Bettas and almond leaves?

Question

Hi. I've read on bettatalk and other places that it is preferable to put almond leaves into betta habitats to simulate their more natural environment and b/c some of the chemicals released (like humic acid, fulvic acid, and tannins) are beneficial in many ways. I know green tea has a fair amount of tannins and humics. Has anyone experimented with adding some green tea to their betta tanks? I know this sounds weird but I think its comparable to almond leaves. I also have very hard water that is pretty basic so I think the acidifying effect of the tea will help.

Answer 1

Rather than trying green tea, you could either use the almond leaves themselves (you can buy them on aquabid or ebay), or you can use blackwater extract.  Atison's betta SPA is also good.

Almond leaves and blackwater extract will lower your pH and soften your water, which will simulate the betta's natural habitat.  They're useful when you're conditioning fish to breed, and I like to use them for my bettas, but they're not 100% necessary.

Answer 2

that sound pretty weird, the only thing im worried about is mabye the caffiene... try it lol