Please explain Blackwater

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ospy

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 26, 2006
305
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Washington state
Will someone please explain to me all the benefits of blackwater in an arowana tank? Where do I get it? Is there any downside? Does everyone use it? If not, why not? Is it expensive. How many arowanas does it take lined up end to end to reach the moon from earth?....... I've just never heard of blackwater before.
 
There is many ways to make blackwater in the aquarium. Really it is just like tea. The tannins are all from leaves, wood, and other organic materials. You can use a blackwater extract or use peat. I have used both, but now I use Keta-peat nuggets. Blackwater is good for using in SA tanks becuase it usually helps mantain a lower pH, blocks some light penetration (dimmer tanks-calmer fish), and some claim to promote more activity out of your fish. I think it is more of just making your fish comfortable in their tank. Another advantage in using blackwater is that it usually stops salt deposits from forming on your tanks(I hate that). I use blackwater in a few of my tanks but, I have no arowanas. So, you'll have to try it yourself. I have noticed that a lot of asian aro tanks I see have some sort of black water in them. I think they have a good idea on how to keep and breed aros, so I'd try it. If you can't get Keta-peat nuggets, you could get Tetra Blackwater extract, I've heard good things about it.
 
Does it actually darken the water? Does it make the fish somewhat less visable?
 
Not too dark, if you look through your tank long ways, it would look golden.
 
softturtle;509889; said:
There is many ways to make blackwater in the aquarium. Really it is just like tea. The tannins are all from leaves, wood, and other organic materials. You can use a blackwater extract or use peat. I have used both, but now I use Keta-peat nuggets. Blackwater is good for using in SA tanks becuase it usually helps mantain a lower pH, blocks some light penetration (dimmer tanks-calmer fish), and some claim to promote more activity out of your fish. I think it is more of just making your fish comfortable in their tank. Another advantage in using blackwater is that it usually stops salt deposits from forming on your tanks(I hate that). I use blackwater in a few of my tanks but, I have no arowanas. So, you'll have to try it yourself. I have noticed that a lot of asian aro tanks I see have some sort of black water in them. I think they have a good idea on how to keep and breed aros, so I'd try it. If you can't get Keta-peat nuggets, you could get Tetra Blackwater extract, I've heard good things about it.
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agreed

but i would soften the hardness of the water first, especially for you socal peeps

hard water with a high pH will resist the acidity of the black water and bounce back because of its buffer, as i have experienced, however no harm was done to the fish to my surprise

also hard water and a low pH is a very unatural state of water.
low pH, hard water? cmon now! :D
 
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