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Can i make a black water tank2007-11-24 23:10:41

i need to know if i can make a blackwater(actually brown...) water tank in my aquarium...i need to know if the fish can handle it...my fishies are 1 betta, 2 mollies,5 skirted tetras, 1 guppy,1 neon tetra(friends died...)1 platy,3 corys, 1 snail, 1 dalmation molly,and 1 pleco. Can they live in this type of water? because i am hopeing to make it look like the amazon river. thanks for the help!!

Answers:

Certainly! Those fish would enjoy a blackwater environment withthe possible exception of the mollies, but even they will do well in a blackwater tank. Obviously you will want plenty of driftwood for the tank and a bit of peatmoss in the filter to get the tannins a blackwater tank needs. Go for it and have fun with your tank!

MM

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These fish require clean water to survive. I strongly suggest you do not make blackwater. If you want a more verified answer, ask your local pet store.

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I really want to ask why you would do this? I see the interest in the Amazon River effect, but then you won't be able to see the fish...and doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a fish tank in the first place? If you do manage to do this good luck, it is just different.

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How large is the tank? I really don't like having mollies in with freshwater trops, but as long as they are doing ok. Mollies prefer a high ph and some salt in the water, some of your other fish wouldn't handle that as well. You'll want to find a driftwood that releases plenty of tanins in the water. I use grapevine wood marketed for reptile tanks. It was boiled and soaked for 2 weeks. Since it doesn't sink I nailed it to the grating of an old undergravel filter and set it in the tank, then poured gravel over it. The filter is not actually being used for filtration, just a base. The water is dark brown within two weeks of not having a change. The thing is, it hasn't had much affect on the ph with my water, which was a goal since my water is 8.6 on a normal basis. The fish enjoy the setup though.