Using Tea Bags for Tannins?

Hello all.

I am picking up some sparkling gourami tomorrow, and will soon be getting fish shipped to me. I would really like to use tannins in both tanks because I like the look of it, and would like to try to help the new fish with stress. I very briefly remember hearing of someone using tea bags to "diy" tannins? If anyone could clarify this and advise me on how to go about doing it that would be great. I also picked up a 4 inch piece of driftwood that I can boil to try to leech some tannins, but I've never boiled wood and am unsure how to do it. Any advice is appreciated!

If the tea bags are a no-go I can also just buy Indian almond leaves.

Also, was unsure where to post this so mods feel free to move my thread if needed.

 

As far as the wood, put it in a pot with water on the stove and boil it. I find an hour does pretty well. And afterwards, let the water cool down and you got tannin tea right there!

 

Yes! So rooibos tea or 'redbush tea' is the one you're after! It's not quite a true 'tea' - it's made from a South African bush, contains no caffeine and can be boiled to release tannins for aquarium use. Make sure that the tea you buy doesn't have any added caffeine, isn't flavoured (ie. vanilla rooibos tea), and isn't mixed with other kinds of teas. Just boil it until it's the colour you want, wait for the water to cool or mix with cold water to quicken the process, and add to your aquarium

I suggest using in conjunction with indian almond leaves and other botanicals! I use it in all my tanks because like you, I really appreciate the look of it and of course it's got beneficial properties. Wood and botanicals are an excellent source of tannins, but they can only leech so much and I find I can't quite get deep dark colour from them the way I can from the tea. Buying rooibos in bulk may be a good option if you plan to use it regularly for your tanks, tends to be cheaper than buying it as tea bags.

 

Robios tea is excellent and easy. For a free alternative you can use the leaves of any hardwood tree. A media bag full of pure peat moss works well, too. There is no magic form of tannins. It comes down on what works easiest for you.

 

Thank you everyone for the replies!! They were all so helpful. I think I’ll boil the wood first and get the tea bags when I have a chance.

Robios tea is excellent and easy. For a free alternative you can use the leaves of any hardwood tree.

This is probably a stupid question but what do you mean by hardwood tree?

 

A tree that produces nuts rather than fruit. Pecan, Oak, or whatever nut making tree you have in your area. In your neck of the woods I imagine that oaks are most plentiful.

 

Thank you, that was very helpful. You are correct. My entire backyard is surrounded by oak actually.

 

The rooibus tea bags can just be dropped in to an aquarium. I have not had any issues with the old fabric bags as they fall apart but it might be a consideration with dwarf corydoras species?

 

When I used Roobios tea I bought it loose, in bulk rather than in tea bags which are much more expensive, I put the loose leaves in a woman's knee high stocking and put it the tank. Dry oak leaves did the same things without me having to spend money.

 

I don't know but I I'd stay away from walnut leaves, walnut tree produce a chemical that inhibits other plants' growth and probly wouldn't be good for fish.

 

I have not had any issues with the old fabric bags as they fall apart but it might be a consideration with dwarf corydoras species?

Why the corries?

When I used Roobios tea I bought it loose, in bulk rather than in tea bags which are much more expensive.

For buying in bulk do regular stores sell it, or would I have to look online?

I don't know but I I'd stay away from walnut leaves, walnut tree produce a chemical that inhibits other plants' growth and probly wouldn't be good for fish.

Walnut is a big no no for fish, will for sure be staying away from it.

 

The old bags MAY be a potential fish trap as they fall apart if you leave them for months at a time as I do. Visualise an empty tea bag with one side falling apart. I have not had any issues but think some of my fish are pretty dumb. Full sized corydoras fry may even become a victim?

 

Ah. I don't have corries but I can see the bags being potentially dangerous for my kuhlis or a beta (very curious.) I think maybe I'll tape the bag to the side? Hopefully that'll prevent the bag from falling.

 

Two foot notes:
1. Rooibos will not influence pH. Just so you know.
2. Walnut shells are aquarium safe. Stay clear of green leaves and the husk around the shell of the fresh nuts, though.