Indian almond Leaves and ph?

[Holly12]

It has been recommended to put 1-2 Indian Almond Leaves in Stelly's tank, to prevent infection in his toes while the skin grows back over his toe tips.

I know I need 1-2 leaves and to leave them in for 2 or 3 weeks, BUT, will the leaves cause a ph drop that will be harmful? The tank ph is between 7.6 and 8.2 (depends on if I use the high pH test kit or regular. If I use the high pH kit, it's between 7.8 and 8.2) Would the tannins in the leaves cause the phone to drop and therefore cause other issues?

 

[Donna001]

I have some catappa/indian almond leaves which I have only started using recently because one of my female tiger barbs had her fins nipped during mating. Make sure that you soak the leaf/leaves in boiling water for a few minutes before you put them in the tank, this will draw out a lot of the tannins and help the leaf to sink. It will not cause a problem with the pH and will not cause any other issues. :happy:

 

[Holly12]

Awesome! Thanks!! Would 2 leaves in a 20 gallon for 2-3 weeks be ok?

 

[Donna001]

I have a similar size tank for my tiger barbs and I put one leaf in.
I would suggest starting with one leaf for now. Whatever you do, don't add the water that you have soaked the leaf in as well because you will end up sort of over-dosing the tank.
You could always put another soaked leaf in next week.
Just keep an eye on how Stelly is doing - he may appear slightly more relaxed, but I think that is quite normal.
Keep us posted on progress. :happy:

 

[Holly12]

For sure!!! I will be making a thread for progression.