Best Guava Leaves for Shrimp Tank Beginners Reviewed 2026

This 20+ pack of live blue and orange Neocaridina davidi shrimp is made for freshwater hobbyists who want instant color and natural tank maintenance. It is a strong fit for beginners, nano tank owners, and planted aquarium keepers looking to start a colony fast.

The standout appeal is the high grade blue and orange mix that pops against green plants and dark substrate once settled. In a cycled tank, these shrimp graze constantly on soft algae, biofilm, and leftover food across glass, wood, and leaves.

These shrimp arrive as juveniles growing up to 1 inch, a perfect size for nano and community setups with peaceful tank mates. As a hardy Neocaridina type, they adapt well to 65 to 80F, pH 6.5 to 8.0, and GH 6 to 8 when properly acclimated.

As with all live shrimp, color can look pale right after shipping and takes time, good feeding, and stable water to fully develop. A mixed color colony will also breed mixed color offspring, so selective breeders may prefer single color lines.

Overall, this is a colorful, hardy, and useful addition for peaceful freshwater tanks that need life and light cleaning help. If you want a large starter colony with visual variety and beginner friendly care, this blue and orange mix is an excellent choice.

Species: Neocaridina davidi, high grade blue and orange mixed colors for freshwater aquariums.

Quantity and Size: 20+ live shrimp, juveniles to adults growing up to 1 inch at full size.

Water Parameters: Thrives in 65 to 80F, pH 6.5 to 8.0, and GH 6 to 8 in stable, cycled tanks.

Tank Compatibility: Designed for nano tanks, planted tanks, and peaceful community setups with plant safe grazing.

Care Level: Hardy and beginner friendly invertebrates that feed on soft algae, biofilm, and leftover food.

SunGrow Catappa Indian Almond Leaves are a 10-count pack of raw 4 to 7 inch leaves designed for freshwater shrimp aquariums. They are made for shrimp keepers, breeders and anyone keeping sensitive species that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of cover.

In use, the leaves sink after a few days and start to soften, creating a natural grazing surface rich in biofilm. Shrimp actively pick at the surface and will consume the soft tissue down to the skeleton, which supports natural foraging and balanced nutrition.

The leaves release tannins that help lower pH, soften water and tint the tank like a natural blackwater habitat. The raw, whole leaf format feels sturdy at first and tears easily, so you can size pieces for nano cubes or larger shrimp colonies without special tools.

Preparation is required, as you need to rinse and preferably boil then soak in fresh water before placement. Size variation means some leaves may feel large for very small tanks, and decomposed leaves must be removed and replaced over time.

For shrimp focused tanks, these leaves offer strong value as shelter, comfort and functional water conditioning in one simple addition. If you want calmer shrimp, more natural behavior and better breeding support, this 10-pack is an easy keeper staple.

Brand: SunGrow, Model: CL01, Count: 10 raw Catappa Indian Almond Leaves.

Leaf Size: 4 to 7 inches long, tearable for nano and standard aquariums. Form: Natural dried sheets for freshwater use.

Target Species: Freshwater shrimp, also suitable for fish that prefer tannin rich water. Care: Rinse before use, boil and post-boil soak in fresh water recommended.

Rinse each leaf thoroughly before use to remove dust and surface debris. For cleaner results, briefly boil then soak in fresh water before adding to the aquarium.

Place one leaf at a time and allow it to sink naturally over a few days. Start with a small piece in nano tanks and observe water tint and shrimp behavior.

Leave the leaf in place for grazing until only the skeleton remains, then remove and replace. Avoid overloading small tanks to prevent sudden shifts in water chemistry.

The Galapagos Bioactive Botanicals Kit is a 16 piece functional decor set with 9 Casuarina cones, 5 Catappa leaves and 2 almond bark pieces. It is designed for betta, shrimp, snail, Apistogramma and hermit crab keepers who want a natural blackwater or leaf litter habitat.

In use, the cones and leaves slowly release tannins to tint water, soften hardness and support slightly acidic conditions. Reviewers report a pleasant natural tan tone within days, plus visible biofilm that shrimp, snails and microfauna actively graze.

