[CoolD]

what is the ideal habitat for redbellies?
i know they like some plants for security, but a lot or a little? some of the tank pictures i see has so many plants its unbeleivable. also is drift wood commonly around where the live naturally, or anything else that not necessarily looks the best in your tank but that is good for them to have?

 

[GARGOYLE]

It's not bad for them. They like lots of hiding places, it is really up to you. I wanna get some more plants for my tank, but we'll see what happens. Good luck.

 

[Xenon]

blackwater extract and low light.

 

[Kolbenschlag]

Xenon,
does black water extract create a noticeable difference? What I mean is does the tank like dirty or is it more like something only the fish can tell? Thanks

 

[RhomZilla]

Xenon,
does black water extract create a noticeable difference? What I mean is does the tank like dirty or is it more like something only the fish can tell? Thanks

Black water extract is used to cloud up the tank making a murky effect in the rivers of the Amazon, driftwoods can substitute branches for fallen trees, powerhead/filteration can act as river flows, different variety of rocks and plants (Sword Plants are

) for their surroundings, heater for the warm climate, and low light are the closest thing yo can do to imitate their natural habitat.

 

[Kolbenschlag]

Thanks rhomzilla, anyone have any pics of tanks using black water extract?

 

[acidsurvivor]

I agree.

They like taller plants also, and they love drift wood.

 

[SERRAPYGO]

Blackwater extract messes with PH levels. If you use it make sure you use it consistently.

 

[Grosse Gurke]

Yea, it does lower the ph and can really mess with your ph if your kh is low.

 

[SnowCichlid]

piranhas can be found in three main types of water conditions which include clear, white and black.
there are some places in the rivers where 2 different tyoes aproach each other, it looks rather kool :smile:

 

[Sir Nathan XXI]

Blackwater extract messes with PH levels. If you use it make sure you use it consistently.

I used kents and it never messed with the pH

I use peat moss instead of blackwater extract now, its cheaper, lasts longer, lowers pH and water hardness, all good things for my tap water

 

[CoolD]

black extract eh...
hmmm i assume you can just get this at the lfs and it is easy to use?
i never did look at my ph levels because i over filter my tank and do consistent water changes, if i use the stuff will i have to start observing ph?

 

[RhomZilla]

black extract eh...
hmmm i assume you can just get this at the lfs and it is easy to use?
i never did look at my ph levels because i over filter my tank and do consistent water changes, if i use the stuff will i have to start observing ph?

Yeah, Black Extract can be found at your LFS.

Doing daily water changes would be good, but you should check ALL water perimeters once in awhile just to be sure. Adding extract will changed your PH, driftwood, rocks, peat moss, and even plants will effect your PH.