Blackwater extract

**Incredulous_Ed** · 11-27-2007, 08:58 PM

What is your opinion of this product? It's hard to find in my area, but I picked some up at this cheap-o pet store, and added some to my planted tank and the plant growth on the rotala exploded.

**msjinkzd** · 11-27-2007, 10:01 PM

I just use driftwood to leech tannins into my water...not sure if its the exact same effect. I also use oak leaves in my invert tanks (dried first then boiled just like driftwood) for the tannins. I have never used the blackwater extract but do really like the effect of tannins in the water.

**Lady Hobbs** · 11-27-2007, 10:10 PM

I was also thinking of trying it but darn, it can get expensive I think. Why not just get some peat pellets and put them in a bag.

**smaug** · 11-27-2007, 10:49 PM

I used the Marc Weiss "instant amazon" for awhile.I noticed no benefit.Oak leaves are cheaper.

**Incredulous_Ed** · 11-28-2007, 03:43 AM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

I was also thinking of trying it but darn, it can get expensive I think. Why not just get some peat pellets and put them in a bag.

Blackwater extract has some added vitamins, but won't lower the ph as much peat.

smaug, I read that instant amazon is just snake oil.

**markbob** · 11-28-2007, 02:12 PM

Will the oak leaves have any effect on the pH? I can't find peat for the life of me but I have an infinite supply of oak leaves thanks to the 12 Oak trees in my yard.

**Algenco** · 11-28-2007, 04:52 PM

yep, they are loaded with tannic acid

**smaug** · 11-28-2007, 06:55 PM

I went from 6.8 to 6.5 over a period of a few days using oak leaves.My fish and plants are ok with that level.You could probably reduce having that much of a change if you boiled the leaves longer,I guess it would depend on the effect you would want.It definetly gave me a "blackwater" effect.