Humboldt University, Berlin - The importance of humic substances

[dw1305]

Hi all,
I don't speak German, but if any-one does there is a short discussion with Dr Christian Steinberg of the Humboldt University on the importance of humic substances in aquatic ecosystems here: <"http://files.feedplace.de/haustier-radio/myfish - Thema - Huminstoffe.MP3">.

Their research page is here: <"http://www2.hu-berlin.de/biologie/aquaoeko/index.php5?goto=research">.

From Brazil come even more exciting reports: In very soft, humic freshwaters, such as the Rio Negro, humic substances stimulate the uptake of essential ions, such as sodium and calcium, even at extremely low pH (3.5-4.0) and prevent the loss of ions induced by acid waters. Consequently, humic substances are the very biogeochemical basis, which enable fish to survive in these extreme environments.

I'd like to thank <"Marcel from UKAPS"> for the links

cheers Darrel

 

[gerald]

The Physiology of Tropical Fishes by A. Val, V. deAlmeida-Val, and D. Randall (Academic Press 2006) includes a chapter on osmoregulation in acidic blackwater habitats (Gonzalez, Wilson & Wood) including various Rio Negro fishes and Banded Sunfish. It's dense technical stuff but pretty cool if you take the time wade through it (for fish nerds anyway).

 

[regani]

Great find, Darrel
Just a brief summary of that radio interview: humic acids are found in most aquatic bodies, even in the oceans. The ratio of soluble humic substances to living biomass is about 10:1 (by weight) in fresh water and 100:1 in salt water.
Beneficial effects are measurable before colour can be seen in the water and the recommendation for aquariums is to have just a very light tinge of brown from the humic acids to get the good effects.
Effect include improved health, improved colour, larger number of offspring.
They have tested humic acids as treatment for some diseases including finrot, ick, some infections and found that addition of humic acids has a curative effect.
No need to buy kettapang leaves, the guy recommends to just take the top layer of forest soil, soak and stir in water, filter and use that concentrated extract and add small amounts to the aquarium until desired colour is reached. They tried soils from under different types of trees and they all have basically the same effect.

So what are you waiting for? Turn your water brown

 

[themountain]

Here we use a lot of banana and nispero leafes because they are on every corner