Blackwater Fish

[Biggie343]

Evening folks,

I am thinking about starting a S/A blackwater tank. I have researched appropriate species for the habitat, but my question is about the appearance of the fish. I have watched some youtube vids and it looks like fish with certain colors are more visible than others, for example iridescent blues appear more noticeable than reds. Is this the case only in video or is it true when observing the fish directly. Anyone have any suggestions for must-haves for a blackwater tank?

Thanks in advance

 

[rufioman]

I have a blackwater 30g tall right now. It has tannins from almond leaves for coloration. My center school consists of harlequin rasboras, and I can still make out the reds if they stay in the mid to high light levels of the tank.

 

[tanker]

S/A Blackwater must have====Cardinals.

 

[Biggie343]

Thanks for the replies, so reds are visible just subdued like the vid shows Yes cardinals are on the short list as are rams, and corys either Aeneus or Brochis Splendens, also considering Altum angels or Discus. A little nervous about the last 2

 

[rufioman]

Shannon's got it. Cards are soooo colorful in bw tanks! Maybe one angel, 6 cards, and 5 corys for the bottom? I don't know a single thing about discus :/

 

[rufioman]

Wait, what size tank lol.

 

[Biggie343]

lol I have an 80 and a 125 sitting empty. Haven't decided which or both to use for this.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Altums need deeper tanks- think about 27 inches deep or more. They also do much better in groups. If recent imports you need to start them in water with a pH anywhere from the low 4s to the low 5s.

Most tannin stained water tend to be low pH.

This video may help- it is from the Rio Atabapo and shows a number of fish.
[video=youtube;duvFEPwabng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duvFEPwabng[/video]

You may also want to consider a cheaper method than catappas leaves for staining the water- Rooibos tea.