magnolia leaves

Stratusfaction · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 07:37 PM

Ok I've read alot about people using magnolia leaves in their set-ups and my parents have a huge magnolia tree in their front yard, and I thought of gathering as much as I could for some tanks I am wanting to do. My concern is though how do I know they are safe to put in to the tanks and won't hurt the frogs I am getting in the future?

Thanks,
David

DaSlackMan · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 07:39 PM

I have a Magnolia tree in my back yard. I rinse the leaves then boil them for about 20 minutes before using as leaf litter...

Stratusfaction · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 07:41 PM

Thanks!

I'm about to go start collecting leaves now. :lol:

Stupid question, but how do you "boil" leaves? 8)

DaSlackMan · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 08:28 PM

I bought one of those CHEAP stock pots (the big pots used to make soup stock) at my local grocery store. I use it exclusively for anything that needs to be mixed or boiled as it relates to my PDF's. I didn't want to use a pot that is currently being used to cook food for human consumption..

Stratusfaction · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaSlackMan

I bought one of those CHEAP stock pots (the big pots used to make soup stock) at my local grocery store. I use it exclusively for anything that needs to be mixed or boiled as it relates to my PDF's. I didn't want to use a pot that is currently being used to cook food for human consumption..

Haha, that makes perfect sense.

Well I guess I can just use one from my old set and not "contaminate" the new set that my fiance already had before she met me. Ahh, it's great having a good woman with double of what you have around. :twisted: :lol:

-David

JL-Exotics · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 11:58 PM

Don't the leaves turn to mush after boiling for 20 minutes???

DaSlackMan · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL-Exotics

Don't the leaves turn to mush after boiling for 20 minutes???

Not mine...

DaSlackMan · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL-Exotics

Don't the leaves turn to mush after boiling for 20 minutes???

Not mine...

Stratusfaction · #9 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaSlackMan

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL-Exotics

Don't the leaves turn to mush after boiling for 20 minutes???

Not mine...

:lol:

DaSlackMan · #10 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 12:13 AM

Sorry if I came off as a 'smart arse'... I boil my oak leaves for about 20 minutes also. It too does not turn into mush. I believe this is the reason that both types of leaves make good leaf litter. The fact that they do not break down/decompose easily...