Blackwater, acid and tannins

[leopardfrog]

Hi All,

My 220gal is now getting into cycling nicely and I'm planting up. I'm going for a south American stocking, so am attempting to lower ph and soften the water. I've added 10 alder cone tea bags, which equates to around 50-60 cones. They water colour has gone a bit tea coloured. I'd like to keep a slight tinge, but not this much. If I use carbon in the filter will it reduce the tea staining without effecting ph and softness? I'd like to use the carbon to reduce the colour to show off my plants and fish better.

 

[bud29]

Yes, the carbon should remove the coloration while keeping the water more acidic.

 

[leopardfrog]

Thanks, I'll be doing changes with RO/tapwater mix, but its a lot of RO up front. I've filled using tapwater initially, cycling is going ok, just need to lower the ph. Its near to 8.3 so quite high. I've added the alder this evening and the waters very brown. I've heard purigen is good, but it removes more than just tannins. I'd use it if its a better option.

 

[Corithien]

I would say you are doing well I would not bother with RO water unless your tap water is dead hard only thing I would change is use more things to make your black water Indian almond leaves and bark un soked bog wood look around on ebay all can be delivered to your door.
Oh and the charcoal should be out you want all the good stuff and that will take most back out

 

[leopardfrog]

I thought the carbon would tale out some of the tannins and staining, but preserve the humid acid and softness. That would be want I wanted.

 

[leopardfrog]

Here's a pic

 

[leopardfrog]

I've got loads more plants coming tomorrow. I've removed the alder cones and added a second bag of carbon. The colour of the water is a tad dark for good light penetration, but is actually growing on me.

 

[vicdad999999]

I dont think theres anything more relaxing than staring at a dark tank. I love the tannin and tea look. Tank looks amazing so far.

 

[aqua_chem]

I thought the carbon would tale out some of the tannins and staining, but preserve the humid acid and softness. That would be want I wanted.

That's probably correct.

 

[leopardfrog]

Thanks, plantings going well, although the vallis is a little brown. I'm guessing the swords will loose a few leaves too. Looking forward to the major planting Sunday.