What is a Blackwater Aquarium
Lets start right at the beginning.
So you've been browsing the internet and you've noticed pictures of aquariums looking "Tea Stained" or "Dirty" and full of leaves and you think to yourself, why are people putting their fish in these conditions. They SHOULD be in crystal clear water full of plants right? Well this is where you realise in fact that more often than not many of the fishes we keep in our aquariums actually come from very murky and dim lit waters full of leaves and other such botanicals littered on the river bed.
To us this might not seem like a nice place to live but on the contarary it's perfect living conditions for these animals, the limited light and murky waters limit line of sight to passing predators and these leaf covered beds become the perfect hiding spot for fish to lay their eggs or fry to hide.
These natural items provide many other benefits such as natural food sources for fry and shrimp. Additionally there are studies to show many botanicals leech beneficial materials which are known to contain "Natural" healing properties to cure fish illness such as fin rot or white spot.
Essentially by utalising products such as botanicals and diverse substrates you are creating a biodiverse ecosystem, which can be home to all forms of life weather living or feeding within the substrate or the biofilms generated from the decaying items themselves acting as a natural food source. Adding leaves, sticks and plants like ferns above the surface of the tank helps create natural cover above the water, simulating an environment found in nature causing less threat to predators which we might find in the wild such as birds, this helping fish feel less threatened bringing out those natural behaviours.
Putting it simple, a "Blackwater" or "Biotope/Natural" Aquarium takes inspiration from a fishes natural habitat and aims to replicate elements found within these areas into a home fish tank.
So you've been browsing the internet and you've noticed pictures of aquariums looking "Tea Stained" or "Dirty" and full of leaves and you think to yourself, why are people putting their fish in these conditions. They SHOULD be in crystal clear water full of plants right? Well this is where you realise in fact that more often than not many of the fishes we keep in our aquariums actually come from very murky and dim lit waters full of leaves and other such botanicals littered on the river bed.
To us this might not seem like a nice place to live but on the contarary it's perfect living conditions for these animals, the limited light and murky waters limit line of sight to passing predators and these leaf covered beds become the perfect hiding spot for fish to lay their eggs or fry to hide.
These natural items provide many other benefits such as natural food sources for fry and shrimp. Additionally there are studies to show many botanicals leech beneficial materials which are known to contain "Natural" healing properties to cure fish illness such as fin rot or white spot.
Essentially by utalising products such as botanicals and diverse substrates you are creating a biodiverse ecosystem, which can be home to all forms of life weather living or feeding within the substrate or the biofilms generated from the decaying items themselves acting as a natural food source. Adding leaves, sticks and plants like ferns above the surface of the tank helps create natural cover above the water, simulating an environment found in nature causing less threat to predators which we might find in the wild such as birds, this helping fish feel less threatened bringing out those natural behaviours.
Putting it simple, a "Blackwater" or "Biotope/Natural" Aquarium takes inspiration from a fishes natural habitat and aims to replicate elements found within these areas into a home fish tank.
Monday, June 17, 2024
What Leaves Can You Use in an Aquarium?
Leaves in an aquarium offer a multitude of benefits, contributing to the overall health and balance of the aquatic ecosystem. They serve as natural shelter and hiding spots for fish and invertebrates, reducing stress levels and promoting natural behaviours. Additionally, leaves release tannins and other organic compounds as they decompose, which create a slight tint in the water, simulating the natural habitats of many tropical fish species and promoting their well-being.
Monday, June 17, 2024
Best Fish For Blackwater Aquariums
Many of the freshwater kept within the home aquariums generally come from tropical countries such as Asia and South America and are subject to a completely different climate than other countries. In addition to this the fishes require different water parameters to ultimately thrive so replicating the water conditions found in nature is the aim when bringing them into our homes. Generally fish from these areas thrive in more softer water with lower PH levels around the 4.6 – 6.5 region.
Monday, June 17, 2024
Water Chemistry Within Blackwater Aquariums
Using botanicals within aquatic setups can be a fantastic and enjoyable experience but it's important to note as with any organic item added to a aquarium (similar to fish), it can cause effects to the water chemistry especially in setups that are not yet established.