jumping in...first piranha and a few questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Might be worth looking into blackwater extract,I believe that is what other blackwater enthusiasts usesuch as F F1 VET , its alot easier and economical than brewing your own stuff all the time if you intend to keep the blackwater look for an extended period of time.
 
Woefulrelic said:
PH shock as we refer to it is osmotic shock. The fish lose their ability to regulate there body properly, due to a high swing in TDS. GH and KH are more important in this regard than ph, but they are obviously all connected. Tannins also do not raise the conductivity of the water, so a tds meter (conductivity pen) wouldn't be sufficient for testing. The dangers of altering water conditions are unstable parameters, but in this case tannins could potentially be a buffer similar to how we use crushed coral. I am a hobbyist however, not a scientist, so take it with a grain of salt.
Click to expand...
hmmm...do you think the fact that I have terribly hard water will be an issue then trying to convert to blackwater? obviously its going to lower the PH but now you have me concerned with the TDS..
 
Owens said:
Might be worth looking into blackwater extract,I believe that is what other blackwater enthusiasts usesuch as F F1 VET , its alot easier and economical than brewing your own stuff all the time if you intend to keep the blackwater look for an extended period of time.
Click to expand...
I don't know that I'd call it more economical haha, oak leaves are free, BWE at the lfs's is pricey as hell haha, but I agree its far easier than making my own.
 
predatorkeeper87 said:
I don't know that I'd call it more economical haha, oak leaves are free, BWE at the lfs's is pricey as hell haha, but I agree its far easier than making my own.
Click to expand...

I cant remember where I saw it, but I'm pretty sure I read that a single bottle lasted someone like 6-9 months. My recollection is to vague to remember any important details though. Doh!
 
Owens said:
I cant remember where I saw it, but I'm pretty sure I read that a single bottle lasted someone like 6-9 months. My recollection is to vague to remember any important details though. Doh!
Click to expand...
haha maybe in a small tank sure, but this is going to be a 125 and I'd like to keep it blackwater for as long as my piranha is in it. That'll add up fast haha.
 
Aquanero Aquanero I seem to remember a thread you talked about making black water tea, if I'm wrong I apologize, but do you happen to have any tips? does this st uff have a shelf life or should I make it the same day as water changes?

souzie souzie are your RBP's in a black water tank? I can't remember.
 
In a 125g its going to be a pain to maintain. My biggest concern is that I try to always keep tank water parameters similar to my tap water. This way I can do large water changes with much lower likelihood of impacting the fish. Once you start changing the tank water you start worrying about doing large water changes.
 
Btw, 125g is plenty. I don't know if anyone has gotten an elong bigger than 9in. I dont think they get to 12in like rhoms. They supposedly swim more (never owned one) but you are good to go.
 
predatorkeeper87 said:
hmmm...do you think the fact that I have terribly hard water will be an issue then trying to convert to blackwater? obviously its going to lower the PH but now you have me concerned with the TDS..
Click to expand...

I think converting to black water would be a smart move given how easily p get hith. It should help bring you to a neutral ph if you have hard water, which the p won't mind.
 
nzafi said:
In a 125g its going to be a pain to maintain. My biggest concern is that I try to always keep tank water parameters similar to my tap water. This way I can do large water changes with much lower likelihood of impacting the fish. Once you start changing the tank water you start worrying about doing large water changes.
Click to expand...
my theory is if I can make and keep a larger amount of tea as apposed to making it the day of a water change, I can add the same amount and change the same amount of water each time, thereby keeping parameters the same or roughly the same. I just need to see if I make homemade tannin tea if it has a shelf life or if its just not a viable option to make large quantities.

good to know 125 is a good tank size, I knew they didn't get massive but the activity levels are what worried me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom