Leaves in an aquarium offer a multitude of benefits, contributing to the overall health and balance of the aquatic ecosystem. They serve as natural shelter and hiding spots for fish and invertebrates, reducing stress levels and promoting natural behaviours. Additionally, leaves release tannins and other organic compounds as they decompose, which create a slight tint in the water, simulating the natural habitats of many tropical fish species and promoting their well-being.

Many of the freshwater kept within the home aquariums generally come from tropical countries such as Asia and South America and are subject to a completely different climate than other countries. In addition to this the fishes require different water parameters to ultimately thrive so replicating the water conditions found in nature is the aim when bringing them into our homes. Generally fish from these areas thrive in more softer water with lower PH levels around the 4.6 – 6.5 region.

Using botanicals within aquatic setups can be a fantastic and enjoyable experience but it's important to note as with any organic item added to a aquarium (similar to fish), it can cause effects to the water chemistry especially in setups that are not yet established.