finzz
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Popularity of blackwater fish seems to fluctuate in random cycles. Some of the Apistorgramma, Dicrossus, Laetacara cichlids fall into the group, along with some tetras and even a few of the newer-to-the-hobby Corydoras. I'm not sure if the tannins are necessary for all the blackwater fish to be healthy and ready to spawn, but I believe that some fish just won't trigger without it. Reading articles from Tannin Aquatics led me to share something that I've been doing for years and it really seems to help with some species.
I have a 450 gallon fiberglass tub just past the tree line in the woods near my house. I let it fill with rain water over the winter and into the spring and most years keep some fish in it over the summer. Any leaves and limbs that fall in are allowed to sink to the bottom and leach all their tannins into the water, making a great soup for water changes in blackwater tanks. You could do the same thing on a smaller scale on a deck or patio, or even in the fish room. Putting leaves & sticks directly into the breeding tank would work as well, but it makes a mess and makes it a lot tougher to see or catch the young fish if you want to move them.
I have a 450 gallon fiberglass tub just past the tree line in the woods near my house. I let it fill with rain water over the winter and into the spring and most years keep some fish in it over the summer. Any leaves and limbs that fall in are allowed to sink to the bottom and leach all their tannins into the water, making a great soup for water changes in blackwater tanks. You could do the same thing on a smaller scale on a deck or patio, or even in the fish room. Putting leaves & sticks directly into the breeding tank would work as well, but it makes a mess and makes it a lot tougher to see or catch the young fish if you want to move them.
