Greg's Corner Archive June 2024 - Blackwater and Botanicals

We're gonna jump back in time to June 2024 when my knees weren't so bad and I was just starting to create educational whatsits for the internet. I'll add some commentary and updated stuff at the end (if applicable).

Blackwater and Botanicals - June 2024 Finchat Article

Welcome to the June edition of Greg’s Corner. This month, we’ll be talking about Aquarium Botanicals, Black Water and the reasons you may want to start using these in your aquarium (or, use them more).

Image of Neon Tetra Blackwater Habitat in an offshoot of the Rio Nanay in Loreto, Peru. Copyright Hans-Georg Evers, Amazonas Magazine May/June 2024

So what are Aquarium Botanicals?
Short answer? Substances derived from plants that are used in aquariums for a variety of beneficial effects including but not limited to: providing structure/hardscape,  shelter, food and leaching beneficial things into the water. Common botanicals include: timber (driftwood/roots), leaves (Indian almond leaves/catappa), seed pods (alder cones, gumnuts), and other related organics. Also notable is peat moss (although peat moss is endangered due to habitat loss, so usage is not recommended.)

A collection of Aquarium Botanicals. Image courtesy of Epp ‘n Flow Aquarium

But Greg, you might ask, don't most people keep those fish in crystal clear tanks?

Yes, they do. And as you may recall, certain members of those species are notorious for being finicky and sensitive. While these species are often bred in or adapted to 

pH 7 and harder water, they don't always thrive. But the good news is this: if you have bucketloads of driftwood and your water is soft and acidic, you have likely have tannins, fulvic acids and humidity acids present anyway.

And if you don't, why the hell not? don't worry. Adding botanicals like alder cones can certainly help.

 Don't want nasty leaves and seed pods cluttering up your minimalist rocks only tank?

The solution is simple - make tea.

Take a handful of alder cones, or catappa leaves or fresh driftwood, add to a pot of water (1L) and bring to the boil.

Allow to steep for an hour or so, and strain out the botanicals.

Let it cool, and then add to your aquarium at a dosage of between 5-15mL/50L (depending on your preferred tint level) after each water change. I recommend using a needle-less syringe (like a children's panadol syringe, and available at most chemists for around $0.50 each) or pump bottle (you can use an old Aquatium fertiliser bottle that's been thoroughly rinse if, like me, you're unable to throw things out.

Store out of light in a cool, dry place. This tea will be fine to use for around 6 months before I recommend making a new batch.

And now for the fun stuff:
Gumnuts can be used, but caution is advised. If they are not thoroughly dried, the sap can be problematic in aquariums.