The Puffer Forum

Will a Congo puffer be fine in tannin stained water or would he be better without it?

Never had a fish suffer any ill affects from Tannin in the water. Its more aesthetics until the initial leeching stops.

I think I read somewhere that it actually benefits some fish .... not sure about puffers though. But as Hilly says, I've never had any of my puffers suffer an ill effects from tannins in the water.

Fish that prefer soft water, and especially those that are from blackwater environments (bettas, SAPs, etc.), can benefit from tannins in the water - they not only stain the water, but they also soften it and lower the pH. Tannins are great for conditioning blackwater fish prior to and during breeding. Also, tannins have a mild antibacterial property, and they're good for treating mild infections, like fin rot.