Tannin Aquatics
CCA Members
With blackwater type aquariums gaining in popularity, and the use of a wider variety of natural aquascaping materials becoming more common, we're seeing a lot more experimentation, a lot more interest, and an increase in the "body of knowledge" available to those who choose to embark on journeys towards speciality aquariums.
I think that part of the reason why blackwater tanks have been more unusual and rare in the past is because of some concerns over the management of the water quality. Yeah, that's right. We've discussed the whole "dirty" v. "clean" thing and the misconception that tannin-stained water is somehow "unclean." I think we analyzed and beat the crap out of that one.
Possibly the more important issue is water parameter management as it relates to soft, acidic pH water, environmental stability, and even its implications for the ever-important nitrogen cycle. Without going into the intricate details, it's a fact that "soft" water- water with little in the way of dissolved minerals to absorb acidic compounds, is inherently a bit more prone to more rapid and significant drops in pH than "hard" water- water with greater concentration of dissolved mineral ions- and creates more challenges for the aquarist, particularly if using materials that can drop the pH of the water significantly. (click to read more)
I think that part of the reason why blackwater tanks have been more unusual and rare in the past is because of some concerns over the management of the water quality. Yeah, that's right. We've discussed the whole "dirty" v. "clean" thing and the misconception that tannin-stained water is somehow "unclean." I think we analyzed and beat the crap out of that one.
Possibly the more important issue is water parameter management as it relates to soft, acidic pH water, environmental stability, and even its implications for the ever-important nitrogen cycle. Without going into the intricate details, it's a fact that "soft" water- water with little in the way of dissolved minerals to absorb acidic compounds, is inherently a bit more prone to more rapid and significant drops in pH than "hard" water- water with greater concentration of dissolved mineral ions- and creates more challenges for the aquarist, particularly if using materials that can drop the pH of the water significantly. (click to read more)