All pieces are 100 percent natural, with large 5 to 8 inch leaves for background cover and textured bark that curls into tubes for hiding. The mix of shapes adds depth and a realistic tropical stream look that plastic plants cannot match.

Preparation takes effort, since boiling for 30 to 60 minutes is recommended to reduce excess tannins and help sinking. Cones can float for a few days until waterlogged, leaf size can overwhelm tanks under 5 gallons, and cone size varies slightly.

For natural aquascapers and nano species keepers, this kit offers function plus decor in one box. It conditions water gently, feeds biofilm grazers and creates shelter, making it a smart upgrade for blackwater and shrimp setups.

Boil all botanicals for 30 to 60 minutes, then let them cool completely before adding to your tank. This step removes excess tannins, helps leaves and cones sink faster, and cleans the natural surfaces.

Start with one leaf or a few cones in nano tanks and add more for a darker blackwater effect. Replace leaves as they break down, and leave bark in place as shelter and grazing surface for shrimp and bottom dwellers.

The GlasGarten Shrimp Snacks Leaves Mix is a plant based stick food designed for freshwater shrimp, snails, crayfish and suckermouth catfish. It suits beginners to breeders who want a natural supplemental food for daily grazing and colony health.

The standout is the simple 50/50 blend of stinging nettle and green walnut leaves. Nettle delivers calcium, iron, magnesium, protein and natural vitamins to support molting, shell growth and breeding, while walnut leaf tannins and essential oils help maintain a balanced tank environment.

In stick form, the leaves are compressed for easy portioning and slow grazing. The food holds together well in water, does not cloud the aquarium, and can be left in place until fully eaten, which encourages natural foraging behavior.

As a purely plant based food, it works best as part of a varied diet rather than a sole staple for higher protein needs. You will also need to cut a small 0.5 cm piece for 10 to 15 shrimp, which takes a moment to learn for nano tanks.

Overall, this Leaves Mix is an excellent natural choice for invertebrate keepers focused on health, breeding and water quality. If you keep shrimp, snails or dwarf crayfish, it deserves a spot in your feeding rotation.

Brand: JungleAquashrimp, Manufacturer: GlasGarten, Flavor: Leaves Mix.

Form: Stick, Diet Type: Plant Based, Suitable for All Life Stages.

Ingredients: 50 percent dried stinging nettle leaves, 50 percent dried green walnut leaves.

Target Species: Aquatic shrimp, snails, crayfish, suckermouth catfish and other invertebrates.

Content: 30g pack, Feeding Recommendation: 0.5 cm stick for 10 to 15 shrimp.

Feed a 0.5 cm piece of stick for 10 to 15 shrimp and leave it in the tank until eaten. Start with small amounts to gauge appetite in new colonies.

Use 2 to 3 times per week as a supplement alongside staple shrimp foods for varied nutrition. Nettle supports growth and breeding while walnut provides botanical tannins.

Remove any hard uneaten stems after a few days to keep the tank tidy. Store the pack dry and sealed to preserve freshness and crunch.

SunGrow Catappa Indian Almond Leaves are a natural water conditioner made for freshwater aquariums. This pack includes 50 small 2 inch leaves ideal for bettas, shrimp, guppies, tetras, goldfish, snails and frogs in nano tanks and breeding setups.

Once added, the leaves slowly release tannins that create a soft blackwater effect. Users report calmer fish, better color, active exploring and stimulated spawning behavior without drastic water changes.

The mini size makes portion control simple for small bowls, jars and 10 gallon tanks. Leaves are unprocessed, look natural in planted tanks, float at first for bubble nests then sink to provide hiding and foraging cover.

There are tradeoffs to expect with a natural product. Size and color vary from leaf to leaf, some arrive very dry and brittle, and the water will take on a tea tint that not every aquarist wants.

Overall, this is a smart pick for betta keepers, shrimp breeders and blackwater fans wanting a gentle, natural approach. If you value portion control, breeding support and calming tannins, this bulk pack delivers strong value.

