can I use teabags to add tannins to the water?

[fishcatch22]

do you think adding a green tea bag to my tank would safely release tannins into the water? i'm using peat filtration, the pH is down, but I don't have that nice brown tinge....

 

[webcricket]

I'd be concerned about the caffeine content in green tea - especially if you use enough of it to color the water. Perhaps try a black tea instead? I've heard of tannins being added with tea, perhaps someone here can actually comment on their personal results and suggest a caffeine free tea for you.

I know they do sell a "blackwater extract" at pet stores that will add tannins.

 

[fishcatch22]

I'd be concerned about the caffeine content in green tea. Perhaps try a black tea instead? I've heard it done, perhaps someone here can actually comment on their personal results with using tea.

I know they do sell a "blackwater extract" at pet stores that will add tannins.

this tea is decaffinated. I think it may have flavorings, though.

I know ,but I do live off my allowance (trying to find a job right now), so I want to find a pretty cost effective way to do it.

 

[webcricket]

Heh, edited after you quoted me. I tried a google search for you but couldn't find the types of tea people use. Hopefully someone else can add more information for you.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

why do you want to do this?

 

[fishcatch22]

why do you want to do this?

well... I want my tank to imitate a blackwater habitat.

 

[YoFishboy]

If you have any oak trees in your area, you can boil clean oak leaves and add the resulting "tea" to your tank...excellent for creating black water.

 

[fishcatch22]

If you have any oak trees in your area, you can boil clean oak leaves and add the resulting "tea" to your tank...excellent for creating black water.

I live in alaska, so the winters too long for oaks. I do have aspens, though.

 

[YoFishboy]

Hmmmm....well, then you can try adding more peat or plain sphagnum moss to increase the tannins....driftwood often works too....

 

[fishcatch22]

Hmmmm....well, then you can try adding more peat or plain sphagnum moss to increase the tannins....driftwood often works too....

well, I must have some pretty barren driftwood and peat because they've been in there a week and haven't added any tannins yet.... should I give it more time?