I occasionally see questions asking about creating blakwater biotopes and the usual answer is to add oak or Indian almond leaves, peat, driftwood etc. These work to a certain extent but are messy and lose their efficacy after a few weeks.
There is also the option of adding a commercial blackwater extract such as what Tetra puts on the market but it is cost prohibitive, especially for larger tanks.
I've put together a photo journal showing how to make your own extract. Hopefully it helps someone!
3 cups of peatmoss poured into a large sauce pan
Add 6 quarts of RO or DI water, bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 minutes
Place an old towel over a 5 gallon bucket
Pour contents of sauce pan through towel
Remove towel and trapped "goop". You are left with approx a gallon and half of rich, dark extract.
Pour extract into tank as needed and enjoy!!
Regarding the ingredients. In this batch I used strictly dried peat moss but you can add almond or oak leaves for additional properties if so desired.
14" of raw power... ask me how.
WaterWolves - Exotic, Rare and Predatory Fish Since 1998! » Species Forums » Cichlids » Peacock Bass
Blackwater Habitat for Cichla, **LOAD WARNING**
Sep 24 2009, 02:44 PM
