Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went out today during my brake at work and collected some oak leaves in the wet land area on the property; I got a couple big zip lock bags full. My question is how do I clean them so that I don't have to worry about anything on them disrupting my frogs? I plan on putting them in the new tank I am putting together for my 3.1.0 azureus. Also how long does something like this last in a vive; and are they going to mold out of control or will it be like usual and eventually disappear?
Sorry for all the questions.
thanks
ADAM

I commend you on your descision to use oak leaves. These are, in my opinion, one of the best ingredients for substrates. I usually top off bare gravel or gravel covered in long fiber sphagnum moss with oak leaves. As far as cleaning them, that is not a factor and in fact, by using straight from their source, you would be introducing springtails and other microfauna to your vivarium which would be highly beneficial. WI break the leaves down into smaller pieces and lay these down over the substrate then top that off with a few medium sized leaves here and there. I also leave a few bare patches here and there to grow live moss...especially under areas that recieve the most light. The leaves will eventually break down and this will, in turn, provide the good nutrients for you plants. The tannic acids in the leaves also aid in keeping the water at a nice acidic level. In my experience, the usage of leaves in the viv often brings out even the shyest of species and makes them feel more secure. The benefits are countless and your choice is a great one. I hope this helps to answer your questions.

-Bill J
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Updated list as of: 11/7/03
2.2.3 D. azureus
1.2 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (22 tads in the water)
3.3 D. tinctorius 'cobalt'
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'giant orange'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'citronella'
0.0.2 D auratus 'zwartgroene(Panamanian black and green)'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black'
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (very soon)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)

I tried looking for oakleaves, but I have one main problem, I dont' know which tree is which =D.
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Clink the link below to help identify and find the leaves you are looking for. I primarily use pin oak and occasionally white oak when I can find them. Pin okas are pretty abundant here in the wooded areas.

-Bill J
Leaf ID

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Updated list as of: 11/7/03
2.2.3 D. azureus
1.2 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (22 tads in the water)
3.3 D. tinctorius 'cobalt'
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'giant orange'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'citronella'
0.0.2 D auratus 'zwartgroene(Panamanian black and green)'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black'
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (very soon)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)

Are maple leaves ok to use?
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0.0.5 Blue Dendrobates Auratus
3.2.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
2.2.0 Asian Floating Frogs (Occidozyga Lima)
1.1.0 White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

>>Are maple leaves ok to use?
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>>0.0.5 Blue Dendrobates Auratus
>>3.2.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
>>2.2.0 Asian Floating Frogs (Occidozyga Lima)
>>1.1.0 White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

I've used maple leaves. They work fine. Oak trees don't grow around here in Washington, unfortunately.

Yeah, thats my problem too. Where are you in WA? I'm in Pullman.
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0.0.5 Blue Dendrobates Auratus
3.2.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
2.2.0 Asian Floating Frogs (Occidozyga Lima)
1.1.0 White's Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

>>Yeah, thats my problem too. Where are you in WA? I'm in Pullman.

Federal Way. It's about 15 miles south of Seattle.

Just run the leaves under the sink if you want to was them off. As long as you know they are chemical free you should be ok.
You might get snails in your tank, but I have some in one of mine. How long they last depends on a number of things, how much you mist, how warm the tanks, how far are the leave decomposed, but the reason people use Oak and Magnolia leaves is because they have a mold inhibitor in them. They will just slowly decompose and add a new layer to the floor, a great hiding place for spring tails.

You can also you a tropical Almond tree leaf, if you can find them. I have seen them 4sale before.

Hope this helps,
BGreen

Hi,
I have white and red oak leaves available to me but prefer the magnolia leaves.I have had people I sent frogs to send me some from further south and I like how they look in the tanks.The magnolia leaves seem to last longer and are thicker.My sister-in -law is sending me some soon from Missouri so I can be stocked up for the winter soon I hope.
Mark W.

Oh thats so cool! Anyone who wants to ship me some leaves that would be great =D -_^
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