Using Banana Leaves in a Terrarium

Leaf litter not only helps with providing a naturalistic appearance, however the leaves also provide hiding spots for animals such as dart frogs, small reptiles as well as fish and shrimp. Even snakes will enjoy hiding under the leaves.  Additionally, micro fauna like springtails and isopods will use the decomposing leaves as food.

In the rainforest, the leaf litter may be several inches thick. Typically in a naturalistic or bioactive terrarium, you want to have the leaves at least a few layers deep and you should routinely add leaves as you see them decomposing.

Using Banana Leaves in an Aquarium

Banana Leaves are part of our Tannin Collection. They can be used in a natural aquarium set up to help add beneficial nutrients and regulate PH levels. Perfect for Shrimp, Betta Fish, Discus and South American Cichlids.

Banana Leaves are ideal leaf litter for black water aquariums as well as many other setups. The leaves will provide shelter to fry and small species of shrimp, crabs, crayfish, snails, and fish while maintaining a natural look in the aquarium. They also serve as an ideal growth medium for biofilm and diatoms, both of which are key food sources to countless aquatic animal species, including shrimp and other invertebrates as well as fish.

Banana leaves also have PH buffering qualities. As they decompose, they release tannins (tercatin, punicalin, punicalagin) that slowly lower the pH of the aquarium. This is particularly beneficial for aquatic animals that require acidic, low-pH water. Banana leaves can also be used sparingly in high-pH setups as well, especially when their pH-lowering quality is counteracted with pH-raising decor such as lace rock and dried coral.

Banana Leaves have extremely valuable therapeutic qualities for fish, and can often serve as a harmless preventative medicine in the aquarium. They are highly antibacterial and antifungal and support or increase slime coat, scale, and shell production in fish and invertebrates.

This is particularly crucial during the introduction and acclimation of animals to the aquarium and after water changes. Banana Leaves also enrich the aquarium water with organic compounds that are beneficial to fish that live in still, stagnant waters such as betta fish.

How to clean and sanitize Banana Leaves for a terrarium or aquarium

While you can simply rinse you leaves, it is recommended that you also sterilize your leaves prior to using them in a terrarium or aquarium. To achieve this you can microwave damp leaves for 1-2 minute, boil leaves for approximately 5 minutes, or bake damp leaves at 200 °F for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Each package contains 10 dried banana leaves. Each leaf is approx 9″ (23cm) long

Due to the nature of this product there will be variation in size and shape.

Looking for more leaf litter for your terrarium or aquarium? Check out our Leaf Litter Collection Here.

Reptiscape  Banana Leaves are available for sale and shipping in Canada.