Using Peat

[LittleParr]

In the setup of my 33 gal South American tank, which I am hoping to stock with discus, tetras, and corys, I am considering using peat as a fliter medium in my :? aquaclear power filter. Has anyone used peat before, is it a good choice for these fish, and how do you use it best?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Peat is going to lower your pH and soften the water. A little bit goes a LONG way. I would use ceramic rings instead. They hold more bacteria and don't affect the water chemistry. Also, and I may be wrong, but I think Discus need a larger tank than 33 gal. You may want to PM BrianNY about that. He knows everything about Discus.

 

[LittleParr]

What kind of ceramic rings are you talking about, how do you use them, and how much peat should one use?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

The amount of peat you use depends on how large the tank is, what you want your pH to be at and so on. It's pure experimentation. But I would not advise that you do it. You have to replace the peat ever so often to maintain the current levels. And if you do have a pH swing, it wil end up killing your fish. What is your current pH level?

A link to Ceramic rings: http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24341;category_id=2563

 

[Jchillin]

And, here is an article regarding adjusting ph.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showquestion.php?faq=2&fldAuto=40

 

[LittleParr]

Current pH level is 7. Maybe I should just use standard ways of lowering the pH for my discus/characins?

 

[gheitman]

I would also recommend getting ceramic rings (aka BioMax) for your AquaClear filter.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/search/...ction=sitebuilder/catalog3-1&keywords1=biomax

You could get one of the liquid peat extracts like Blackwater Extract from Tetra.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=27515;category_id=2807

I use it in several of my tanks.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

With a pH level of 7.0, why would you want to change it?

 

[Jchillin]

With a pH level of 7.0, why would you want to change it?

See below:

Maybe I should just use standard ways of lowering the pH for my discus/characins?

My understanding is that Discus prefer softer more acidic water...especially for spawning. Using the standard methods like Peat will get you there.