Shop - Khaya Leaves

Description

Khaya Leaves: Natural Botanicals for Aquariums and Vivariums

Khaya Leaves are stunning, long, and narrow leaves, measuring approximately 8 to 15 cm, perfect for aquariums and vivariums. Cleaned and dried for immediate use, these unique botanicals are ideal for creating natural, biotope-style setups that mimic the beauty of wild habitats.

Why Choose Khaya Leaves for Your Aquarium?

Harvested from the Khaya senegalensis tree, native to Africa, these leaves are a popular choice for aquarists seeking to replicate African biotopes. However, their versatility also makes them suitable for aquatic and terrestrial environments worldwide. Khaya Leaves provide both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, releasing tannins that help lower pH levels, simulating the natural conditions ideal for species like tetras, discus, and angelfish.

Key Benefits of Khaya Leaves:

• Natural Tannins: Release tannins into the water, which lower pH levels and replicate blackwater conditions.
• Health Benefits for Aquatic Life: Create a stress-reducing environment that promotes the growth and health of fish such as tetras, discus, and angelfish.
• Grazing Surface: Serve as an excellent grazing spot for freshwater shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates, enhancing their diet and habitat enrichment.
• Safe for Aquatic Life: Contain no harmful substances, making them completely safe for fish, shrimp, and other tank inhabitants.

How to Use Khaya Leaves:

1. Rinse Thoroughly: Before adding the leaves to your aquarium, rinse them under water to remove any surface debris.
2. Boil for Sinking: Boil the leaves for a few minutes to help them sink faster and release beneficial tannins into the water.
3. Add to Your Tank: Let the boiled tannin “tea” cool and pour it into your aquarium for additional blackwater benefits.
4. Replace as Needed: As the leaves begin to decompose, remove or replace them to maintain your tank’s aesthetic and functionality.

Perfect for Blackwater and Biotope Aquariums

Khaya Leaves are the ideal addition to blackwater aquariums or biotope setups. Their long, narrow shape and natural colour create a rustic, authentic appearance that complements driftwood, botanicals, and other natural elements. Use them as stand-alone decorations or combine them with other botanicals for a complex and layered aquascape.

Product Specifications:

• Length: 8–15 cm (shape, size, and colour may vary as this is a natural product).
• Pack Size: Sold in packs of 10 leaves.
• Origin: Ethically and sustainably sourced from Sri Lanka.

Why Choose Khaya Leaves from Riverwood Aquatics?

Our Khaya Leaves are carefully selected for quality and safety, ensuring they meet the needs of aquarists and their aquatic life. These botanicals are a must-have for creating natural, healthy environments that promote the well-being of fish, shrimp, and other tank inhabitants. Explore their many uses and benefits to elevate your aquarium or vivarium setup.

For more guidance, take a look at our Guide to Blackwater Aquariums or browse our Buyer’s Guides.

Looking for inspiration? Visit our Instagram feed to see how others are using Khaya Leaves to transform their aquascapes.

Watch our video for more tips on using aquarium botanicals:

Additional information