Our internationally famous Matchimaa almond leaves are not known as a “miracle leaf” for nothing. This leaf is an excellent ally in treating ornamental fish diseases and is used as a natural tonic.
We at Matchimaa.com offer premium Indian Almond leaves that are great for improving your tap and tank water, making it better and ideal for various fish.
The Indian Almond Leaf – Terminalia catappa
Our hand-picked and selected leaves belong to the Terminalia catappa tree. The species is native to Southeast Asia, and many aquarists report that these leaves can cure sick fish, aid in spawning, and reduce animal stress, among many other benefits.
This plant is a constantly researched subject, mainly its therapeutic and medicinal potential.
In addition to being used in Asian folk medicine for centuries, it is widely used as a tonic and in the treatment of ornamental fish throughout Asia. The Orientals long kept this secret, but now both the product and the information have finally become accessible.
In this article, we will talk about how our premium Matchimaa leaves work on the health of the animals in your aquarium.
The use of Indian Almond Leaves for medicinal purposes
This plant is currently the target of pharmaceutical research; one of the metabolites present in its leaves has already been identified as a bactericide and fungicide, among other possible applications, including against cancer.
The magic leaves of the Indian Almond tree have been used as a tonic and adjunct in the treatment of ornamental fish for years, mainly by Asian breeders of Betta splendens. They attributed the success in breeding and raising these fish to use these leaves.
Studies indicate that elements with bactericidal, fungicidal, and parasiticidal properties are present in its leaves. In the fish farming business, T. catappa is a recognized alternative to the use of antibiotics.
The Indian Almond is known to produce a substance in its leaves to defend itself against parasites and insects. When the dry leaves fall into the water, a brown dye is released. The tincture is full of organic compounds and acids such as humic and tannins that lower the pH of the water, absorb harmful chemicals and help create a peaceful environment for the fish.
Aquarists have noticed that fish that live around the water where Indian Almond trees are found are much more vibrant, beautiful, and mostly healthy.
When added to the aquarium, almond leaves gradually deteriorate, releasing these beneficial substances into fish and aquarium water.
About water dyeing
As the leaves release the therapeutic substances, the water can take on a yellowish or brownish hue, a color similar to dipping a tea bag into a cup of hot water. For some, this yellow water may come as a big surprise; more experienced aquarists call aquariums with this color of water blackwater aquariums.
You might be surprised to learn that this yellowish water is the treatment we want for sick fish. As long as the water is dyed, it is an indication that its therapeutic effect is successful. Through our leaves, you can treat different conditions in your fish through a natural and eco-friendly approach.
While some might find this black water ugly or strange, this color still helps reduce stress in fish like Betta. And since stress is the number one cause of disease in aquarium fish, a little yellowish water is a small price for your animals’ health.
By using our Indian Almond leaves in your fish tank, you even contribute to maintaining the health of the eggs! The antifungal properties of almond leaves prevent mold from happening, which is another benefit of having yellowish water with premium Matchimaa leaves.
Not only fish benefit, but freshwater and acidic shrimp as well; several species even enjoy eating the dry leaves of T. catappa, so the user is encouraged in shrimp aquariums, both for a sensible environmental improvement for the action of strengthening the immune system of these invertebrates.
Remember that you can always use activated charcoal to make your water crystal clear again. Activated charcoal will do all the hard work for you, reducing yellowing or eradicating it in no time.
Be aware that activated charcoal will continue to absorb substances in the water until it is saturated. When this occurs, it will need to be replaced. Please note that the complete removal of water coloring will prevent the therapeutic effect of our almond leaves.
Conclusion
The form of treatment is straightforward; just put our premium Matchimaa leaves in your aquarium. Our catappa leaves are hand-selected and adequately sanitized, arriving at your home ready to use.
For immediate treatment in betta aquariums, place a small fraction, a piece compatible with the amount of water in the mixer, approximately 1 cm2/liter. Each leaf can treat up to 50L of water.
Place the entire leaf in your aquarium for larger tanks and leave it there for at least five days. The water will gradually turn the tea color. After ten days of use, you can remove the leaves as all their beneficial properties have already been released into the tank. However, removing them is not mandatory.
If you understand that the treatment was not entirely satisfactory, extend the treatment for up to 15 days. Always promote partial water changes and add or change the leaves every five days.
In addition to the direct medicinal effect on the disease, other results are still expected during the therapeutic process. Developments such as the recovery of physical vigor, increased immune capacity, and color intensification, among other benefits, is expected.
Our in natura Matchimaa dried leaves of T. catappa are traditionally used medicinally, internationally, by numerous breeders of different fish such as Bettas, Killifish, Discus, Tetras, Guppies, and even Kois and Goldfish.
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