Substrate question

[Ariamus]

All,

I'm going to be setting up a new tank that will ultimately be a Discus or Blue Ram / Angel community tank. For the time being, though, it will serve as the holding tank for my two Plecos and my Corys. I might also begin my Tetra community but the whole fish population will eventually wind up in my existing 75G when I move it to the upstairs hallway.

At any rate, I have little or no trouble increasing / maintaining water hardness and a level PH in the 7+ figures. But this new tank will be for Discus and I'll want to keep the water soft and the PH lower. So, is there anything I can do in the setup of this tank that will help in keeping the water conditions I'm looking for?

 

[tetrin]

unfortunately, lowering the ph and maintaining it there is a far greater hassle than increasing it. peat and driftwood are known to work well, driftwood having a more gradual effect.
but from what i remember from brianny's posts, clean water is far more critical than the 'perfect' water when it comes to keeping discus.