To tannin or not to tannin.

[evojoey]

I'm usually a "crispy" water guy, but I've been watching a lot of cichlid collection video's and the water is always stained. So my question is, should I or shouldn't I add tannins to my Geo/Ray tank?

 

[poly-nomial]

Tannins are neither beneficial nor harmful. I like the look of a crispy tank though

 

[fishticuffs]

so i dont know a ton about this subject but dont tannins help lower the ph in a tank? if so i would definatly do it for your geos.

 

[Citrinellus]

I like a slight tea color to my water, but I still like to have good viability.

 

[peathenster]

just add wood...

 

[evojoey]

just add wood...

Had some mangrove root in there, but took it out for the rays. Didn't want them hurting themselves.

 

[cchhcc]

Depends on the fish. If it looks appropriate for their home "turf" bring on the tannins. Otherwise, keep it CRRRRRISPY

 

[yeroc1982]

I have it in both my South American tanks.

 

[BlackShark11k]

personally i can't stand it- i always soak driftwood before usage.

 

[Aquanero]

I filter my Discus tanks through Peat and use alot of drift wood. I do not use Peat in my CA tanks but I do have drift wood in them. The Discus like the stained water and they seem more active with better appatites. I like the look too. I don't have experiance with Geos. but considering where they are from they might like it, however tank bred fish IMO really don't need it as long as the Ph in your tap water isn't approching 8.0.