Description
Reptiscape Mangrove Leaves are an excellent leaf litter that you can use in a terrarium, vivarium or aquarium. They also make a tasty treat for your isopods and springtails in a bioactive terrarium
Mangrove leaves come from the Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove Tree) which is critical in stabilizing shorelines. They also create communities for other plants and animals to live in.
Their leaves are thick and will last a long time in an aquarium or terrarium.
Using Mangrove Leaves in a Terrarium
Leaf litter not only helps with providing a naturalistic appearance, the leaves also provide hiding spots for animals such as dart frogs and small reptiles. Even snakes will enjoy hiding under the leaves.
Additionally, micro fauna like springtails and isopods will use the decomposing leaves as food.
In the forest, the leaf litter may be several inches thick. Typically in a naturalistic or bioactive terrarium, you want to have the leaves at least a few layers deep and you should routinely add leaves as you see them decomposing.
Using Mangrove Leaves in an Aquarium
Mangrove Leaves are part of our Tannin Collection. They can be used in a natural aquarium set up to help add beneficial nutrients and regulate PH levels. Perfect for Shrimp, Betta Fish, Discus and South American Cichlids and other fish.
Mangrove Leaves are an excellent leaf litter for black water aquariums as well as many other setups. The leaves will provide shelter to fish fry and small species of shrimp, crabs, crayfish, snails, and other fish while maintaining a natural look in the aquarium.
They also serve as an ideal growth medium for biofilm and diatoms, both of which are key food sources for countless aquatic animal species, including shrimp and other invertebrates as well as fish.
Mangrove leaves also have pH buffering qualities. As they decompose, they release tannins that slowly lower the pH of the aquarium. This is particularly beneficial for aquatic animals that require acidic, low-pH water.
Mangrove Leaves have valuable therapeutic qualities for fish, and can often serve as a harmless preventative medicine in the aquarium. They help support and increase slime coat, scale, and shell production in fish and invertebrates.
This is particularly crucial during the introduction and acclimation of animals to the aquarium and after water changes. Mangrove Leaves also enrich the aquarium water with organic compounds that are beneficial to fish that live in still, stagnant waters such as betta fish.
How to clean and sanitize Mangrove Leaves
While you can simply rinse your leaves, it is recommended that you also sterilize the leaves prior to using them in a terrarium or aquarium. To achieve this you can microwave damp leaves for 1-2 minute, boil leaves for approximately 5 minutes, or bake damp leaves at 200 °F for approximately 15-20 minutes.
Each package contains 10 dried Mangrove leaves. Each leaf is approx 5-6” (12-15cm)
Due to the nature of this product there will be variation in size and shape.
Looking for more leaf litter for your terrarium? Check out our Leaf Litter Collection Here.
Reptiscape Mangrove Leaves are available for sale and shipping in Canada.
