Indian Almond Leaves

[Judge]

Has anyone tried these in order to help create an more authenic Amazon River tank? I am still researching what's involved in creating this environment for my Discus adn hav ecome to the conclusion to use 80% sand for substrate, lots of wood, and a few low light plants. I have read that Discus much prefer lower light. Plants I am considering include Annubis, Amazon Sword and perhaps a few of these Indian Almond Leaves on the bottom. NO ornaments of any kind just wood and plants. Any feedback is appreciated since i will continue to gather info BEFORE doing anything major. Thanks guys.

[Dr.Fragenstein]

I know in South East Asia almond leaves are the rage, esp with Bettas. It will add some tanins and humic acids and slightly lower the pH. If I were you I would use Keta Peat filter media, it'll work wonders!

[Jay]

Anubias (sp) are definitely low light plants. Most are also very slow growing, so under brighter light, will attract algae growth.

I have never experimented with tannins, their effect on fish, plants and critters. I will say this, just inquiring around with some heavy hitters in the planted tank community I have come to realize that focusing on a black-water ecosystem is not a simplistic thing.

It is troublesome to me that peat filtration is casually thrown out as doing wonders. The process by which peat lowers pH is through ion exchange. Peat removes Calcium and Magnesium ions and exchanges them for Sodium and Hydrogen.

I would think that care would need to taken to be sure necessary electrolytes are restored. And, is excess Na an issue?

Current research in aquaculture science leads me to believe that there are also toxicity issues with tannic acid, it is more toxic than many hobbyists believe. I need to do more reading to fully understand at what levels this becomes an issue and what controls are needed to manage it.

Jay