Embrace the Stain - Tannins in Our Aquariums Episode 160

[@adamcenteno6155]

First time watching. I love it.

[@biking4boomers]

Thanks!

[@garyfletcher2998]

Did this in the mid 1980's. When it was called Blackwater aquatics. I used mainly oak leaves and horse chestnut. I also used a product called blackwater extract, to add the desired darkness of the water. Then used two different T8 lights a power twist white and a aqua flora to bring out the hues in neon/cardinal tetras glow lights etc. Admitted didn't have the wide range that is used in todays updated version.

[@MangoNinja333]

I think the cloudier water to dim that background added a lot of depth. Could be just through the video and it might look not so good in person. But I think it added a really cool aesthetic

[@LeslieGraves]

boiling when the wife away lol #smartman

[@fincasters]

Right?

[@anonymousdude1994]

#commonsense

[@OutdoorWalker]

That’s when I do all my water changes too 😭

[@jamalwalker2104]

I have a 30 gallon tanin tank too. I used magnolia leaves i collected from the woods. I have four Angel fish and a Bicher fish. They love it.

[@crownroyal2155]

I've been talking about this for eons, I've kept most of my fish in tannin water with awesome success.

[@violiavimal4213]

A Low current is required for Amazonian fish they don't like fast flowing water. Fish like tetras etc... I use Dragon Wood and INDIAN ALMOND LEAVES /CATAPPA LEAVES / KETAPANG LEAVES, Alder Cones and Cholla Wood and I use a huge Sponge filter on my 220 litre tank. I like authenticity and making it look real and the fish really are more healthy and most likely more happy with the tannins.

[@sirabhishekdatta]

Wonderful video....I myself have a tannin aquarium with red eye tetras , zebra danios and black ghost knife fish. They all seem very happy and relaxed and it's great fun to watch them. I think your work is very close to perfect and your tank looks amazingly beautiful and natural. Black water aquariums are always unique and eye catchy !!

[@radvideo6569]

I had high tannin tanks thirty years ago, so it's nothing new to me. The tannins in the water is one thing, but the clarity of the water is important to me; it may be dark, but at least it's clear. One of the only downsides to a high tannin aquarium is that it is more difficult for light to reach the bottom of a tall tank, meaning you have to make allowances for that when choosing plants. It's either buy a light with extremely high PAR or go with low light plants. Also, I think that the leaf litter "clutter" looks natural and, if properly placed and in restrained quantities (like yours), adds to the beauty of the aquarium. Plus, the invigorated reaction of the fish is a big bonus in more ways than one.

[@nevaehadkins4217]

How would you keep it clear?

[@h20aklandfng63]

We tend to over think the aquascape, and that is where we go wrong. Just drop the pieces in and as you observe the tank, you can make necessary adjustments. At least that is what I do 🤷🏾‍♂️. Nice tank and video.

[@fincasters]

Thanks. And agreed!

[@jamalwalker2104]

Agreed.

[@johnvilla13]

I really like the natural look of the tank! Very well done!

[@fincasters]

Thanks! -- jc

[@daveydangr]

Add floating plants water lettuce or amazon frogbit. Will give a darker tank and they will filter the water....

[@Columbeachbum84]

Do they release any tannins or do you mean because it will block light at the surface?

[@AdamTillontheWeb]

I just restarted a 110 gal system and used a good amount of Tannin Aquatics products. I added the boiled (cooled) liquor straight back in because the tank used to have a full cubic foot of peat substrate in it (fish were used to those conditions).

[@andrewscala6006]

It looks great.... its an eco tank that looks like it should... no need to stress.

[@bobbybenedict1027]

I like it. I think it would look great with some plants in there. it's different from a regular freshwater tank and I think it's awesome.

[@fincasters]

Plants are coming for sure...

[@glennmcleod4751]

Love the tank so far....thinking about doing mine...only have a 20 gal tall

[@jpgmmg09]

I really like the blue back ground against the white sand. I did the same set up on a 140.🤗

[@anonymousdude1994]

I did the exact same thing to my tank. My tetras are WAY more active, comfortable and less nervous! Will never go back to clear water again

[@lucylu5490]

Beautiful tank! Really like what you have done.. so natural, fish look really happy!

