Oak leaves

[acadialover]

OK, I got a bunch of oak leaves. Why do people use them and how do I dry them ?
THEN, how do I apply them in a tank ?/
Thanks everyone !

[tanseattle]

How are you? How many fish do you have? Are you from Seattle? Currently I have 23 betta.

Tan

[Oldfishlady]

You want to collect naturally dried and fallen from the tree.....you don't want to use any green leaves.

Oak leaf has antibacterial/fungal properties, can help toughen scales/fins, the darken water helps to ease stress, microorganisms colonize on them for free range grazing and long term can lower pH...

I use 20 crushed/gal for medication and I will use 2-4 in the tank as a general tonic-I also will use one to float for the male to use as a nest anchor.

[acadialover]

Thanks so much OFL !
Of course I picked green leaves , so will now wait till I head to Tacoma again for the dried leaves , must be in fall....

[acadialover]

Originally Posted by tanseattle

How are you? How many fish do you have? Are you from Seattle? Currently I have 23 betta.

Tan

HI Tan, Yes, I live in Seattle. I have three Betta's. Where do you get yours?
I get mine from MIke, at Aquarius World in West Seattle . wow, 23 Betta's. That's allot ~!

[vilmarisv]

Good luck getting leaves in the fall!
They need to be dry... a challlenge to do with our awesome weather.
Look into getting Indian Almond Leaves. They are pretty innexpensive and great for your fish.

[acadialover]

Hmm,
Where do you get yours ? Is there a place you like nearby for Betta' ?

[vilmarisv]

I buy them from Amy on eBay. Go for Grade C or D, they are good quality and innexpensive. They will be sent from overseas so it's going to take a couple of weeks for you to get them.
I don't buy bettas locally, petstore bettas are not my thing. I buy them from Martinismommy in California and she mails them to me. I do a couple of spawns a year but will probably do an extra this year because I currently have too many nice fish :)
Are you using the IAL for general care?
I could mail you a couple of leaves to tie you up until you order yours... or you can pick them up, I'm in Northgate. PM if you wish.

[Oldfishlady]

Originally Posted by acadialover

Thanks so much OFL !
Of course I picked green leaves , so will now wait till I head to Tacoma again for the dried leaves , must be in fall....

I don't wait until fall since my Oak trees drop naturally dried leaves year around......Especially in the summer when we don't get a lot of rain...lol....right now it is raining leaves...laffs....

[Perseusmom]

OFL does t matter what type of oak tree it is ? Could you maybe post a picture of the the oak leaves you use. Thanks !