Mulberry Leaves

Mulberry Leaves are an excellent naturalistic decoration, food source, and nutritional supplement for the freshwater aquarium!   Mulberry Leaves are ideal leaf litter for blackwater tanks as well as many other setups, providing shelter to fry and small species of shrimp, crabs, crayfish, snails, and fish while maintaining a natural look in the aquarium. They also serve as an ideal growth medium for biofilm and diatoms, both of which are key food sources to countless aquatic animal species, including shrimp and other invertebrates as well as fish.  Mulberry Leaves also have buffering qualities. As they decompose, they release tannins (tercatin, punicalin, punicalagin) that lower the pH of the aquarium, but at a gradual rate. This is particularly beneficial for aquatic animals that require acidic, low-pH water. Mulberry Leaves can also be used sparingly in high-pH setups as well, especially when their pH-lowering quality is counteracted with pH-raising decor such as lace rock and dried coral. Mulberry Leaves have extremely valuable nutritional qualities. They are rich in carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron), amino acids, and antioxidants. They are also rich in carotenoids and they aid in the molting process of invertebrates. Our Mulberry Leaves are sourced from 100% pesticide and chemical-free areas and are safe to add directly to the aquarium. These leaves can be allowed to be fully eaten or decompose in the aquarium, then the stem can be removed. We recommend that they be added sparingly at first in order to ensure no drastic changes in water parameters or excessive tanning of water. Mulberry leaves are among the most brittle of leaves that are safe for aquarium use. They generally decompose at a faster rate than other leaves such as Catappa Leaves.   If you are looking for other botanicals, we offer a variety of other natural leaf litter for your aquarium.