Ketapang Botanicals Aquarium

Benefits of botanical additives have been acknowledged for a very long time. More people should experience and utilize their effectiveness in the aquarium. Botanicals give nutritional value, health benefits, security benefits for the shrimp and fish, and provide excellent aesthetics in any tank. They really shine in a natural styles aquarium.

Leaves used for Ketapang Botanical are hand selected and prepared by skilled and knowledgeable collectors especially for the aquarium. Each species is collected at the optimal time, dried, sorted, and trimmed by hand. Each batch is as fresh as the last and we refuse to purchase in warehouse bulk lots for that reason. We bring you top quality botanicals in the best condition possible sourced from pesticide free, insecticide free, natural conditions.

Catappa leaves

Catappa leaves, also known as Ketapang, are great for adding tannins and leaf litter to your tank. Not only does the leaf litter add depth and aesthetics to your tank it also offers many other great health benefits. Shrimp and small fish and fry love to hide amongst it for security.

For Bettas, simply drop in a piece of leaf 1 to 2 inches square for each gallon.Other larger aquariums add 2 to 3 medium to large size leaves per 25 gallons.

The leaves will become waterlogged and sink after a couple days if not boiled beforehand. Once it begins to sink it will start releasing its tannins and other beneficial compounds. Many fish and shrimp will eat the leaf for its nutrients. When the leaf has nearly been dissolved add another dose. You can leave the old parts in or take them out.

Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are a great food source for shrimp and fish in the aquarium and many species love eating the biofilm the leaves create. These leaves contain polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Carotenoids have been suggested in scientific studies to aid spawning health of both the parent and the offspring.

Guava leaves produce less tannins than catappa leaves and last longer in the aquarium before breaking down. If you prefer a lighter tannin color try Guava leaves. They can be boiled for a few minutes to help them sink right away if you prefer. Shrimp will enjoy feeding on the leaves after being boiled for several minutes.

Katahal Leaves

It seems that most all the leaves we utilize in our aquariums provide some medicinal or antibacterial and antifungal properties. Leaves of the Katahal, which is also known as the Jackfruit tree, are no different and also have healing properties for human use.

Originating from south India, Katahal is from the same family as the Mulberry tree and has many positive uses in the aquarium. For fish, they have great nutritional value in the leaves and in the surface growing biofilm.

These tropical botanicals make a great addition to any aquarium with shrimp or fish, young or old. Killifish, Apistogramma, and other dwarf cichlids love them at 1 to 2 leaves per 10 gallons of aquarium volume. Like most other leaves it is recommended to boil them for a couple minutes to help them sink faster in the aquarium.

Catappa Bark

Bark from the Catappa tree is a great way to increase tannins in your water and to add health benefits. These dried strips of Catappa bark are great for conditioning breeding fish and adding a natural look to your aquarium.
Boil the strips for about 10 minutes to get the tannin release started and add them to your tank. The benefits last for many weeks and there’s no need to withdraw them when you add more.

Plant material has demonstrated in studies that the decomposing organic materials release beneficial minerals as well as beneficial fungi and bacteria to decompose it. This organic matter is a great food for infusoria and shrimp and fish fry thrive when eating it.

Banana Leaves

One of the lightest tannin additives known but don’t let that fool you.  Banana leaves offer many benefits and Betta breeders use them for many reasons.  These dried leaves are used to condition Betta scales and fins to improve their health.