Catappa Leaves

Catappa leaves are a simple, low-tech way to bring that warm, tea-coloured “blackwater” vibe to your aquarium. As the leaves break down, they release humic substances and tannins that can help support stable, soft, slightly acidic conditions—perfect for bettas, shrimp, and many softwater species. They also grow a tasty biofilm that shrimplings can graze, while adding a leaf-litter look that feels straight out of a rainforest stream.

Each pack includes 10 dried leaves. Use them for aesthetics, for breeding projects, or to give new scapes a touch of lived-in realism. They’re a favourite in shrimp tanks and betta setups, and pair beautifully with wood, seed pods, and shaded hardscape.

Preparation is easy: give the leaves a quick rinse, then add them straight to the tank or pre-soak to help them sink faster. Over a few weeks they’ll soften and slowly decompose—simply replace as needed to maintain the tint and leaf-litter bed.

Not sure how many to use? Start light and adjust to taste. Blackwater is part art, part science—aim for the colour you love, then keep it consistent with regular leaf top-ups.

Why aquarists choose Catappa leaves

• Adds natural tannins for a gentle tea-stained blackwater look
• Supports soft, slightly acidic conditions suited to bettas and shrimp
• Encourages biofilm growth for shrimp grazing
• Great for breeding caves, fry shelters, and microfauna
• Simple to use; breaks down gradually over weeks
• Looks fantastic in nature-style and biotope aquascapes

How to use

• Rinse, then add directly—or pre-soak/briefly boil to help sinking
  
• Replace when mostly decomposed
• Remove if the tint gets darker than you like

Built for aquascapers who want form, function, and a little rainforest magic in every tank.