[@zepure1]

You won't be disappointed with the Fluval 306 i have three of them currently, they do a fantastic job & also quiet which is a bonus.

[@fincasters]

+Daves Aquariums agreed!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Awesome informative video, thanks 😊 👍

[@fincasters]

Thanks. Glad you liked it!

[@lucylu1392]

Love the tannins! Anything natural can only be good... I have tannins in two of my tanks, plants and fish are doing really well.. Lovely tank BTW 🤗

[@fincasters]

Thanks! Embrace the stain!

[@merselli]

Just came across this after starting my first blackwater setup. Shoutout to the 540. I used to live in Roanoke also. Raleigh Court.

[@weirdoguy]

As a experience "tannin" tank owner the tank looks good, the cloudy is normal the first week and yes it will be best to have a variety of plants as they thrive with the wood also the fish love live plants. also with regular water changes the tannin level never get to high that you cant see but will keep the nice brown tint to the water. Sadly i do not recommend sand as it usually gets clogged with debre that can create co2 and ammonia build up pockets then when disturbed can kill fish so i suggest fine gravel as it is easier to clean and will not create co2 pockets but this is my experience with this type of tank anyway.

[@fincasters]

+weirdoguy thanks for the info. Much appreciated

[@danielcary8929]

I like the tannin idea. I'd love to do an Amazon biotope aquarium with some cories large tetras and altum angels.

[@fincasters]

Perfect. It would be a great tank.

[@crownroyal2155]

Do it! Cut a cube from the Amazon

[@egserrano19]

Edwin from Costa Rica . NICE !!! Thank you for sharing !!!

[@JenaTuckerAquariums]

I have a tannin stained tank. it has neons in it. their colors really pop in the dark water!!

[@fincasters]

I'll bet. There is some evidence to suggest that they are bright like that so they can "find" one another in the murky water!

[@shannonlee7270]

it's just awesome! can't wait to see the next video!

[@Mr.Glitch]

Glad to see more people getting on board with the tint. :) I'm waiting on another order over to the uk for more goodies from Scott, my shrimp love them. :)

[@fincasters]

I was wondering about shrimp. Do you keep them in a tinted tank?

[@Mr.Glitch]

I kept one of hte tanks tinted for a few months, the shrimp were a load more active and not as skittish. the reds of the shrimp looked amazing through the tint.

[@MrWells-km5cp]

good choice on the bloodfins my dude I've run a school with my angel pair for about 2 years now feisty little buggers beautiful red fins with white tips.

[@jairocampos1468]

Great video 👍

[@RiverLifeUS]

Great to follow your content from the Rio Negro to Roanoke!

[@fincasters]

Glad you are enjoying it. This tank is still set up but I'm focusing more on angelfish now!

[@madturtle8826]

Good call waiting for the old lady to leave😂 I hope she doesn’t see this video. The way I try and do natural setups is to fill the tank about halfway and then just drop the stuff(leaves small pebbles/gravel) in and let it fall where it falls. Looks good man.

[@LOL59hahaha]

Oh im lovin this channel! Nice informative videos with very clear audio. Not shaky too. Handheld cam hater here lol

[@fincasters]

Ahhh Thanks! I try to keep it friendly but professional-ish. Tripods make for much better video. Please tell your fellow aquarium loves about Fincasters.

[@IamAnthonyM]

Dude, that line "I then waited for my wife to go to work, and then proceed to boil my bentanicles" you need to put that on a t-shirt or something, with you holding a pot and giving the thumbs up. That line should go viral man, give people something to smile at during this pandemic crap. Also, thanks for the info. I was panicking when I saw my water changing color. I was perplexed because my fish seemed chill, and weren't gasping for air. When I researched the tannins, I realized that it was the plants that I added to the water that had introduced the tannins. Two days after a water change and they are already taking over the town. I like to panic, so I bought nutrifin waste control and biological cleaner just to make sure my fish are chill. Anyways, great informative video. Thanks for the chuckle. You should totally market that! 😊

[@BCabral43]

id struggle with the cloudiness personally, I am a fan of what you have done with the tank though. Very nicely done.

