What are Indian almond leaves used for?

When you drop a dried catappa leaf into your aquarium water, the leaf begins to slowly decompose and produce tannins, which are plant-based compounds that gradually lower the pH and stain the water with a yellow-brown tint. Benefits include:

• Lower pH and softer water for keeping and breeding lower pH species
• Antibacterial and antifungal properties for healing mild ailments
• Food for baby fish and shrimp
• Tinted water for creating a blackwater aquarium or biotope

For more details on whether or not you should use Indian almond leaves in your aquarium, read our full article.