Description
Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) are dried leaves from the tropical almond tree. Placed in an aquarium, they slowly release tannins that tint the water tea-brown and can lower pH slightly, much like the shaded, leaf-littered paddies and marshes where wild bettas live. Betta and shrimp keepers across India use them to give fish a calmer, more natural setting, and bettas like to rest on and hide under the soaking leaves.
What you get
- 50 whole dried leaves of Indian almond (catappa) for ₹100.
- How long it lasts: at one leaf every 3–4 weeks, a 20–40 litre tank uses 13–17 leaves a year, so one pack lasts one such tank roughly 3 years. You can also split it across several tanks and bowls.
- Storage: keep the leaves dry, in a closed bag or box. Dry leaves keep well.
- Shipping: ₹99 flat across India, free on orders from ₹999. Add a pack to your plant order and it ships in the same box.
How to use
- Dose: one medium leaf per 20–40 litres; half a leaf for bowls and nano tanks.
- Prepare: rinse, or soak in hot water for a few minutes, so the leaf sinks and starts releasing tannins faster.
- Replace: when the leaf becomes thin and skeletal, usually after 3–4 weeks.
- Too dark? Use less leaf or add activated carbon; the tint is harmless.
Pairs well with
Our Betta tank kit (Anubias Nana, Java fern, Amazon frogbit, red tiger lotus and a pack of these leaves) and the betta (fighter fish) planted tank setup guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Indian almond leaves safe for betta fish?
Yes. They are one of the most widely used natural additions in betta tanks. Use the recommended dose and replace leaves as they break down.
Will almond leaves harm my aquarium plants?
No. The tannins and light tea tint suit Anubias, Java fern, Bucephalandra and mosses. Very dark water can slow light-hungry carpet plants, so use less leaf in brightly lit carpet tanks.
How long does one leaf last?
Usually 3–4 weeks in a heated tank. Replace it when it turns thin and see-through.
How long does a pack of 50 leaves last?
In one 20–40 litre tank, at one leaf every 3–4 weeks, a pack of 50 lasts roughly 3 years. Split across three such tanks, it lasts about a year.
Do Indian almond leaves soften water?
No, not in any useful way. They release tannins that tint the water tea-brown and can lower pH slightly, mostly in soft water. They do not meaningfully reduce hardness (GH/KH), so hard tap or borewell water stays hard.
There are no reviews yet.