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Tannins for Betta

Tannins for Betta

Tannins for Betta

Wild betta fish live in slow moving streams, rice paddies, and large, plant and tree heavy marshes. These natural environments are often referred to as blackwater. Blackwater environments are acidic and dark due to the release of tannins from trees and plants. Most tannin production is from fallen leaves as they decay.


You probably have heard about adding tannins to your betta tank water with Indian almond leaves or aquarium driftwood. Tannins are excellent for betta fish. They offer a natural dark water environment. Tannins have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help keep bettas healthy. They also reduce stress in breeding betta fish, newly introduced bettas, and sick betta fish. Tannins also have immune boosting properties for betta fish and help your aquarium stay healthier by lowering the pH and softening hard water.

What Are Tannins for Betta Fish?

Tannins come from the phenolic acids in various plant species. The best tannins for betta fish come from the leaves of the catappa tree also known as the Indian almond leaf tree and botanically as Terminalia catappa. As catappa leaves break down rich tannins are released. The leaves can be put directly into a betta aquarium for a natural look or boiled into a tea for water changes. There are also stronger versions that are called Indian almond leaf extract that can be added to your water.

How Do I Get Tannins for Betta Fish Tank?

Tannins come from many plants and trees, but the best tannins for bettas come from catappa (Indian almond) leaves. These leaves can be put directly in your betta fish tank or boiled into a tea and cooled to be used during water changes or even used with a newly set up tank.

Can You Have Too Many Tannins for Betta?

Excessive tannins are unlikely to bother your betta fish. In fact they are likely to thrive in aquariums with heavy tannins. However, an excess of tannins can make the water so dark it is difficult for you to see your fish. It could also negatively affect aquatic plants that enjoy high light. Tannic changes that are extremely rapid could cause too quick of a pH change so monitor tank pH especially if you have a very small tank or accidentally went overboard with some extract.

Why Are Tannins Important for Betta Fish Care?

Catappa leaves and Indian almond leaf tea are great supplies to have in your betta arsenal. Blackwater habitats are extremely useful for giving privacy and allowing better health for breeding betta pairs during courting and spawning. Tannins are also great for vulnerable betta fry. Indian almond leaf can also encourage a healthier immune system as well as offer antifungal and antibacterial properties for betta fish. The increased water acidity can eliminate bad microorganisms and keep your tank cleaner. Many betta lovers swear by tannins and even believe it speeds up healing. In fact, many betta breeders use Indian almond leaf rather than or in combination with medications to treat various health problems including fin rot.

How To Create a Natural Habitat for Betta Fish

Catappa leaves can simply be dropped in your betta aquarium for a natural look. They will sink after a day or 2 and start releasing tannins as the leaves begin to break down. I usually notice tannins darkening my water in less than 24 hours. I simply rinse the leaves with warm or hot water before placing them in my tanks. Driftwood can also be added to offer natural decor and a cool hiding spot. Driftwood also releases tannins to contribute to a darkwater tank. Be sure the driftwood you choose is clean, safe for betta fish, and doesn’t have any sharp or jagged edges. If you don’t want leaves or driftwood in your tank, tannins can be incorporated into the water by making a catappa leaf tea that can be used during water changes. This still offers a natural blackwater environment for your betta.

Where to Buy Tannins for Betta Fish?

Buy Indian almond leaves here at JVBetta. Our tannins for sale are the best tannins for betta fish. Know that your pet betta is getting the best betta products and care when you order from our online betta fish pet store. 

How to Remove Tannins from Fish Aquarium

It is important to know that tannins are a good thing and healthy for betta fish, shrimp, many other aquatic species as well as most tropical fish. However, we know a lot of people don’t like the dark water color in their tank. So, if you added some driftwood or leaves to your tank without realizing it would release tannins here are some things that you can do to achieve clear water once again. 

  • Remove the leaves or driftwood. Driftwood can be soaked for a couple of weeks to allow the release of tannins. You can add it to your tank once it is no longer releasing tannins. 
  • Water changes will offer a gradual dilution that will be gentle on your fish.
  • Use activated carbon to remove tannins.
  • There is also a product called Seachem Purigen that can remove tannins.




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    Indian Almond Leaves

    JV Betta

    10 Pack of Indian Almond Leaves There are so many benefits to using Indian almond leaves for your betta. JVBetta’s premium Indian almond leaves are...

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    $8.49