Do bass require tanic water? Opinions wanted.
- Thread starter FishNCash
- Start date
A lot of Cali guys keep them long term in hard water. Personally, I keep them in hard with no problems.
I agree with
mrrobxc
, it has been discussed that some issues with hith is caused by hard water/ph etc but has not been proven to my knowledge. I have seen some really beautiful kelberi tanks with black water absolutely stunning. Recreating black water would be a headache for me I follow the k.i.s.s. theory 
mrrobxc
, it has been discussed that some issues with hith is caused by hard water/ph etc but has not been proven to my knowledge. I have seen some really beautiful kelberi tanks with black water absolutely stunning. Recreating black water would be a headache for me I follow the k.i.s.s. theory I have had bass that got HITH after 16” mark therefore I was wondering if bass prefer tanic water. By tanic water I mean adding driftwood or guava/almond leaves. My water here is pretty hard.
I don’t use carbon and don’t do feeders so not sure what is the cause. My filtration is sufficient.
I don’t use carbon and don’t do feeders so not sure what is the cause. My filtration is sufficient.
Given that it is happening after 16” sounds like it could be a bio load issue. Nitrates and other accumulations of dissolved solids.
it happened two weeks after moving to a new tank. He was the only fish in that tank. The only difference is I didn’t add the driftwood to get that tanin color water.
Here in Panama where Cichla were inadvertently introduced into Lake Gatun, they have basically taken over that type cichlid niche, and the water can have a pH of 9, at times, and very high in TDS due to sea water intrusion from the working of the canal.
That said, they only reach about half the size they do in the Amazon here. Which may tell you something about the lack of tannins and extra mineral content.
That said, they only reach about half the size they do in the Amazon here. Which may tell you something about the lack of tannins and extra mineral content.
I would add the tannins back into the water. It's been proven to reduce the cortisol levels of fish and relieve stress. You don't have to reduce the tds or soften the water, just add the tannins back in.
Tannins are a slightly anti bacterial, and although this may seem trivial on its own, I believe that the degraded water quality from too few water changes in most aquariums (with gradual buildup of TDS), and extended periods without tannins can contribute to chronic diseases like HLLE. The scarring we see (mostly in adults ) that develop over time, then seem to manifest for no obvious reason in older adult South American species like oscars, and P bass after years of appearing perfectly healthy.
And even if tannins are seasonal in many S American rivers, their contribution may be significant during those periods, to long term well being of these fish evolved to I've in tannin infused waters.
And even if tannins are seasonal in many S American rivers, their contribution may be significant during those periods, to long term well being of these fish evolved to I've in tannin infused waters.