Hey,
Indian almond leaves release tannins into the tank water. The tannins (a combination of acids/humic substances) do provide some slight antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties to the water, so it provides some protection for the betta. It is also a stress reliever, and can help a betta recover from illness. Bettas do love it, although some people don't because they don't like tinted water. But how brown you let the water is something you can control.
You can get tannins a number of ways. Besides Indian almond leaves, there are other products including black water extract, alder cones, or you could even brew a cup of organic rooibos tea using clean treated tank water. Just wait for it to cool down before adding, and add it slowly as it will darken the water fairly quickly. And, I think some people just throw a rooibos tea bag into their tanks, and get the same result. You can find organic rooibos tea at some Wal-Mart stores, or a grocery store that carries a good tea selection. Drift wood will also release tannins into the water, and so will cholla wood.
Tannins will lower the ph a little bit, especially as the leaves, etc., break down and decompose, but that usually isn't a big problem with betta fish. I usually replace the old leaves when they really start to break down and come apart. I've known some keepers to replace them with every water change, which is a bit excessive, in my opinion.
I like my tanks kinda dark, but again, many people don't like the look. Here's a link to a more scientific explanation, lol! And just for your info, I am attaching links to amazon to show the Indian almond leaves that I buy, along with examples of some of the other things I mentioned. These leaves are BIG, which I like. The betta boys will make bubble nests under them, too!
Hope this isn't too much information!!!
Editor's note- I was contacted by today's guest author, Vince Dollar, some weeks ago, after he stumbled on the Tannin Aquatics website. Intrigued by our offerings and ideas, he proferred that there is way more to the concept of "aquatic botanicals" than just great-looking aquariums! A very...
tanninaquatics.com
Amazon.com : FANCYTE 18-25CM 50 Grams(25PIECES ) INDIAN ALMOND LEAVES Fish Tank for Shrimp Crayfish, Betta Fish ,Improve Comfort by Simulating House For Fish Healthy : Pet Supplies
www.amazon.com
These are alder cones
Shop Amazon for Alder & Casuarina Cones Betta/Shrimp Tank Promotes Natural Habitat, Breeding, Tannin Producing Improves Immunity, Easy to Use, Alder Cone Alternative by Awesome Aquatic (25 Pack Alder) and find millions of items, delivered faster than ever.
www.amazon.com
Black water extract...I like Fritz products
Shop Amazon for Fritz Aquatics Dark Water Almond Leaf Extract for Betta's 4 oz and find millions of items, delivered faster than ever.
www.amazon.com
Here's one example of rooibos tea that is organic, no additives, and caffeine free
Shop Amazon for Soeos Rooibos Tea, Rooibos Tea Organic, Rooibos Tea Bags (100 Count), Naturally Sweet Herbal Tea, Caffeine Free, USDA Organic, Red Rooibos Tea Farmed in South Africa 9oz (250g),100 Count (Pack of 1) and find millions of items, delivered faster than ever.
www.amazon.com
