Not sure where to put this...it deals with betta and tropical questions lol. I was on Big Al's and came across some ketapang extract! I thought only the whole leaves were sold, but this seems much more practical. I was thinking this would be good for my betta after he learns that a filter in his tank is a good thing. Here's the link for the ketapang extract: http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xm...ategory_id=2775 Would this benafit black neon tetras, cories, or sparkling pygmy gourami? I don't know if I can buy that last one yet, but I want to. Would the leavees be more potent/better? Will it discolor the water?

Then there is this ketapeat stuff: http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xm...ategory_id=4004

I have the same questions abou those too. If anyone has had any experience with these products, please review them for me. Thanks

Know nothing about those products but they are the same as Blackwater extract which mimics the water conditions for all South American acid loving fish. It is good to use with the fish you have but it will stain the water a tea colour, which is probably what you would see in the wild. It is beneficial as it will contain minerals and stuff that ordinary tap water is missing.
I keep meaning to buy it but never got round to it. It also helps if you want to breed your fish as it simulates the natural environment.
Try it Kissy.

i've been using the ketapang vital for at least two-three months now, i think. i never noticed any difference in my bettas, but i'm not sure if you are suppose to

I'm going to see if I can find more info on these products, and which one would be better for my betta and fish. Do both products turn the water a tea color? Is it a gross tea color? lol I'm working on re-decorating the tropical tank all beautiful. I want the tetras to feel happier, but I still want to get the same visual effect. I'm not interested in breeding, but if they want to breed that means that they are feeling their best, right? Does it bring down the pH? I have a high pH and a kH thats over 300. Could that be detrimental in any way?

~ I am dumb and was wondering what those products do for your fish! Thanks!

The products mimic the natural conditions of the waters that my fish originate from (mostly rainforest areas). Ketapang is usually recomended for betta fish and peat/black water extract is recomended for many tetras and other fish that come from amazon-y waters

Hi - I have both products and i have used them on my Betta and my killifish.

KETAPEAT - a "balckwater" additive that makes the water soft - it does discolor the water but it cannot be used with charcoal filters which will remove it form the water (which is how you can clear it form the tank). The water does turn a nice tea color but also like tea, the leaves, or ketpeat mix, are literally steeping in the water - so they have to be removed periodically - knowing when to take it out is the trick or that water may become too "black". So far, I see that it certainly does not hurt, but I ahve also not seen it make a big difference either - it may have a greater effect on certain species of tetra, as with killifish - some require peaty water absolutley and others types, like my F. Gardneri's do very well in fresh to mildly brackish water and don't seem to notice the peat at all - it did darken their beuctifully bright colors which I missed so I stopped the ketapeat. I do not recall Ketapeat being recommended for Betta fish but ....

KETAPANG VITAL - I have used this continuously for three months and then not used it continuously for three months in order to compare - neither the Betta nor the killis appear in the slightest bit different, for the worse or the better, with or without it! Very disppointing. But, there are people who swear by it!

My take on it is that Ketapang may have more effect on fish that are not so long-bred - ones that are closer to their wild origins... :dunno

It is worth a try! Just thought I would share my experience... but I would not buy either one again as they just did not make enough of a difference to my fish.

same here, i don't plan on buying it again. i had bought two bottles though so i probably have enough for a year but i wonder if you are suppose to see a difference or not? maybe it's just good for their health and not their appearance