Blackwater extract

[Aquarius0015]

I've seen Blackwater extract sold under one or two brand names I think. It claims to be good for fish that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water. I have hard water with 7.4 pH. Does it do any good? I like to spoil my betta and I thinking of getting cories, both of these might appreciate it...

[DEmigh]

I've used the stuff, way back when I dreamed of Discus (see thread "Worst fish experiences") It sure enough turned the water brown; not entirely un-attractive. It also cut down on the amount of light that penetrated :duh: which would be an issue if you're running a planted tank. It brought the pH down, as advertised, but not very much. Activated Carbon pulls it out if you change your mind.

[yhbae]

Is this equivalent to peat-filtered water or does it contain more substances?

[Aquarius0015]

This is from the Tetra website:

"TetraAqua™ Blackwater Extract
Blackwater Extract contains trace elements, vitamins and extract of peat. It replicates blackwater conditions by creating clear, "natural", Amazon-biotope conditions in the aquarium. Blackwater Extract promotes fish activity levels and is an excellent conditioner for all soft-water fish including Discus, Angelfish, Tetras and Killifish."

[yhbae]

Too much marketing messages in that sentence... :D

[RTR]

Until they can and do show that it reproduces the TDS of blackwater and not just the color and pH, I'll take it with a very large grain of salt. :shake: