Catappa leaves come from the Terminalia catappa tree which is widely found in the tropics. This tree has leaves that are wide and often fall off. In the world of ornamental fisheries, the benefits of Catappa leaves have long been known as a natural solution to improve fish health and keep the aquarium ecosystem more stable.
Catappa leaves work by releasing tannin compounds into water. These tannins give the effect of brownish water, similar to the native habitat of fish in the wild. In addition, this compound also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that are very useful for preventing diseases in fish.
Lowering the pH Value
One of the benefits of Catappa leaves is their ability to lower the pH level of water. Many freshwater ornamental fish, especially those that come from acidic habitats such as betta and discus, requires a lower pH in order to live comfortably. The benefits of Catappa leaves can help stabilize the pH of the water by releasing acidic tannins, thus creating an ideal environment for fish.
Has Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
The next benefit of Catappa leaves is that they have active compounds that function as natural antibacterial and antifungal. These compounds help prevent various diseases that often affect fish, such as bacterial and fungal infections of the fish’s fins or bodies.
With the presence of Catappa leaves in the aquarium, the risk of disease can be minimized naturally without the need to use chemical-based drugs. The benefits of Catappa leaves help keep fish healthy and not susceptible to disease.
Reducing Stress
Stress in ornamental fish can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in temperature, poor water conditions, or moving to a new environment. The benefits of Catappa leaves can help reduce stress by creating more stable and natural water conditions. In addition, the tannin content released into the water also has a calming effect on fish.
Color Enhancer
Many fish farmers believe that the benefits of Catappa leaves can help improve the color of the fish to make it brighter and sharper. This is especially true for betta fish, channa and arowana, which have an attractive body color. The tannins contained in Catappa leaves are able to stimulate the production of color pigments in the fish’s body, making it look more attractive.
Improving Water Quality
The benefits of Catappa leaves not only help lower the pH of the Aquarium, but also play a role in improving the overall water quality. By releasing beneficial organic compounds, the benefits of Catappa leaves can help reduce ammonia and nitrite levels that are harmful to fish. This is very important for maintaining the health of the fish in the long term.
Encouraging Fish Breeding
For those who want to breed ornamental fish, Catappa leaves can be a very useful supporting factor. Fish that feel comfortable in a stable environment will breed more easily.
The benefits of Catappa leaves are also often used by betta fish farmers, guppies, and channa as a shelter for (fry), because they can provide a safer environment.
As a Natural Feed Source
Catappa leaves that begin to rot in water often attract the attention of microorganisms and infusoria that become natural feed for fish fries.
This is one of the benefits of Catappa leaves that can help young fish get additional nutrients without the need to be given a large amount of artificial feed.
CONCLUSION
The benefits of Catappa leaves can be a natural solution that has a good effect on ornamental fish, ranging from maintaining water quality, nourishing fish, to preventing various diseases. With the benefits of Catappa leaves, fish can live healthier, more active, and have more beautiful colors. How to use it is also very easy, so anyone can use it in aquarium care.
