planted tank

[superjalami30]

this is probably the stupidist question Ive asked here, possibly the supidest by anyone.
I have several heavily planted tanks, all decorated with mopani wood, rocks, and laterite substrate.
I use plant gro, seachems Flourish, Florapride 0-0-3, Fertilizer sticks, Co2 and fiber peat moss in these tanks in proper dosages (for the most part, I'm no chem scientist).
My plants are thriving, bright looking, broad leaved and colorful.
I was wondering if there was any point in giving black water extract a go.
I know its simply boiled peat moss, but would it hurt?

Any ideas?

(I dont think I need to use it, I'm just a fanatic)

 

[The-Wolf]

blackwater extract is not just for plants, it adds many things certain species of fish love.
I use both peat and blackwater extract.
I have found that the fish I keep seem more active and brighter coloured in the blackwater than they did in clear water.

 

[longhorn13]

ok, i'm going to sound dumb now...but what's blackwater extract?

 

[The-Wolf]

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

 

[Griz]

I've been using granular peat and have been very happy with it. The fish look amazing in the heavily stained water and seem very healthy and active. My Aquaclear is about 2/3 full of it. You may want to give it a try.

I was thinking about boiling the spent granules to produce my own extract. Anyone tried this? (My appologies for stepping on your thread) At the moment, the used peat goes into the garden.

 

[superjalami30]

I use peat in all my tanks, with the Mopani wood its nicely stained.
I knew bout the black water extract being good for the fish's overall health...as well as the plants, I just wasnt sure if it would be overkill.
Which I 'spose would be if added to much to the water.

I'll give it a try though.
Thanks for the input.

 

[longhorn13]

if you use that, do you have to take the carbon out of the filters?

 

[Griz]

Based on what I have read, carbon filtration will remove what the peat or extract is putting in. Carbon is commonly used to remove tanins from water by those silly people who don't like the look of it.

 

[superjalami30]

Heya griz
you live in Tbay?

I use carbon in all my tanks.
It would take forever to take the color outta my tanks with a carbon insert.
Its been two years for my 40 gallon with several large peices of mopani, and it's still leaching color.
Mind you, I didnt presoak it for long and most of the peices I have are nearly completely black asides from the top half.
I use a fair amount of peat in my filters and keep a bunch in nylon under the substrate near the roots of my plants as well, this helps keep the color darker.
I'm trying to keep it dark, just not too dark.

I am silly though

Carbon helps keep it from being stinky too.

Now that I've said that I should mention that I change my carbon insert once every three months....

 

[George Farmer]

Be aware that the staining effect on the water will diffuse some light possibly slowing plant growth.