No Tannins From Indian Olive Leaves

My IAL don’t leech tannins in the water. They smell fine, like tea. Are they ok or should I buy new ones? Any recommendations?

 

Following. I've got the same problem.

 

It might take a few days to really notice, especially if they haven’t sunk in yet. It also depends on how much leaves you’re adding in comparison to the amount of water. If you have been boiling them in a pot with no tannins, then I have no clue.

 

Did you just place them in the tank or did you heat them in some hot water first?

 

Just placed them in tank and they’ve been in there a couple of weeks. I put the number in according to directions.

 

Just placed them in tank and they’ve been in there a couple of weeks. I put the number in according to directions.

I think you just need to add more. But if you can smell it, then it’s likely fine. I have driftwood in my tank, and I don’t notice the tannins at all, unless it’s water change day and have it in the bucket. That’s the only time I notice the tannin.

 

I think you just need to add more. But if you can smell it, then it’s likely fine. I have driftwood in my tank, and I don’t notice the tannins at all, unless it’s water change day and have it in the bucket. That’s the only time I notice the tannin.

I just read that you should remove carbon and I do have some in my cartridge right now. Anyone remove the carbon?

 

I don't know much about tannins but my leaves suggested boiling them for a few minutes before placing them in the tank. I'm not sure if that was to help them release tannins or to help make sure they didn't carry any bacteria or anything. So, I placed mine in a coffee cup of water I had heated in the microwave for 2 minutes. When I placed them in the tank afterwards, my tank took on a brownish tinge for a few days and the water in the coffee cup was dark brown.

Not sure if that's any help but tha's my experience with them.

 

I just read that you should remove carbon and I do have some in my cartridge right now. Anyone remove the carbon?

Yes, definitely remove the carbon. But I’m not sure a cartridge would remove that much tannin either. Plus you smell something. Carbon removes smell, as well. But again, a cartridge filter likely doesn’t have enough to remove a whole lot. I say it’s worth a try.

 

yeah, I only really notice when I look at my bucket during a water change. the water's kind of yellow. what kind do you have? I think the big leaves give off more tannins... if you want to make it really dark, it's probably best to make or buy a concentrated tannin solution, or buy a mixed tannin pack that has stuff other than ial in it.

 

As I’m reading it saying it won’t remove a lot of the benefits of the leaves if you leave the carbon. It’s more a choice if you want the tannin look or clear water look. Hmmm.

 

yeah, I only really notice when I look at my bucket during a water change. the water's kind of yellow. what kind do you have? I think the big leaves give off more tannins... if you want to make it really dark, it's probably best to make or buy a concentrated tannin solution, or buy a mixed tannin pack that has stuff other than ial in it.

Mine are smaller leaves. I really like the clearer look so I guess I’ll leave the carbon. I usually don’t bother with it but clearing out some meds.

 

Do you have carbon in your filter pads?

 

Do you have carbon in your filter pads?

Yes, right now I do .

 

Yes, right now I do .

Carbon gets rid of tannins.

 

If you ever did go the extract route, I used to use the Betta Spa off of Amazon, works well for smaller tanks. Not so well on 20 gallons lol, for it I use Kent's Blackwater. Dose 5mL three times a week, keeps the water looking like diluted tea, I really enjoy it.

 

Carbon gets rid of tannins.

You’re so funny! Did you read above? That’s what We were talking about.

 

You’re so funny! Did you read above? That’s what We were talking about.

...*face palm* my fault sorry I didn't read above.