Humic substances for discus and other brackish water inhabitants

 

Surprisingly, the natural habitat of many ornamental fish is initially very hostile to life. Brackish waters, such as the Rio Negro in the Amazon, are very poor in minerals and very acidic. Many areas of these waters have a pH below 4. This is not a good starting point for the existence of aquatic life.

For a long time it was not clear how discus and other fish, shrimp and other aquatic organisms could be successfully there at all. At the same time, it has been scientifically proven that humic substances dissolved in water allow survival in such a threatened environment. Humic substances are ubiquitous on Earth. But what are humic substances, where do they come from, how do they work and above all, what are the benefits of humic substances in the aquarium?

 

What are humic substances, where do they come from?

 

Everyone knows humus, which ensures the growth of plants in nature or in the garden. The humus layer is the fertile, usually dark soil layer through which plants are supplied with nutrients. During the decomposition of organic masses by microorganisms, humic substances are produced in large quantities. Not only does humus contain humic substances, but soil, peat or brown coal do the same. Humins are found in bread, beer, coffee or tea and are responsible for the brown color. They have long been a part of human nutrition. The effects on human and animal health have only been studied in detail in recent decades.

Humic substances are a very heterogeneous mixture of substances. They consist of humins, fulvo and humic acids. Their solubility in water and their effect on organisms is very different. All natural waters contain humic substances in varying concentrations. Particularly high concentrations of humic substances are found in rivers or lakes of black water, from which large parts of ornamental fish and shrimp appear. Animals from natural black water have been adapted to humic substances for a very long time.

 

How do humic substances work?

 

Natural Humin has various effects on organisms. Its anti-inflammatory potential is best known. When applied to the skin and mucous membrane, a fine protective film is formed. The effect of the protective film is not limited to the outside. This protective function also works in the gastrointestinal tract.

Humins provide attachment points for infectious pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Used as a preventive measure, they help prevent microbial attacks. In the case of an acute infection, they can alleviate the course of the disease by binding the toxins of the pathogen to the intestine and inhibiting its proliferation.

In addition, humic substances support mucus production and promote a healthy metabolism. They help stimulate intestinal flora and bind harmful substances such as heavy metals or pesticide residues absorbed from food. Chemicals protect the intestinal surface from chemical and microbial irritation. In a healthy gut, food can be optimally broken down and nutrients are more easily available to the body. In the long term, humic substances strengthen the immune system of all fish and all other aquatic organisms.

 

What are the benefits of Natural Humin in the aquarium?

 

The main known positive activities and effects are:

the binding of pollutants, especially heavy metals in water and animals
protection of the lining and walls of the intestine
optimizing food intake and use
Support of calcium balance, especially in soft biotopes
growth enhancement
stress management
strengthening the immune system
preventing the growth of yeast
increasing the willingness to breed discus, invertebrates and any other fish
supporting healing processes in lesions and wounds
reduction of infection pressure caused by parasites, algae and fungi
yellow / brown color, black water effect

The above activities and effects have been scientifically researched and documented. There are no known harmful effects of humic substances in water. Without humus, all soft, acidic water biotopes would be significantly poorer in species diversity, as recent studies from Humboldt University in Berlin show. Conversely, this means that a certain concentration of humic substances in the aquarium is necessary for the preservation of all soft-water

 


Which humic substances are suitable, which combination achieves the best results?

 

Not all humic substances are capable of improving the health described above. Only special humic substances can be used, especially for internal use. Natural Humin from the company Discusfood contains high-quality humus substances specially made for aquariums and ponds. Here the effects are guaranteed. The raw products used for Natural Humin are subject to constant inspections and quality checks. They are characterized by the highest purity, stability and safety. The raw materials are approved for pharmaceutical use, i.e.