Start with one 2 inch leaf per 5 to 10 gallons and observe your fish and water tint. Rinse leaves briefly before use to remove dust, then float or sink them directly in the tank.

Replace leaves every 2 to 4 weeks or when fully broken down. For breeding tanks, leave a floating leaf in place so bubble nest builders can anchor nests securely.

Brand: SunGrow, Model: IAL-01, Includes: 50 Indian Almond Catappa Leaves. Leaf size is approximately 2 inches, ideal for nano tanks, bowls and jars.

Form: Natural dried leaf sheets for freshwater use. Suitable for betta, shrimp, tetra, discus, guppy, goldfish, snail, frog and other tropical species.

TenderTropicals Indian Almond Leaves are a 10 pack of naturally dried 6 inch Catappa leaves for leaf litter. They are designed for hermit crab habitats, freshwater aquariums, terrariums, vivariums and paludariums.

In use, the broad leaves create instant cover and a natural forest floor texture. In water they slowly soften and release tannins for that tea colored tropical look valued for bettas, shrimp and snails.

Each leaf is naturally dried and sustainably sourced, with unique variation in size, shape and tone. The 6 inch size feels substantial for small tanks and the material integrates well into bioactive setups.

The main tradeoffs are natural to botanicals. Color and shape vary pack to pack, water will tint, and leaves will eventually break down and need replacement.

For keepers wanting simple, natural enrichment and decor across multiple species, this is a practical choice. It is especially useful for hermit crab tanks and blackwater style freshwater setups.

Rinse leaves briefly and add dry to terrariums or hermit crab tanks as ground cover and hides. Use one to two leaves at a time and replace as they break down.

For aquariums, rinse then place directly in the tank or pre soak to help them sink faster. Expect gradual tannin release and a light tea tint over several days.

TenderTropicals Premium Catappa Leaves are 10 large 6-7 inch Indian Almond Leaves made for freshwater shrimp, snail and blackwater aquariums. They are built for keepers of Neocaridina, Cherry, Amano and Ghost shrimp, plus Bettas, crayfish and nano tanks that benefit from natural cover and tannins.

In the tank, the leaves slowly release tannins to soften water and create a natural tea colored blackwater look. As they soften, they grow biofilm that shrimp and shrimplets constantly graze on, while snails nibble the leaf itself for extra forage.

Quality feels a cut above bulk botanicals, with hand selected, intact leaves that are carefully dried to preserve natural tannins. The large size provides generous hiding spots that reduce stress and support more confident behavior and breeding.

The main tradeoff is the expected tinting and breakdown, as tannins will color the water and spent leaves must be removed and replaced. The 10 count format is perfect for nano tanks but larger setups will go through packs faster.

Overall, these are a simple, natural way to add food, shelter and authentic habitat conditions to a shrimp tank. If you want healthier shrimplets, calmer shrimp and a richer blackwater aesthetic, this 10 pack is an easy buy.

Brand: TenderTropicals, Model: Catappa Indian Almond Leaves

Pack Size: 10 leaves, each 6 to 7 inches long for generous tank coverage

Target Species: Neocaridina, Cherry, Amano, Ghost Shrimp, snails, crayfish and Bettas

Best For: Shrimp tanks, snail habitats, nano tanks, breeding tanks and blackwater aquariums

Form: Naturally dried whole leaves, rinse before adding to aquarium

Rinse each leaf briefly in clean water to remove dust, then drop directly into your aquarium.

Use one leaf at a time in nano tanks and add more for larger tanks or a stronger blackwater effect.

Leave in place to grow biofilm for grazing, then remove and replace once fully softened and broken down.

SunGrow Mini Catappa Leaves are raw dried Indian almond leaves sized at about 2 inches for aquarium use. They are designed for freshwater snail, shrimp, crayfish and small community fish keepers, especially those running nano tanks, bowls and breeding setups.

