Creating BlackWater Extract

[Scat]

For those with fish hailing from black water biotopes I'm sure that you've tried various commercial blackwater extracts in an attempt to recreate their natural waters. I've tried a few of the commercial mixtures and always found that the amount that I needed for my large tanks was cost prohibitive. I decided to make my own...

Place 3 cups of peatmoss in a large sauce pan You can play with this recipe a bit. I've added oak and east indian almond leaves before. Both supposedly have "magic breeding powers" that will convince your fish to spawn.

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Add 6 quarts of RO or DI water, bring to a boil and then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes

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Place an old towel over a 5 gallon bucket

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Pour contents of sauce pan through towel

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Scatocephalus/Blackwater6.jpg

Remove towel and trapped "goop". You are left with approx a gallon of rich, dark extract.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Scatocephalus/Blackwater7.jpg

Add extract into the tank and enjoy!

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Scatocephalus/Blackwater12.jpg

[Heyguy74]

Thanks for the info. It seems very cost effective. If you have RO/DI. I would guess that if you had soft water out of the tap this would work as well. How much are you dosing? I have had good succes leaving peat moss in the filters. I'm down to one blackwater tank. A 38G tank. I keep a small hob filter w/ peat moss in a media bag. Keeps the water pretty soft. I think your way is great for large tanks. Thanks again for sharing.

BTW, I love the peacock bass. How big are they? What species?

[AlishanAS]

Throw in some sugar and yeast - Black Water Brew :beerchug:

[dogofwar]

Step 1: Wait until your wife leaves the house...

Matt