I recently set up an Altum biotope with some UniPac Okishii artificial rock and driftwood. After the initial tank fill the water was a nice amber colour from the tannins leeching from the driftwood. After a few weeks with water changes the tannins are now reducing. Has anyone found any definite benefits to using a blackwater extract ? I have a small - 250ml - bottle of JBL Tropol which I used on my last water change but it's fairly expensive at this size. I could buy a 5L jug which is considerably cheaper per ml but I have to import it directly from Germany as the UK distrubutor does not hold any stocks in this size. Or is it just an aesthetic thing ?
Blackwater extract - Any definite benefits ?
- Thread starter Les Martin
- Start date
Tannins are associated with hampering microbial activity. I'd imagine that the really smart SA guys like
ryansmith83
could give you a better answer. It's hard to give a concrete answer while accounting for pH and stuff. If you appreciate the look, I've heard rooibos tea does a pretty good job, should be more affordable. You can also collect leaves and stuff... I've used peat moss cooked in a pot, it wasn't a fun process when you need to change a lot of water.
ryansmith83
could give you a better answer. It's hard to give a concrete answer while accounting for pH and stuff. If you appreciate the look, I've heard rooibos tea does a pretty good job, should be more affordable. You can also collect leaves and stuff... I've used peat moss cooked in a pot, it wasn't a fun process when you need to change a lot of water.Thanks for your response. Water changes are 240L twice a week so I don't fancy doing the peat moss thing ! I'll look into Rooibos tea and see if I can find some locally.Tannins are associated with hampering microbial activity. I'd imagine that the really smart SA guys like
You can peat directly to filters, in something that will hold it together. Boiling it would help it sink still. Rooibos seems to be an easier alternative
