whats the purpose of....

[Shrimpmania]

As above... wats he purpose of putting oak leaves into a shrimp tank? Can any kind souls enlighten me?

[Jackie]

As above... wats he purpose of putting oak leaves into a shrimp tank? Can any kind souls enlighten me?

Many shrimps like to eat them, others like to hide under them. Also, they lower the pH.

[Bradimus]

Also, many microbes feed on the decaying leaves. The shrimp, especially the young, feed on the microbes.

There is nothing really magical about oak leaves. They just have some nice qualities: non-toxic, slow to decay, and easy to find (at least in the US).

[winwin]

but wouldn't the 'lowered PH' causes the water acidic, and thus makes it hard for the shrimps to strengthen their shells after molting?

[DanHagan]

but wouldn't the 'lowered PH' causes the water acidic, and thus makes it hard for the shrimps to strengthen their shells after molting?

Well, that all depends on what you ph is to start with! If you have a high ph the oak leaves are not going to make you water acidic. I personaly dont use any oak leaves. I just use live plants and feed micro food from time to time!

[Shrimpmania]

hmmm.. ok thanks guys... my PH is 8.6 .. Guess i will put some oak leaves