[@Merauder777]

Coming in late, nice video, my only complaint with tannic water is not that i dislike it or my fish dislike it, its convincing others that you aren't neglecting your tank, and that its natural and not ugly. Lordy the numver of worried comments and questions about why my tank isnt crystal clear...

[@fincasters]

I hear you on that! Stand your ground!

[@ahmadechols7784]

I love it it looks really natural leave it like that I might do something like this

[@CosmicWaffle26]

2:29 smart move 😂

[@theheavymetalhippie8451]

I like you video. I just got a piece of driftwood and was wondering on how to make it safe to put in the aquarium. I like the idea of prime and adding beneficial bacteria for a quicker setup.

[@jc49fishniner4lif7]

awesome looking tank

[@BackyardClassicsGoa]

It's too beautiful!!!

[@markRTFGuns]

Love it. And I am doing the same thing. Didn't know I was headed this way per say. But it's exactly what I like. Thanks for the video.

[@fincasters]

Sure thing. It's fun isn't it?

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Found your channel today and subscribed today 👍

[@fincasters]

Welcome aboard! Are you doing a tannin tank?

[@becoza03]

I enjoyed your video!

[@kdr1048]

I think it looks great! Now some cardinal tetras in there would look amazing

[@jackiebrownebridalhmua5536]

I really like it...have a tanin tank atm also

[@Not_PretendingTV]

Man that tank is fucking awesome!.....do not change

[@jazerlights8870]

Great Video!

[@fincasters]

Thanks!

[@chicahchick]

This is a great video!!!

[@fincasters]

Watersocs 32 Thanks!

[@emily-nf4mz]

question, i just purchased a 10 gal aquarium and i added live plants and wood, im hoping to add some ember tetra, a betta, and a pleco, so my question is will they be okay with the tannins? my tank it still cycling so i can remove it if i need to.

[@fincasters]

I would say they would love the tannins. How is the tank doing?

[@germinationwide4life]

not too stained in my opinion. I just put some mopani wood in my tank and it darkened the water quite a bit, but to me it looks amazing and the fish and plants are thriving.

[@danizg9081]

I soaked the mopani wood for two full days changing the water in between and when I thought it was done I put it in my tank it was fine the first day but the next day started getting brownish orange color but we think it’s because we have a heater and it’s kind of like making tea or infused tea since the water is warm it started releasing the color again

[@michaelflanagan7963]

Tank looking great might try it myself thanks for the info

[@jyelton1]

looks pretty good

[@sharfinbean667]

I have mixed feelings about the tannin tanks, I had three tanks set up one was always stained pretty good from a huge piece of wood. I had plecos and few other kinds of fish and it just always looked dirty by the other two. I never noticed the plecos out more in that tank I'd have to say and one was a gold nugget.

[@freddyschulp3766]

it looks a little cluttered but the fish look very happy. i think plants will help make it look even better and tbh i think you you could get away with even more tannins

[@fincasters]

Thanks Fred. After 6 dos. Many of the botanicals have melted away --- so I'll need to add more. More Tannins too!

[@kurtjohnson667]

I watched the second video first. But I love the layout. Personally it could use more leaf litter. Awesome though.

[@rocketoutahere]

This is very interesting. I started a small 5 gallon and went very "dirty" with it. I'm hoping it isn't overboard but the tank is very dark "tea". I used a highly organic soil substrate and put screen over the top along with light gravel to hold it down to start. I added infusoria and walter worms in hopes of creating a living active substrate. I added dead leaves from Eucalyptus along with some other species mixed with a variety of dead twigs. I left it to stabilize over a couple weeks. The TDS level is interestingly low along with the KH and GH levels. pH is steady around 6.5 to 7. Next I'm going to look for good plants for this but it seems like it might be a good tank for breeding as well. Since this was posted nearly 2 years ago how has the tank developed over time?

