Oak leaves

[newworldan06]

If I were to get some oak leaves would I have to buy them? or could i just go pick some up off the ground?

Would I need to clean them?

How many would a i need for a 30 gallon planted tank with driftwood?

 

[farm41]

I rake them from the ground, pretty easy, if you don't have any and the neighbors don't mind.

Of course wrong season right now

 

[aspen]

watch you don't use any that have fallen on the grass where pesticides are being used.

rick

 

[nekomi]

Posts at The Krib warned about finding slugs and other unsavory critters in leaves collected from dry locations, so they suggested a boiling period before use. If you like the tannins, boil them for a short time - if you don't mind leeching most of the tannins out, boil them longer. This technique also helps the oak leaves sink when placed in the aquarium.

Hope this helps! I'm planning on using oak leaves for my 10 gallon breeder.

Question for everyone, though: Since the leaves can only be raked in the fall, how long can they be stored for winter/spring/summer use, and how should they be stored? Do they decompose quickly in the aquarium?

 

[farm41]

I filled a sack a two years ago, still have them in the pantry. They are in a woven poly bag, so air can get to them.

 

[nekomi]

Thanks so much! I'll collect some this fall for later use and be sure to store them in a well-aerated container.