, Ketapang Leaves, Tropical Almond Leaves, Sweet Almond Leaves, Wild Almond Leaves, Sea Almond Leaves, Catappa Leaves

• Increases the survival rate of young animals
• Provides feed over a long period of time
  
• Works preventing against bacteria and diseases
• Slightly acidifying the water
  
• Gives the aquarium a natural look