If you are familiar with the aquarium world, Definity, you already know catappa leaves. So, banana leaves are also beneficial in aquariums as catappa, and both come up with similar properties.
If you are a beginner or new to the aquarium world, you may have a question mark on the role of banana leaves in aquariums, right? Do not worry! This article includes all facts about it. So, whether you are familiar or not, this will answer all your questions.
Banana leaves come with preventive and healing properties. So, if you use banana leaves in aquariums, you are able to improve the immunity of the aquarium creatures. That is why banana leaves are famous in this field.
On the other hand, banana leaves are popularly used as a botanical in shrimp tanks and blackwater. However, adding banana leaves is good for all freshwater fish too.
Basically, when banana leaves are in a shrimp tank, they release tannins and other beneficial elements into the water. These causes improve the health condition of the shrimp.
Further, it is believed that the banana leaves relieve the stress of the fish and improve fertility. Shrimps and crayfish clean their digestive system by nibbling the banana leaves.
Plus, banana leaves have the ability to keep the water free from pathogens because they are rich in anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Resulting of these properties, you can have a stronger and healthier fish.
WHY DO YOU ADD BANANA LEAVES TO YOUR AQUARIUM?
- If you are a fish lover or fish keeper, you know well that ammonia is the number one enemy of fish. Ammonia has the ability to kill your fish. So, the good news is banana leaves are a great supporter of lowering the ammonia level of the tank water.
- Similarly, pH level is a vital water parameter for healthy and happy fish. So, if you want to lower the pH level by softening water, the best solution is banana leaves. Moreover, these water conditions are excellent for sensitive fish species like Neon Tetra.
- Further, banana leaves have the ability to encourage fish breeding and spawning, especially with Siamese fighter fish and shrimps.
- As I already mentioned, banana leaves contain a high concentration of tannins.
- In addition to that, banana leaves come with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. So, do not wonder if your fish live healthy after adding banana leaves into the aquarium.
- Banana leaves enhance the unique and natural look of the aquarium, so you can use it for decorative purposes.
HOW DO YOU USE BANANA LEAVES IN THE AQUARIUM?
In general, you can use one banana leaf for approximate tanks that come with 10 to 15 L. Anyhow; if you want to more intensive treatment, it is recommended to add 1 to 2 banana leaves for every 5L of tank water.
When banana leaves are soaking, they gradually drop to the ground. However, if you want to soften the banana leaves, it is better to pour boiling water onto banana leaves. But it would help if you did this before adding them to the aquarium.
Here also, you can boil banana leaves and then give them time to cool down. However, you should ensure that the leaves are cool before adding them. So, you can try out this method if your fish tank water is discolored.
HOW DO YOU ADD BANANA LEAVES TO YOUR AQUARIUM?
Without any issue, you have the ability to add the banana leaves directly to your aquarium. But before placing them, it is better to clean them well. Do not make extra trouble.
It does not sink after you add banana leaves to the fish tank. Firstly, it floats and expands for a couple of days. Then you can notice that the banana leaves gradually tend to sink. Also, banana leaves simultaneously release tannins over several weeks.
In addition to the before-mentioned technique, you can ensure the sinking and release of tannins by pre-soaking the banana leaves day before adding them into the aquarium. Also, this technique helps to reduce the discoloration of the water.
HOW MANY BANANA LEAVES CAN YOU ADD TO YOUR AQUARIUM?
Generally, no exact rules are set for adding dried banana leaves to the aquarium. Because it is natural and not harmful to your fish, adding one-pieces for 25 liters in the aquarium is better. However, keep in mind adding banana leaves into the aquarium is good. But do not overload. Sure, it will make trouble.
If you have a small aquarium, you can trim the banana leaves, and after adding they will expand the aquarium. But this is optional. Highly depends on your desire.
However, it should be remembered that each and every banana leaf release tannin into your tank water. As a result, the aquarium water will discolor brown. So, if you add more, the water becomes darker and darker.
However, when banana leaves gradually decompose, they will break. Consequently, it will cause to clog filter system in the aquarium. If not, these decomposed banana leaves a deposit in the bottom of the tank as waste. That’s why you should clear them over time.
HOW DO LONG BANANA LEAVES LAST IN AQUARIUMS?
So, now you know why you should add banana leaves to your aquarium and how to add banana leaves to your aquarium. But similarly, it is essential to know how long you can keep it in your aquarium. If you do not have a proper idea about this matter; sure, it will spoil your fish tank.
Generally, banana leaves may last around 2 to 3 weeks in the aquarium. But, if your aquarium is home to shrimp and plecos, this time period will definitely be shorter because these fish species tend to break down more quickly.
Also, do not forget to keep the banana leaves dry and store them in a cool place. It is a suggestion to keep your banana leaves long time.
So if you are an aquarist, these natural banana leaves are the best way to treat your aquarium water. Try and keep your fish healthy with natural ways.
