Andrewtfw
Global Moderators
Last week I collected some fallen leaves to add to my tanks. Many are not brown yet. Is there a reason to wait until they brown before adding them?
neut
Members
Not an expert in this area, all I know is most comments I've seen on this recommend clean, dried leaves to avoid possible toxins in still green leaves, or molds, etc. on leaves from damp areas.
What I do know is that some tree leaves are toxic to fish (examples in this link). Not an expert here, either, as to which are safe and which are not. So as far as leaves I might collect myself I've basically stuck to clean, dry oak leaves for the most part and not had any problems, since (besides almond leaves) this is what I've most commonly seen recommended, though I'm open to trying something else if I learn others have already found them safe.
What I do know is that some tree leaves are toxic to fish (examples in this link). Not an expert here, either, as to which are safe and which are not. So as far as leaves I might collect myself I've basically stuck to clean, dry oak leaves for the most part and not had any problems, since (besides almond leaves) this is what I've most commonly seen recommended, though I'm open to trying something else if I learn others have already found them safe.
Andrewtfw
Global Moderators
Thanks for your response and for that link. I know the leaves I picked are safe once dry (Tony has the same type of leaves with his apistos). I guess it makes sense to wait until they brown.
chriscoli
Administrator
Excellent link!
I've always used brown leaves. Seems to me that green ones would still have a lot of gooey bits and saps still running around in them...but this is just my guess....I have no proof that they are worse than brown ones. Matt C has been experimenting (with some success I believe) with using fallen magnolia leaves in his tanks.
I've always used brown leaves. Seems to me that green ones would still have a lot of gooey bits and saps still running around in them...but this is just my guess....I have no proof that they are worse than brown ones. Matt C has been experimenting (with some success I believe) with using fallen magnolia leaves in his tanks.
mchambers
Former CCA member
It is true that I use magnolia leaves, with success. They are more typically available in the spring, however.
I don't use green leaves, for the reasons others have advanced. It's possible that once they've fallen they are safe, but why take the chance, especially now, when oak leaves are plentiful?
I don't use green leaves, for the reasons others have advanced. It's possible that once they've fallen they are safe, but why take the chance, especially now, when oak leaves are plentiful?
rsretep
Members
I collected a zip lock bag stuffed full of dried leaves last year and am using the last of them up now. Used them on two tanks. I added some water to the bag to keep them moist and helps them sink faster IMO
Tony
Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
I need to collect a couple of garbage bags again. If dried out all the way, no problem with keeping them in the attic until needed.
golsama
Corresponding Secretary
I've also collected/added leaves to my tanks. I've waited until they were completely brown for reasons that others have already mentioned.
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