Tannins
- Thread starter Michael Day
- Start date
To me the important issue is not the aesthetics/look, but that (as Souzie said) the antimicrobial part.
Many fish from tannin infused waters do not have immune system capability to fight off certain diseases, because the tannins help keep those bacteria in check in nature, and the immune systems have evolved over millennia to reflect those conditions. Although many Amazonian fish can survive in non-black water, the long term effect is often HITH disfigurement, or other health issues. Even 50 or 100 years of aquarium generations, are not going to negate millions of years of evolution.
Many fish from tannin infused waters do not have immune system capability to fight off certain diseases, because the tannins help keep those bacteria in check in nature, and the immune systems have evolved over millennia to reflect those conditions. Although many Amazonian fish can survive in non-black water, the long term effect is often HITH disfigurement, or other health issues. Even 50 or 100 years of aquarium generations, are not going to negate millions of years of evolution.
Pretty sure this was the cause of my rhom getting HITH and dying. Had him for about 14 years in acidic PH with driftwood leaching tannins. When I moved him to high PH, no driftwood he developed HITH I could not get rid of and died eventually.
Your biggest struggle will be tank size. I am attempting to add tannins via indian almond leaves in my 180g. While they say leaves will last 4-6 weeks I am doing weekly 50% water changes and it is just killing the tint to the water and I am sure removing the tannins. I am looking into creating a tea concentrate similar to others that I replenish after every water change. Doing it with just leaves is going to be way to expensive as I need about 20-25 leaves.
My tank is blackwater due to the dress sock filled with peat in my sump. set it in a basket with filter floss under it and youre golden. My water stays fairly dark and I never have to add anything further. at like 8-9 bucks for a literal bale of the stuff its cost effective and works.
I have used magnolia, oak and maple leaves from my yard to save on expense, collecting bushels, letting them soak, and boiling as needed, adding concentrated tannin infused water to water changes. And adding leaves to tanks as breeding media (Killis etc)
Of course I never use any sprays, or herbicides.
Of course I never use any sprays, or herbicides.
Is there a specific peat brand you use? Where do you buy from? Also, how much do you use and does peat have the same tannins as in indian almond leaves and driftwood?
I have no idea on the brand, you can get any peat bale at Home Depot, Lowes or anywhere that sells landscaping stuff. I doubt the actual molecular composition is the same lol but it has the same anti-microbial properties and many others use it
Another cheaper option is like me have Alder trees growing near by then you can collect the cones in the autumn.
https://g.co/kgs/hovUyA
https://g.co/kgs/hovUyA
