afr3178 Posted April 18, 2012 Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 Hey Everyone, Do Banana leaves and IAL do the same thing? If they do, is there any significant cost difference or any other difference which makes one better? Does anyone know where I can get banana leaves in Melbourne if they are worth getting? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted April 18, 2012 Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 Hey Adam, While doing a quick search on the search bar (top right hand corner), I found these threads. Should answer all your questions. http://ausaqua.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11532&st=0&p=123160&hl http://ausaqua.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11361&st=0&p=120947&hl http://ausaqua.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=1827&st=0 Hope those help. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 Hi Adam Banana leaf has a similer affect on Betta to what IAL has but it does tend to make the fish a little more agresivea. A friend over hear in Perth was having dificulty with a HM pair he had and the IAL wasnt working so I told him to use Banana leaf and by the next day ther was a nest and he was rearing ti go. I must say I dont use it all the time only when IAL isnt working or a fish is looking not to well. If you get any leafs then only use the leafy part not the thick vien down the middle. Totaly dried leaves can be used like IAL and green leafs can be made up in to a tea. As to where you can get some you may have to ask around some of the Vic Members. I hope this helps Cheers Les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilly Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 This was interesting to know. I have a couple of little bannana tree's... perhaps I'll try it out. Would the dead, dry leaves work too? Otherwise I'll snag a green leaf or two and look up how to make the tea, I suppose. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadoh Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 I use the dead dry leaves to make a tea, it has the same effect, the brew comes out a little darker. That's all :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilly Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 (edited) Thanks! So would you just leave it soak in a bucket of aged water for a couple of days, make the tea from boiling water, or is it fine to float a small piece directly in the tank? A glance outside confirms I have heaps and heaps of banana leaves just begging to be used. I had heard this before, but it's nice to hear it confirmed. Edited April 19, 2012 by Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 Hi Lilly I make my tea from boiling green leaves about three leaves in two Ltrs of water bring to the boil and alow to cool then strain off I only use dried leaves if I am putting them into the tank About half a leaf is ok they love to get under them when they eventualy sink I hope this helps but just remember it makes a fiesty fish even more so Cheers les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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