Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've seen alder cones suggested too. They're small but pack tannins. My 10-gallon's got a few, and the shrimp seem to like 'em. Plus, they're cheap online.

Alder cones are great, but go easy—they can drop the pH fast if you overdo it. My 20-gallon's got two cones, and that's plenty for the effect.

One more thing—if you're foraging leaves, avoid anything near roads or sprayed areas. Pesticides are a no-go. My LFS sells sterilized oak leaves for like $5 a bag, which ain't bad.