Leaves as aquarium floor

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Pedro Oliveira

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Hi people!
My racks are near overload so, Im tryin to reduce my aquariums weight.
It is possible to use like oak leaves as substract like sand without afecting my occupants?
I know that is possible to use some, like in blackwater tanks but, dont know If I can use only leaves to cover the floor, as I know it changes water pH..

Thank you and have a nice week!
 
Pedro Oliveira said:
..[Is it]possible to use like oak leaves as substrate...like in blackwater tanks...as I know it changes water pH..
Click to expand...

It depends on the species entirely and how frequently you perform water changes. I will post a pic that might be helpful to you. It is a 'Living Floor' style I did in years past. Clearly you'd be looking to avoid all the rocks, however, I used them as anchors to hold down the moss. To avoid the weight of rocks the same could be accomplished by using strategically placed thin driftwood(s)...

All my best!

JBear
 

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I have used oak leaves in my 35 gallon C. pyrrhogaster tank and had no problems at all. They do tend to give the water a brown tinge though, so I now use dead Beech leaves instead. My tanks get a 30% water change every week and the Beech leaves haven't stained the water or changed the ph in my experience
 
Many thanks to all!!
Code: 
jbherpin
thats a nice idea too! but unfortunately all ponds here are now almost dry, so I think It will be difficult to make someting like that at this time. Anyways, nice looking!
Im planning to do this with my european newts, maybe just with marmoratus and carnifex for now.

Code: 
Chinadog
I have no ''huge'' aquariums so, I do 30% exchage maybe after 3 days so i think it will be no problem. I think I will give it a try and adjust them to may needs, hope It makes the desired effect :D Will try to find some beech leaves too.

Guys, you made made my day, thanks for sharing and helping, I was thinking about this option to substitute the sand but I never feel safe about the pH values... Im tryin to improve my water quality this year...

All the best!
 
Hello, I like beech leaves and use them a great deal. The issue I believe with oak leaves is the high levels of tannins which leach out into the water and stains it. I understand that this forms a weak solution of tannic acid which may or may not be harmful. I guess depending on how many leaves you used. I know some keepers sterilise the leaves before using them by placing them in the microwave.
 
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