Is Blackwater extract only for breeding Bettas, or is it good to add it to their water anyway?

Question

The information I am getting researching is coming up short of a definite answer.

My betta info: I have my Betta in a 10 gallon tank with a Penguin 100 Bio-Wheel power filter, an air stone, gravel and various plants. Used gravel from an established tank and also put filter media from an established filter inside the filter box. Have slightly less than 1 TBSP/5 gal of aquarium salt for the initiation period, temp at 75F, he is swimming around happily and flaring at his reflection. (I also keep a 55 gal Oscar tank and 29 gal Molly tank.) I will phase the salt out, although I know Mollies don't mind a bit of salt in their water and Bettas do have a similar look in the face.

Any honest advice, links, experiences will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you magicman!

I personally don't use carbon filters unless I am removing medication. Learned that from raising Oscars, here is a link to why:
http://www.worldcichlids.com/diseases/Adamhith.html
Although I know it affects cichlids more, I would rather be safe than sorry.

I will pick up some blackwater extract tomorrow, and cut the salinity (not add any) next water change.

Very quick and helpful response, I guess that is why you are the top contributor! :D

The Betta will have the 10 gallon to itself its whole life. I might set up a second 10 gallon in the future that is empty at the moment for as a second Betta tank.

I didn't think about adding the Blackwater extract to the Oscar tank, great idea!

The filter isn't adjustable, but the wheel is at the output and well shielded, I have watched him swim and sit by the intake and keep his fins well away from it. I believe I got very lucky. I searched through what they had, his color piqued my interest. Didn't have a price sticker yet and had no waste or food on the bottom of the cup, compared to some nasty ones near him. No spots, fins looked great. Overall am satified and happy with his health.

I think the 10 gallon looks just right for their size. I couldn't imagine anything smaller.

I will definitely keep salt in the molly tank.

Thank you all again for such great responses!

Answer 1

You can use blackwater whenever. It's actually made to recreate Amazon waters (so more useful for South American fish instead of Asian ones).
Other than that? Sounds like your betta is in for a GREAT life :) If your biowheel is adjustable, watch your bettas fins. They sometimes like to hang out by the intake filter and can cause shredding. If so, just turn it down a bit.
So is this Paris Hilton of the fish world gonna get a room mate? Or is the 10 all for himself? Lucky fish!

Answer 2

Black Water Extract is an attempt to provide the tannins and other acidic components to mimic the Blackwater rivers of South America, (at least initially). The stuff should be great for the Oscars,and probably the Betta. However I'd be a little hesitant to stop the salt for the mollies. Whereas the Oscars and Betta would do well in soft acid water,the mollies would probably do well in hard, slightly salty water, with a pH above 7.5, and maybe some coral sand to add Calcium.The "seeding" of the new tank with cycled filter media and gravel is a good idea,but don't consider the tank completely cycled for 4 or 5 weeks. An occasional Ammonia and/or Nitrite test would be a good idea. As far as mollies and salt go, they can be kept in a completely Marine environment if they are slowly acclimated. I've seen "Liberty" Mollies living in the sea gutters in Belize City where a strong wind from the East can change the water from rain run-off to sea water in a few seconds. Wonder how they survive that? Good luck.----PeeTee

Answer 3

You can add it anytime, it would hurt a thing. It's also not really needed either to be honest, but it won't hurt them obviously. Fair warning, carbon will remove the majority of the blackwater extract within a few days. No need to phase out the salt entirely, but I would reduce it to about 2 teapsoons per 5 gallons for bettas.

I used blackwater extract for years. Both bottled and home made, but after a while I realized my bettas did just as well and bred just as well without it.

MM