So I had an idea

[Gillie]

Leaf question

I found a container of RO water that I had put a few Rhododendron leaves into months ago when I was experimenting different leaves and had totally forgotten about, anyway I tested the PH and it didn't even register on the test, it's only one of those liquid tests and I really need to get a digital meter. My real question is would the leaves possibly be toxic to the fish or should I test the mix on a few guppies to find out?

 

[bigbird]

Hello,

I have never used these before and would stick with oak leaves, however I always suggest to try with guppies before you try anything with the apistos or wait for further responses. cheer jk :biggrin:

 

[ed seeley]

Rhodos are causing problems over here as an invasive pest species as nothing eats them. The reason nothing eats them is that they're toxic! Stick to Oak and Beech leaves IMHO!

 

[Gillie]

Thanks, I was hoping to get lucky. The thing that prompted the question is the fact that the ph was so low and the leaves still being in the container since september made me wonder if there was some property that made them toxic

 

[viejo]

Rhodos are causing problems over here as an invasive pest species as nothing eats them. The reason nothing eats them is that they're toxic! Stick to Oak and Beech leaves IMHO!

But perhaps they are toxic due to the high acidity. It may not be in error to do experimentation to find out. Of course; if acidity is all you are looking for, there is always hydrochloric acid ...

 

[Gillie]

But perhaps they are toxic due to the high acidity. It may not be in error to do experimentation to find out. Of course; if acidity is all you are looking for, there is always hydrochloric acid ...

I am going to test it today I probably will test it on one of my too many borellii fry that I have to be sure. The thing that impressed me the most was the leaves themselves and how long they lasted without breaking down. If indeed they are toxic maybe they are tough enough to withstand a few good boilings to clean them out.

Ed, that's good old R. Ponticum. My grandmother had one in her garden and I am still fighting with the shoots and I pulled the stupid thing three years ago. If you don't get all of the roots the keep coming bbck.