Crushed Catappa leaves are ideal when you want the benefits of Catappa leaf litter in a smaller, easier-to-dose form. They are useful for creating natural grazing areas, releasing gentle tannins and humic substances, and adding a more natural botanical feel to the aquarium.

Packed dry, small batch and labelled by Blackwater Botanical Aquariums.

Natural product — colour, texture, flake size and leaf-piece size will vary. This is normal with real dried botanicals.

Why aquarists use crushed Catappa leaves

Easier dosing than whole leaves Crushed leaf pieces allow you to add smaller amounts gradually, which is especially useful in nano tanks, shrimp tanks and soft-water setups.

Natural tannins and humic substances Catappa leaves may release tannins and humic substances that help create a warm tea-coloured blackwater appearance.

Biofilm and grazing surfaces As the leaf pieces soften, they can become useful surfaces for biofilm and micro-life, giving shrimp and snails something natural to graze on.

Natural cover and enrichment Leaf litter helps create a more natural aquarium floor where shrimp, fry, snails and small fish can explore and forage.

Great for mixing with other botanicals These crushed leaves can be used with cones, pods, bark, cholla, seed pods and other blackwater botanicals.

Useful for filter bags or botanical sachets Crushed pieces can be placed in a small media bag if you want tannin release without loose leaf pieces spreading through the tank.

Best for Shrimp tanks and shrimp colonies Neocaridina shrimp setups Suitable Caridina setups where botanicals are added gradually Betta aquariums Snails and natural grazers Fry and juvenile fish shelter zones Blackwater and botanical aquariums Nano tanks and small aquariums Leaf-litter style freshwater layouts Botanical mixes, sachets and filter-bag use

How to use Rinse briefly before use to remove loose dust if desired. Add a small amount first, especially in nano tanks or very soft / low-KH water. You can place the crushed leaves directly into the aquarium as leaf litter. Alternatively, place them inside a small media bag if you want easier removal or cleaner presentation. Optional: pre-soak in hot water for 15–30 minutes to help them sink faster and reduce the first strong tint release. Add more gradually depending on the colour you want and how your livestock responds. Replace or top up as the leaf pieces soften, break down or are consumed. Tip: For small shrimp tanks, start with a very small pinch first. It is always safer to add more later than to add too much botanical material at once.

Suggested starting guide 10–30L nano / shrimp tanks: start with a small pinch and observe for 24–72 hours. 30–60L tanks: start with a light scattering in one corner or use a small media bag. 60L+ tanks: add gradually until you reach the desired leaf-litter look and tint. Filter bag method: place a small amount in a fine media bag and remove / replace when the tint fades. Results depend heavily on tank size, KH, pH, filtration, water changes and how much botanical material is used.

What to expect Water may gradually take on a warm amber / tea-coloured tint. Leaf pieces may float at first and sink later. A light white biofilm may appear — this is normal and usually eaten by shrimp and snails. As the pieces break down, shrimp and snails may graze on them. Carbon, Purigen and similar filtration media can reduce visible tannins and water colour.

Important notes This listing is for crushed / broken Catappa leaf pieces, not whole leaves. Natural leaf pieces vary in size, colour, texture and shape. Do not overdose, especially in small or very soft-water aquariums. Botanicals may release tannins and soften the visual tone of the water. Effects vary depending on tank volume, KH, pH, filtration and amount used. Remove excess material if it becomes too much for your setup. This product is a natural aquarium botanical, not a medication. For ornamental aquarium use only. Not for human consumption. Keep away from children and pets. Store sealed in a cool, dry place.