Oak Leaves vs. Indian Almond leaves

[cdawson]

I just recevied the 12 indian almond leaves I purchased online today, and I'm interested in created a small pile of leaf litter on the bottom of my 15g breeder for my emeralds. Will this lower the ph too much, and be a waste of leaves or is it possible. I hear people talking about making leaf litter with oak leaves, but not indian almond leaves. Just talk of using 1 or 2 of them per 50 liters.

 

[cawa1031]

I also use the indian almond leaves in my tanks.
These leaves would not effect ph. too much,
in my 5g tank
I put about 3 leaves in(after 4~5 days)
it lower the ph. about 0.5(or less)
but the color of water will be very dark(even can't see my fish...)

 

[cdawson]

What size leaf? I've got some pretty large leaves, I've heard one per 15 gallons makes the ph about 6. This is a false claim then? I've also got about 3 tespoons of peat as filter media as well and the tank is a 15 gallon.

 

[aspen]

it would depend on what kh you are starting with as to how much the tannins will affect ph. my tapwater ph is almost impossible to shift due to the additives they put in to buffer it. if you put a small amount in very lightly bufferred water, it will make a great difference.

rick

 

[cdawson]

The general hardness is around 9 and the ph is 7. Our water here is about as natural as you can get. Collecting rainwater here is pointless because there is almost undetectable levels of chlorine in our water. Reason #1 Vancouver is one of the best places to keep aquariums.

 

[cawa1031]

What size leaf? I've got some pretty large leaves, I've heard one per 15 gallons makes the ph about 6. This is a false claim then? I've also got about 3 tespoons of peat as filter media as well and the tank is a 15 gallon.

As big as my palm or bigger...
In fact I get every size of them ...
(I pick them in november every year in campus near my house)

1 leaf in 15 gallon water...
in my experience
it will not affect ph. too much....