Tea-stained water

[colingalbraith]

I bought some small pre-prepared roots for my aquarium several weeks ago. I soaked them in water several times before putting into my tank and even though it has lessened, after a few days I can still notice the water turning tea-coloured after a few days.

Is this something I will have to live with or will it eventually disappear?

Is it likely to be harmful to any fish I am planning to add in soon?

Thanks in advance,

Colin

[William]

No it is not harmful to the fish. You should however know that roots effect the water chemistry and should not be kept with fish that prefers hard water or high pH levels.

The color will eventually disappear but i can't say how soon as that can vary. It can be a mater of days or a matter of months. If the roots are relativly small you can speed up the process by boiling the roots.

[colingalbraith]

Thanks for the advice. I'm safe with the fishes I'm planning to keep so I'll probably wait it out. Having tried everything to rid the stain I'm reluctant to take them out the tank yet again anyway.

Thanks again,

Colin