oak leaves

[bir]

Hello everyone, I've read a hand full of posts here about oak leaves, but I haven't read exactly what type of leaves you guys use. I have a White Oak in my back yard. Is this ok, or is some other type better?

 

[cootwarm]

Any Oak is fine. I get mine from a local park called "Oakledge". I probably get at least 5 or 6 different species of oak leaves there.

Michael

 

[bir]

Hey, thanks for your responce. I'll go find some leaves tomorrow!!!

 

[dr.fishy]

I'm curious about this oak leaves use. What if they have been exposed to pesticides or other dangerous chemicals while on the tree or after fallen, is there a way to get rid of the chemical problem? It seems to me that they might not be able to be just "rinsed off" without the chemicals having been absorbed into them, then when soaked in tank or filter for tanic purposes the chemical would leach out. I have never used anything that was not bought for the aquarium, this included wood pieces.
This is kind of expensive this way but safer, in my belief, or am I missing something here.
Dr. fishy

 

[cootwarm]

I just boil the leaves for a couple minutes before putting in the tanks. I've never had any trouble with this. I also collect my driftwood pieces from the lake shore and swamps while out kayaking. I just scrub them clean and then boil them for about 20 minutes or so before using. I have never had a problem.

The leaves and driftwood are just for comfortable habitat for the apistos. They love to swim in and out of leaf piles. It also makes shy fish more comfortable with plenty of hiding places always nearby.

Michael

 

[farm41]

For my use I get the leaves from my own trees that I know are not sprayed with anything. :biggrin:

One more thing of great importance, is to wait for the leaves to fall from the tree and make sure they have turned completely brown.