Natural Botanical
Catappa Leaves (Indian Almond Leaves) 10 Pack
⚠ Important Notes
- Catappa leaves naturally tint water amber as they release tannins. This is the intended blackwater-style effect. If you prefer clearer water, rinse thoroughly and briefly boil or pre-soak before use.
Product Details
Best For
Shrimp tanks, betta tanks, nano fish, blackwater-style setups
Safe For
Freshwater shrimp, snails, bettas, nano fish, and invertebrates when prepared as directed
Prep
Rinse first; boil briefly for faster sinking and tannin release
Why It Works
Product Highlights
01
Supports a Natural Shrimp-Tank Environment
Releases humic and tannic compounds commonly used by shrimp keepers to support a stable, natural shrimp-tank environment.
02
Grazing Surface for Shrimplets
As the leaves soften and break down, they become a near-constant food source for biofilm-grazing shrimp and a safe foraging zone for shrimplets.
03
Widely Used in Shrimp and Betta Care
Catappa leaves are widely used by shrimp and betta keepers as part of natural, tannin-rich aquarium care.
How to Use
Prep & Placement
Quick Setup Checklist
- Rinse under warm water to remove dust
- Boil 10–15 minutes or soak 24–48 hours to release initial tannins
- Sink to the bottom or wedge into hardscape
- Replace every 4–8 weeks as it breaks down naturally
- Safe to use multiple pieces for higher tannin output
Pairs Well With
Build a Better Shrimp Tank
Botanicals work best alongside mosses, plants, and shrimp food. Build a complete natural setup.
Common Questions
Catappa Leaves (Indian Almond Leaves) 10 Pack FAQ
Are Catappa Leaves safe for shrimp?
Yes — 100% natural Indian Almond leaves, untreated, with no coatings or pesticides. Aquarium-safe when rinsed as directed. Commonly used in shrimp, snail, betta, and nano fish aquariums.
Do I need to prepare them?
Rinse thoroughly first. They can go in directly, but a brief 5–10 minute boil helps them sink faster and releases the initial tannin burst before entering the tank.
How long do they last?
4–8 weeks per leaf, depending on water flow and how quickly biofilm-grazing shrimp work through them. Leaving partially broken-down leaves in shrimp tanks is fine — they continue to support the colony.
What is the free shipping threshold?
Free shipping on plants and dry goods at $75+.
Will they tint my water?
Yes. Catappa leaves release tannins that may gently tint the water amber. This is a normal blackwater-style effect commonly used in shrimp and betta aquariums. If you want less tinting, boil leaves briefly before use.
How many should I use?
Roughly 1 leaf per 5–10 gallons depending on tank size and desired tannin level. Stronger blackwater-style setups can use more; planted tanks with delicate plants may want fewer.
How is it shipped?
Packed securely and shipped Monday through Thursday via standard ground shipping. Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Transit times vary by location.
Can I order this with livestock?
Yes. Dry goods can ship together with livestock orders.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Packed With Care. Every Order.
Every product we stock is chosen and tested for aquarium use. We run over 100 dedicated aquariums on-site — we use these products ourselves. Family-owned, packed in-house, and backed without fine print.
100+
Dedicated aquariums on-site
48+
States served with plant & dry good shipping
4.9★
Average customer rating across all reviews
$75+
Free shipping on plants & dry goods
Aquarium Safe
Ships Mon–Thu
Packed In-House
Family-Owned
