Indian Almond Leaves

Indian Almond Leaves – Natural Tannin Leaves for Shrimp, Betta & Blackwater Aquariums

Tanks kept too clean and neutral can miss out on the natural compounds many fish and shrimp evolved with, leaving water lacking the mild acidity and biofilm that support their health and natural behaviours.

Indian Almond Leaves (Catappa leaves) release tannins and humic acids as they break down in water, gently lowering pH and softening water while mimicking the blackwater conditions found in the natural habitats of bettas, shrimp and many South American and Asian species. These compounds also have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping support healing and immune function, and are a popular addition to betta breeding setups for the way they encourage bubble nest building. As the leaves break down, they grow a biofilm that shrimp and fry graze on, adding a natural supplementary food source to the tank. Pair them with Hikari Shrimp Cuisine for your dwarf shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites Baby for bettas and other small community fish.

Features & Benefits

• Releases natural tannins and humic acids, gently lowering pH and softening water
• Recreates blackwater conditions favoured by bettas, shrimp and many soft water species
• Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties support healing and immune health
• Encourages betta breeding behaviour, including bubble nest building
• Develops a biofilm that shrimp and fry graze on as a supplementary food source

How to Use

• Rinse the leaf before adding it to the tank
• Add one leaf per 10 to 20 litres, depending on how strong a tannin effect you’d like
• Leaves will sink after 1 to 2 days and can be left in the tank to break down naturally, or removed once softened
• Replace every 2 to 4 weeks, or as they fully break down

Recommended For

• Betta and shrimp tanks
• Blackwater and soft water biotope setups
• Fry and juvenile tanks needing a natural supplementary food source

Available Sizes