How to give the water a "tainted" look

[StripedBandit]

Hey everyone, I had added a large piece of driftwood a while ago and it gave the water that yellowish tint from the tannins. I actually thought it looked good and really intensified the colors of my rams. I'll be getting tetras in the future and I think it'll compliment their colors as well. But after a couple water changes the water has become pretty clear again. Is there anything I can add to the water to give it that look? I'm not looking to get the water really yellow/brown, but just a slight tint to it.

 

[Convict2161]

Hey everyone, I had added a large piece of driftwood a while ago and it gave the water that yellowish tint from the tannins. I actually thought it looked good and really intensified the colors of my rams. I'll be getting tetras in the future and I think it'll compliment their colors as well. But after a couple water changes the water has become pretty clear again. Is there anything I can add to the water to give it that look? I'm not looking to get the water really yellow/brown, but just a slight tint to it.

Do you mean like a black water setup?

http://youtu.be/i9QAAWt4KRA

 

[StripedBandit]

I guess so. But I thought if there were too much tannins it would significantly change the ph

 

[brennae]

Catappa leaves also known as Indian Almond leaves, oak leaves, thai banana leaves, these are all sold on aquabid and ebay. I use them with my tetras and bettas, they like tannins.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Tetra makes a 'Blackwater Extract'. Never used it, but have seen it recommended a few times.

 

[StripedBandit]

Okay, I'll look into that

 

[Convict2161]

Catappa leaves also known as Indian Almond leaves, oak leaves, thai banana leaves, these are all sold on aquabid and ebay. I use them with my tetras and bettas, they like tannins.

This would be a better idea ten adding chemicals IMO. ALOT of people use this method to achieve the desired look of a "black water" setup.

 

[StripedBandit]

How often do I have to replace the leaves if I put them in the tank? And how many should I put in?

 

[Borderlesscott]

I'm testing a new product for work - Easy Life Catappa-X, so far so good, most of the Catappa benefits without the tannins, although I actually like tannins.

 

[StripedBandit]

How would the tannins benefit/harm the tank?

 

[brennae]

You put a few leaves in and take them out as they begin to decay.

 

[StripedBandit]

How do I keep them long term? If I were to buy like 100 of them off of aquabid?

 

[brennae]

I keep mine in the stand under the tank. Its dark there and I keep them in the plastic. They are dried so you don;t have to worry about decay too much

 

[StripedBandit]

Okay sounds good

 

[Borderlesscott]

Check the link

Don't Fear Tannins in a Natural Aquarium. Tannins are Good!