Brightwell Aquatics Blackwater - Liquid Humic Substance Conditioner for Planted and Freshwater Biotope Aquariums,500-ml

I notice a difference in feeding after 24 hours. My Altums ate more ferociously than usual. I will keep testing and look for long term results. Product is easy to use.

It's basically just almond leaves boiled to get the tannins out, in a bottle. Nothing wrong with that and it's exactly why I bought it. The thing is though, the dosing says 1 cap per 20 gallons or so, this is a bit deceiving but it really depends how dark you want it. I ended up using half the bottle for a 40g breeder and got a nice tint in it. Definitely worth the price for the convenience however. Will buy again (but the largest size this time).

I got this because I have piranhas and naturally they prefer river-like environments, so I figured this may be a good addition to their habitat. I have a 75-gallon aquarium so a few capfuls of this stuff made it pretty murky and provided the ideal river-water look. It seems to work great, I'm hoping it will help during spawning season!

Great product, however a misleading branding. Don’t use if you are expecting an instant “black water” style tank. The products they make to simulate black water don’t actually tint the water enough to be used in that particular fashion. It should specify that it only simulates the water chemistry of black water. Basically, if you want “tinted black water” it’s quicker to just boil almond leaves and other botanicals!

I’ve been mostly using the shrimp line from Brightwell aquatic. This blackwater stuff is really good for betta fish and shrimp tanks. Five stars

I know it’s possible to have a clear dark water tank, but not with this stuff. It. Great to add tannins to water for health benefits. But do not like the cloudy!

Per 10gallon of RODI water:1 teaspoon Equilibrium, will give GH of 8-9 deg. Mix well.Add 1 teaspoon Alkaline Buffer, will give KH of 6-8 deg. Mix well.Add 5/8 teaspoon (just over half a teaspoon) Acid Buffer, will give pH of ~6.7. Mix well.Add 1/2 capful (2.5mL) Discus TraceAdd 2 pumps Brightwell Blackwater extract .Age 24 hours with airstone and heater before water change.

This stuff seems to really bring out the urge in some of the fish. My Corydora Julii population has doubled since I included a few drops this stuff in my routine water changes. I'm not certain it's the main reason, but I've never seen them laying eggs up until then (I'm not an expert). The school of ember tetras I have with the corys also seem more vibrant and active.I live in an area where the water is a bit on the hard side (more alkaline), so anything that can help soften it to a level tropical fish can thrive in helps.