[@jp-us9rq]

Thays awesome I with I could do that but the driftwood is so expensive

[@amneziaxeaster-gaming382]

I like the brownish color but it’s only because my 45 gallons tank is lit with 1500 lumens LED but it’s Pure White Color so I would like to find a way to make the color a bit warmer! Can somebody help me please? Thanks!

[@fincasters]

Any bulb rated for plants (in the 6k range ) should give you more of a yellow hue! Enjoy!

[@EriksWorld14]

Nat Geo substrates have been known to raise the PH of your water so I would have gone without it. But its unlikely for you have to noticed a swing in ph considering all of the humic acid being released from the stuff you put in.

[@FostaFunk]

Well done! I think we can all sympathize on the over thinking of how we place the hardscape 😂 I just got a 55 gallon for really cheap. I think I'm gonna try a tannin tank like this.

[@nicola3540]

Overthinking the hardscape? Could this be why every time I set up a new tank I end up seeing through space and time?😉

[@samus4799]

Don't dump the water from your pot into the aquarium unless you have a ceramic lined pot.

[@mlcmadness7062]

To me a lot of mucking around. I just get wood and broken down leaves from my local pond throw them in a container with dechlorinated water and my aquarium is done and balanced in a week. Don't buy what's free, and don't waste time placing crap. Each to their own I suppose. I get he tannin look dark and sometimes light depending on the leaves and wood.

[@geezuz183]

How do you maintain the tea stain, during a water change? thanks

[@fincasters]

Good question. The water changes make the water less stained. Don't think you can get around that. What I've found is that the stain gradually comes back. Also I think this type of tank will require a regular addition of new botanicals to keep the stain where you want it and to keep providing cover for the fish.

[@lornafernando8270]

I put almond leaves in my betta tank. Its necessary to remove thr leaves after a few days or not ?

[@Flower--qg2ry]

Love it. Can't wait to see some background plants. Wouldn't this all be considered a biotope ????

[@fincasters]

I would say so. Yes. If I cut too many corners it may not. I'm hoping to keep it all South American river

[@richardannulli8709]

I have 3 tanks set up that way..leave them in there natural state...we as humans want to see some fancy pretty tank ..THINK WHERE THEY REALLY come FROM...NATURE..IS KEY...

[@richardannulli8709]

Love the tank...

[@bernardandries]

I'm going to do a tanin tank after seeng this.

[@floydboyrcandmore171]

Cool I live near you I am in Floyd va.

[@fincasters]

Are you doing a Tannin tank?

[@floydboyrcandmore171]

Mine has some tannins it was dark but has tamed down alot

[@tonymarshall509]

got to have the stain if you want a tannin tank !!!!!:)

[@amrannoordin1644]

I use tea from tea bags for a cheap source of tannins. No sugar, milk or creamer 😂

[@amrannoordin1644]

No visible negative effects on my cichlids! Seemed happier actually.

[@urgoodfriend7510]

interesting filters you have there haha

[@Columbeachbum84]

This was a great video! I'll be experimenting myself making my tank more natural for the fish in my tank. My only recommendation would be to maximize the potential surface area for bacteria by adding Cermedia brand Pond media to your canister filter. I'll be adding you on Instagram in a bit. Keep up the good work.

[@Kopite19877]

What size tank is this?

[@dehydratedculture9126]

How the hell did you drop a pod in the fire twice in a row?

[@RIPPER334]

Man, one of those 3D backgrounds would look killer in that tank... ...and cover up that blue. 😂

[@fincasters]

RIPPER334 Agreed. I'm working on that. Could be a sweet one from a company in Europe.

[@RIPPER334]

fincasters Can't wait to see it!

