I agree with you and did the same with apistos, but never added any more extract than the leaves and driftwood would supply. My question is, is really necessary to add more humic acid and tannins than what is provided by the acidic leaves and drift wood.
I have noticed that oak and beech leaves seem to provide a lighter or less intense tannin staining. The fig leaves are heavey in tannins….does that really biologically make any difference to the fish? With other species I’ve had, it did not seem to make any difference as long as some staining was apparent. But having black or golden water didnt matter as long as some tannins were available. I do use pure RO water with a variety of leaves soaking in it giveing the water a yellowish or golden color. Since it (tannins and humic acid are not easily measurable) is lightly colored do we make more “blackwater” additives just to be safe?
I know Paros come from a variety of blackwater systems and would never keep them in pure RO water…. but we seem to have no measurement of humic acid and tannins other that its color.
I have no intention of keeping any fish that I like in my tap water. lol It’s only suitable for rift lake cichlids.