Using Catappa Leaf Powder in an Aquarium

Catappa Leaves are the star 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 and other fish.

Fish keepers may sprinkle some powder directly into their aquarium, or add it to an external filter system, or boll the ground leaves to make a powerful, concentrated black water extract. (See Below for instructions to make Catappa Leaf Tea)

Catappa Leaves are an excellent leaf litter for black water aquariums as well as many other setups. The leaves will provide shelter to fish fry and small species of shrimp, crabs, crayfish, snails, and other 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.

Catappa Leaves also have pH buffering qualities. As they decompose, they release tannins that slowly lower the pH of the aquarium. This is particularly beneficial for aquatic animals that require acidic, low-pH water.

Catappa 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 anti-fungal 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. Catappa Leaves also enrich the aquarium water with organic compounds that are beneficial to fish that live in still, stagnant waters such as betta fish.

Using Catappa Leaf Powder To Raise Dart Frog Tadpoles

The same benefits that fish keepers use Ground Catappa leaves for, can be used by Dart Frog Keepers that wish to raise their own tadpoles.

You can sprinkle a pinch of ground leaves into your tadpole container, or boil the ground leaves to make a concentrated black water extract also known as Tadpole Tea.

How To Make Black Water Extract From Ground Catappa Leaf Powder

If you have a cheesecloth bag or fine nylon bag, add the ground leaves and any other terrarium botanicals you wish. For smaller batches you can use a tea bag for the same effect.

This is a loose recipe, so you can play with all the ratios to make a Catappa Tea a concentrated as you wish

Add one 50gm package of Ground Catappa Leaf Powder to 2-8L of pure water. Depending on how concentrated you want your “Catappa Tea” to be. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30-60 minutes. Turn off the heat, allow the leaves to steep in the water while it cools.

Use a fine strainer to remove all the ground leaves and botanicals. (If you used a fine mesh bag this step is much easier!)

Store your newly made Black Water extract (Catappa Leaf Tea) in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will last a very long time.

You can now add this concentrated Catappa Leaf Tea directly to an aquarium, or make a “Tadpole Tea” for your Dart Frog tadpoles. Add as much Catappa Tea as you need to tint the water to your desired level.

Catappa Leaves come from the Terminalia catappa tree. Commonly called Indian Almond Leaves, they also go by other names such as: Katappa leaves, Tropical Almond leaves, Sea Almond leaves or Katappang leaves.

Each package contains 50 gm of dried Ground Catappa Leaf Powder.

Reptiscape Ground Catappa Leaf Powder is available for sale and shipping in Canada.