[Wet Thumb Forum]-Blackwater Extract

[Paul Higashikawa]

Maybe this belongs in another topic, but what the heck.

For all those who add blackwater extract to their planted tanks, do you therefore use stronger lights since the water is now darker in color? Say, a 20-gal with clear water would normally use a 65W bulb to achieve good plant results. Would a tank with the same size but with blackwater extract demand higher lighting? Say, 4 or maybe even 5WPG? I know of course K readings and type of plants play a big part. I am only talking about standard, general guideline; a simple comparison between a normal tank and a tank with added blackwater extract. Thanks to all who wanna answer or have the answer/experience.

Paul

[Paul Higashikawa]

Maybe this belongs in another topic, but what the heck.

For all those who add blackwater extract to their planted tanks, do you therefore use stronger lights since the water is now darker in color? Say, a 20-gal with clear water would normally use a 65W bulb to achieve good plant results. Would a tank with the same size but with blackwater extract demand higher lighting? Say, 4 or maybe even 5WPG? I know of course K readings and type of plants play a big part. I am only talking about standard, general guideline; a simple comparison between a normal tank and a tank with added blackwater extract. Thanks to all who wanna answer or have the answer/experience.

Paul

[MOR B.]

paul why do u add blackwater extract? is it for your discus (or other fish) or for the plants?
could u tell me what inside ? i guess its just some humic or other acids...
and my sense tells me u do need more light with it

[Hawkeye]

I wouldn't think you would need more light. Don't get light penetration mixed up with w/gal. Keep a close watch on you water parameters. I used some blackwater extract in a tank I had some German Rams in. After a few weeks the tank crashed. All my parameters where out of whack. I think what caused it was injecting CO2 in it. The KH and GH change with the blackwater extract. They never did get stable. CO2 levels tested in the 70ppm. water changes wouldn't help so I ended up taking the tank down and replacing the gravel. I don't think I would use it again unless it was in a tank that I didn't use CO2 in.

Hawk

[imported_shalu]

Quote "CO2 levels tested in the 70ppm". Don't think it is true, KH/PH/CO2 chart is no longer valid once you introduce other acid buffers(blackwater extract). The extract probably reduced your KH and caused ph crash when CO2 is used, but it does not mean CO2 level is higher than before.

[Hawkeye]

You are right Shalu, I should have been more clear. I didn't believe that the CO2 levels where that high. And yes it was PH that crashed it the tank.

Hawk

[Paul Higashikawa]

Gotcha, guys! I knew already that adding some sorta extract would change whatever the values in the tank. My main question was just whether it would reduce the light intensity in the tank. I don't use it anymore now since my focus has been shifted from fish to plants Unfortunately, I am now also stuck with over 20 guppies from this past summer's new birth. Had to remove them from the pond since it is now getting colder. Boy, have I just side-tracked myself:P

Paul