Amazonian additives

RogerL · 07-03-2003, 02:06 AM

I'm thinking of starting a new Amazonian tank and am intrigued by the idea of using a "blackwater conditioner" (eg Kent Black Water Expert). My question is - does this significantly impact the amount of light I will need? I am planing on about 3W/gallon and don't intend growing anything with significantly high light requirements.

Thanks!

m.lemay · 07-03-2003, 02:13 AM

It will have very little effect on lighting requirements. Many of the black water conditioners contain peat extracts which may lower your PH a little, just be aware of that. You didn't say if you are using CO2, but the ph lowering effect could throw off the ph/kh/co2 relationship, of your not using co2, dont worry about it. You could always get around it by measuring co2 directly with a co2 test kit.

Marcel

Rex Grigg · 07-03-2003, 12:12 PM

But at 3 wpg I would think that CO2 would be part of the setup.

SNPiccolo5 · 07-04-2003, 02:33 AM

Rex brings up a worthy point... if you are having 3 wpg AND using the black water stuff, using CO2 would be tricky, but it could be done. You would basically have to start out with a low CO2 bubble rate and slightly increase, observing the fish and plants. Once you are getting satisfactory growth, that is where I would plateau the CO2. It would be tricky, but possible... Also, I don't think the black water stuff will affect how much light gets to your plants. Hope this helps!

-Tim

07-03-2003, 02:13 AM	#2
m.lemay Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Naugatuck, CT. Posts: 2,647	It will have very little effect on lighting requirements. Many of the black water conditioners contain peat extracts which may lower your PH a little, just be aware of that. You didn't say if you are using CO2, but the ph lowering effect could throw off the ph/kh/co2 relationship, of your not using co2, dont worry about it. You could always get around it by measuring co2 directly with a co2 test kit. Marcel __________________ FILSTAR Pimp #2 75 gal heavily planted,50/50 Black beauty,Eco-complete substrate, Pressurised CO2 with solenoid, ph controller, AB Reactor 1000, 330 watts 9325K GE PC lighting,Ehiem Liquidoser, 2-Filstar xp3 canisters.

07-04-2003, 02:33 AM	#4
SNPiccolo5 Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 859	Rex brings up a worthy point... if you are having 3 wpg AND using the black water stuff, using CO2 would be tricky, but it could be done. You would basically have to start out with a low CO2 bubble rate and slightly increase, observing the fish and plants. Once you are getting satisfactory growth, that is where I would plateau the CO2. It would be tricky, but possible... Also, I don't think the black water stuff will affect how much light gets to your plants. Hope this helps! -Tim __________________ Tank in transition! 55 gallons, hard water.

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07-03-2003, 02:06 AM	#1
RogerL Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 67	I'm thinking of starting a new Amazonian tank and am intrigued by the idea of using a "blackwater conditioner" (eg Kent Black Water Expert). My question is - does this significantly impact the amount of light I will need? I am planing on about 3W/gallon and don't intend growing anything with significantly high light requirements. Thanks!

07-03-2003, 12:12 PM	#3
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	But at 3 wpg I would think that CO2 would be part of the setup.