In daily use, the leaves sink, soften and develop a light biofilm that snails and shrimp actively graze. They also work as low hides, hammocks and egg anchoring spots, which helps shy pets and new fry feel more secure.

The build is simple and natural, with whole dried leaves that look rustic against green plants. The mini size makes dosing easy, and leaves can be torn smaller for jars or used whole for larger coverage.

The main tradeoffs are typical for botanicals. The leaves can tint water a light tea color and release bits of debris at first, so a quick rinse is smart. Larger aquariums will need multiple leaves to see an effect.

Overall, this is a practical value pack for hobbyists who want natural foraging enrichment and shelter. If you keep snails, shrimp or bettas in small tanks, it is an easy and low maintenance addition.

Rinse each leaf briefly to remove dust, then add one leaf per small tank or bowl to start. You can tear leaves into smaller pieces for jars or nano setups.

Leave the leaf in place to soften and allow pets to graze and hide. Replace as it breaks down to keep water clear and maintain a natural look.

Awesome Aquatic Dadap Leaves are natural Indian coral tree leaves sold as a 10 pack supplemental food for freshwater invertebrates. They are made for shrimp keepers, crayfish and crab owners, and anyone keeping snails or grazing plecos.

Each leaf offers approximately 30 percent protein plus calcium, fiber, vitamins and trace minerals for steady grazing. In the tank, leaves soften gradually and grow biofilm, giving Neocaridina, Caridina and snails a natural surface to pick at for days.

The leaves are sustainably collected and completely natural with no coatings or additives. Size and shape vary slightly as expected with a botanical product, but they hold together well at first and break down slowly.

The main tradeoff is patience, since dry leaves need time to waterlog and soften before animals show full interest. They also decompose over time, so leftover stems should be removed to keep water clean, and they cannot replace a balanced staple diet.

Overall, this 10 pack is a simple and effective way to add variety, fiber and foraging enrichment. If you keep shrimp, crayfish or snails and like natural tank inputs, these Dadap leaves are a smart addition to your feeding rotation.

Rinse each leaf briefly, then place one leaf directly in an established aquarium and allow it to sink naturally. Most keepers use one leaf at a time and replace it once it is mostly consumed.

Leaves soften over several hours to days, creating a biofilm coated surface for shrimp, snails and crayfish to graze. Remove any thick stem remnants after breakdown to maintain water quality.

Product: Awesome Aquatic Dadap Leaves, natural Indian coral tree leaves, pack of 10 for aquarium feeding.

Nutrition profile: Approximately 30 percent protein, 1.5 percent calcium and 23 percent fiber plus natural vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Compatibility: Neocaridina, Caridina, dwarf and full size crayfish, crabs, aquatic snails, Ancistrus plecos and other grazers.

The HidaBeauty Dried Indian Almond Leaves are 100% natural Terminalia catappa leaves harvested in Thailand for freshwater aquariums. They are made for betta fish and shrimp keepers who want a simple, natural way to condition soft water tanks.

These sun dried leaves release natural tannins that gently condition water and create a more natural, blackwater style environment. Bettas and shrimp often show more natural behavior and color in tannin rich water, which makes these leaves popular with experienced keepers.

Quality feels thoughtful for a bulk botanical, with Thai grown leaves that are hand selected and sun dried to preserve their natural properties. The vacuum sealed 30g kraft pouch is resealable, which helps keep unused leaves dry, clean and fresh between uses.

As with all natural leaves, expect some variation in leaf size and some broken pieces in the pack. The tannins will tint water a tea color and can lower clarity, so aquarists who prefer crystal clear scapes should start with a small piece and adjust slowly.

Overall, this is a practical bulk option for betta and shrimp tanks, breeding setups and botanical style aquariums. If you want natural, responsibly sourced catappa leaves with fresh sealed packaging, this pack is easy to recommend.

Brand: Hida Beauty

Model Number: IDAM-001

Form: Dried Terminalia catappa leaves

Unit Count: 30g bulk pack

Pet Type: Fish, ideal for betta and shrimp

Packaging: Vacuum sealed resealable kraft pouch