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	Blackwater and plants
fishy Big Fish Posts: 407 Kudos: 24 Votes: 0 Registered: 20-Jun-2002	This is my first real stab at maintaining plants in my 46 gal tank. I have a Nutrafin Co2 in place, some Java moss and hardy plants. Come across some Kent Blackwater extract that claims to be good for both soft water fish (like my tetras) and also plants. Do I just use this or should I also add plant feed as well? Thanks.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
illustrae Fish Addict Posts: 820 Kudos: 876 Registered: 04-May-2005	I believe the kent blackwater extract is just a tannin base that darkens the water, so you will also have to use fertilizers. Also, since it will darken the water quite a bit, you want to make sure your lights are high enough wattage to penetrate to your plants. A cheaper alternative to the blackwater extract would be to use peat fiber or granules in your filter. Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
fishy Big Fish Posts: 407 Kudos: 24 Votes: 0 Registered: 20-Jun-2002	Thanks for the reply! I used to filter peat granules but found it a bit too messy when changing every month. May go back to it. Blackwater is a trial for me really.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Cup_of_Lifenoodles Fish Guru Posts: 2755 Kudos: 1957 Votes: 30 Registered: 09-Sep-2004	Does blackwater extract stain the water? I vaguely remember trying the stuff myself-it browned the water for maybe a day, and come next morning, the effect was all but gone-peat and bogwood work best.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
sham Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3369 Kudos: 2782 Votes: 98 Registered: 21-Apr-2004	Blackwater is just concentrated tannic and humic acid which comes from things like driftwood and peat moss. It will stain the water until your carbon removes it. Products like blackwater extract are the expensive way to get all the benefits and side effects of using peat moss but all you have to do is drop in a measured liquid amount.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
Cup_of_Lifenoodles Fish Guru Posts: 2755 Kudos: 1957 Votes: 30 Registered: 09-Sep-2004	Even those who run unfiltered generally lose the effect within a few days.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43
plantbrain Big Fish Posts: 329 Kudos: 226 Votes: 0 Registered: 23-Aug-2003	They do not help the plants to grow any better, which is the point of the question:-) Driftwood will add them also. Peat is good for the substrate in small amounts. Regards, Tom Barr
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:43


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