[@bobs5596]

here's my story fwiw, my pH is 7.8 and i was told to put peat moss in a media bag in the filter to lower it. well the pH didn't lower in a week(no fish or plants in the tank) so i adjusted it with nitric acid to 7.2. meanwhile the water turned a beautiful amber color, but stayed crystal clear. so peat moss is the way to go for water clarity. i think you boiled a lot of tree sap out of the wood that made it cloudy. i saw another vid on collecting driftwood where the guy boiled it and ruined his pot with the sap he could not clean out, so use an old pot if you do that. (i have now heard from mikes aquatic's vid on breeding cardinals that peat doesn't lower pH, but i think he said it will soften water. he uses composted leaf mulch he makes in his backyard to lower pH. (last week l r bretz showed using live sphagnum moss in a media bag to lower pH.) (there is a difference between peat and sphagnum, although they are both the same plant. peat is composted sphagnum and very dark color, while the sphagnum you get at the nursery supplier is just dried live sphagnum moss, and very light in color.) so as soon as i heard sphagnum will lower pH, i got my dried sphagnum i use for orchids, put it in a media bag and soaked it in a water filled plastic container and overnight the pH dropped from 7.8 to 6.0, and colored the water.

[@stanleyan]

cool

[@ajax3388]

how can u mist the pot...lol

[@jaybea365]

Man I had a Tannin aquarium back in '01. Everyone was like, "What is with the brown water?", to which I always responded, "I think it looks neat." It was only a 10g, but it had 4 Bronze corys, 6 Black neon Tetras, and 6 Red Phantom Tetras.

[@fincasters]

+Jay Bea Hi Jay. Sounds like you were ahead of your time.

[@PalJoey-rm2yh]

Tannins may help emulate the Amazon River, but the murky and boring yellow/brown tint to the water does a lot to diminish their color and the clarity of the tank. A breeding situation might call for it, but not a show tank. By the way, just exactly who told us the fish like tannin compared to clear water with low pH and hardness? Would your tetras have acclimated as well in a clear tank? They aren't talking.

[@asherxtn]

love it, you gotta change the background in the future though it's kind of a bummer.

[@fincasters]

Working on that!

[@pkallos4825]

@@fincasters trust me black it out

[@Egon1982]

In first i though its too much staff in there. But later on i look again on that rio negro underwater clip. And your actually look under load hyhy.. add some green plants ;) very nice tank btw. Get to your video by tannin tag :) im trying to get crystal clear water after adding driftwood in ;) and after two days of part water change my water got tea colour like yours:( its a shrimp tank and its not something that i want to see :)

[@fincasters]

Glad you like it! I tested chemi pure on this tank and it removed the stain. That will likely work for you too. Plus regular water changes!

[@bentcreekcreations5904]

I would have done the tangle on one side and gradually decrease to just sand.... Like a river bank.....

[@absofjelly]

can you just use tea bags?

[@fincasters]

Haha.... sadly, no.

[@dfha797]

do you guys sell fish?

[@fincasters]

+Eli MacFarland Sadly no

[@andrewcameron9834]

i think the blue background kinda works

[@fincasters]

Thanks. It's not bugging me -- that's for sure. Like I said in the video, I had the tank already painted from a marine set up -- and couldn't really change it. But so far I like it. -- jc

[@bobs5596]

@@fincasters with acetone or a paint remover, it can be wiped off in a minute. wear a glove.

[@justinekrider5803]

That is what my tank is full of, just random tetras.

[@toguro5117]

get some carbon if you want to clear the tannin

[@fincasters]

+Toguro oh I have plenty. I'm waiting to see if I can get used to the stain! :)

[@davidperrin1675]

Hatchetfish

[@TheGrmany69]

You just have to soak everything in water and the tannins will do everything as those chemicals disinfect the water, in fact blackwaters of many different fast current Amazonic rivers are totally safe to drink.

[@0rounder0]

lol @ 2:55 :D

[@thegoodsamaritan4333]

you can take my tannins all day sir, i dont like it but my best driftwood was leeching it.

[@asherxtn]

and please do a video together with Joey

[@davidperrin1675]

Pleck. Fish

[@Intrigarium]

clearly you are not the cooking person in the house.

[@dehydratedculture9126]

Paulus Galvao proceeds to drop drop half the botanicals under the pot.

[@koroisme]

You have no aesthetic imaginatic room yet.

[@fincasters]

Hmmm please explain?

[@kurtzembower9297]

Smaller fish are hiding from bigger fish so more intanglement for them the better a safe havin it's all about prey and predators instinct...like your house is your safe space?well..its the same for those little guys..

[@dehydratedculture9126]

How the hell did you drop a pod in the fire twice in a row?