Polys and tannins

[Rocksor]

My fish are OK with soft water, (since our city water has essentially no hardness) but I've found that the pH drops significantly in the tank over the week between water changes because of it. So I have to use crushed coral in my filter to combat that.

I'm not sure what it's like where we're moving but I hope it's a bit harder there. I am nervous to add anything to my tank that would drop pH or soften it more. :/

It sounds like your KH is low in your tank, maybe 2 degrees, hence the reason for PH dropping between water changes. The biological process of ammonia to nitrate conversion naturally lowers KH over time.

you can increase the buffer (KH), and it will stop the PH from dropping during the week. It's really difficult to lower the PH of water that has a KH of 8 degrees. There is food grade potassium bicarbonate that will raise KH without raising ph.

I would get the API gh/KH test to track the increase of your KH. I would alos get a TDS (total dissolved solid) meter to see how much those levels go up by. I try not to let the tds go up more than 50ppm a day when using additives.

If you are moving, these 2 tests would be good to have in order to acclimate your fish properly.

 

[Experiment397]

Just placed an order with Tannin Aquatics to test their new “Kolente River” West African pack. Should be great for polys! I also ordered a bunch of their palm fronds and other various leaf types that are known for lasting longer in aquatic environments. Will get pics posted once everything gets here.

 

[Hendre]

That sounds really interesting

 

[magpie]

Ooh, super interested to check that out once you get them.

EDIT: THANK YOU for sharing that site! I have just started exploring it and they have so many cool biotope ideas! Also little suction cup plastic plant containters (that I could buy or make) for ideas on how to have plants at the surface but not rooted at the bottom of the tank. Another way of adding to the look of the tank and dimming the light for the fish in addition to doing something like pothos plants with the roots growing into the water (which I also want to do.)

Why have I never heard of these guys before!

*double high five*

 

[jaws7777]

You guys think adding tannins is a good idea ? They make the water softer. I guess its fine consider the wide ranges of tap water we keep them in

 

[twentyleagues]

You guys think adding tannins is a good idea ? They make the water softer. I guess its fine consider the wide ranges of tap water we keep them in

Yea most of the lakes and rivers are higher hardness and higher ph in Africa. Even in the stained parts of rivers it's still pretty hard. Itll probably not be an issue but you might want to get something to buffer your water if it gets to soft. But as I've said before fish can tolerate a wide range of situations if they get there slowly.

 

[Hendre]

You guys think adding tannins is a good idea ? They make the water softer. I guess its fine consider the wide ranges of tap water we keep them in

Tannins are highly beneficial, antibacterial amongst other properties

Yea most of the lakes and rivers are higher hardness and higher ph in Africa. Even in the stained parts of rivers it's still pretty hard. Itll probably not be an issue but you might want to get something to buffer your water if it gets to soft. But as I've said before fish can tolerate a wide range of situations if they get there slowly.

Depends really, water here in thr Southern areas is on the softer side

 

[magpie]

My tap water is extremely soft. Like as soft as it can Baez. That is why my pH drops between water changes if I don't put crushed coral in my filter.

All of my Polys did just fine in that water. Even WC. I think the most important thing is consistency. Polys seem to be pretty tough and adaptable!

 

[jaws7777]

Tannins are highly beneficial, antibacterial amongst other properties


Depends really, water here in thr Southern areas is on the softer side

Yup especially when the fish come from soft water. Some oscar guys think theu do better in soft water chuck full.of tannins.

Im not sure this exists in an abundance in the lakes/rivers these fish come from. I would probably pass on the idea not knowong whar the long term exposure would do.

 

[jaws7777]

My tap water is extremely soft. Like as soft as it can Baez. That is why my pH drops between water changes if I don't put crushed coral in my filter.

All of my Polys did just fine in that water. Even WC. I think the most important thing is consistency. Polys seem to be pretty tough and adaptable!

Good point