In autumn there are lots of leaves in nature and this can be used, for example, for the home aquarium. In aquaristics, foliage is a popular and enriching addition to the aquarium. Just try it out!
Why and how to use foliage in the aquarium?
Leaves in the aquarium serve as food, hiding places and can even prevent disease. Sea almond, oak or walnut tree leaves are ideal. A maximum of three leaves should be used for 50 liters of water.
What purpose do leaves serve in the aquarium?
Leaves in the aquarium servemultiple purposes. For example, it serves as food that gradually decomposes and can therefore be used by various animals. In addition, the foliage in the aquarium creates new hiding places for the animals, it looks visually appealing and can even prevent and cure illnesses. Some fish also like to use the leaves to lay their spawn.
Which animals like leaves in the aquarium?
The majority ofInvertebrates love leaves in the aquarium. Crabs and crustaceans often use leaves as a source of food. Shrimp and snails, on the other hand, wait until a biofilm has formed on the leaves and eat it. Fish like some catfish also like leaves to eat.
Which foliage is ideal for the aquarium?
The foliage of theSea Almond Treeis most sought after, butOak Leaves is also valued. The leaves of the sea almond tree help, among other things, with injuries, bacterial inflammations and fungal infections. Oak leaves lower the pH value of the water.
The foliage of the walnut tree is also suitable for the aquarium. The walnut leaves have a disinfecting and antibacterial effect.
In addition, you can also use the foliage of chestnuts, birches, alders, elms and fruit trees.
Which foliage is less suitable for the aquarium?
Foliage ofMaple is less suitable for the aquarium. It contains too much sugar. Beech leaves are less desirable to animals because they are initially too solid to eat. Fresh leaves and colorful autumn leaves are also rather unsuitable. The brown and already dried leaves of trees are ideal. If necessary, you can collect this and add it to your aquarium.
How long can brown leaves stay in the aquarium?
Brown leaves can remain in the aquarium and must benotremoved again. It decomposes in water over time.
How long can green leaves stay in the aquarium?
Green leaves pollute the water and should therefore only remain in the aquarium for a maximum of12 hours. The reason is that the high sugar content harms the water quality. Bacteria can multiply through the sugar and lead to illnesses in aquatic animals. The exception, for example, are leaves of walnut and birch. Their leaves have an antibacterial effect and can remain in the water for longer.
What should you pay attention to when it comes to foliage in the aquarium?
On50 litersof water, no more thanthree leaves should end up in the water. To ensure that the leaves sink to the bottom immediately, you can scald them with boiling water beforehand. Otherwise it will take a day or two for it to sink down. You can also shred the leaves beforehand.
Tip
Do not use leaves from chemically treated trees
Pay attention to where the leaves come from! It should not come from sprayed trees as the chemicals it contains can harm the animals in the aquarium.
