Peat Substrate

[allaboutthehoochies]

Hi,

I keep reading that peat can be used as an effective substrate for creating blackwater conditions, however I cannot find any actual details on the recommended forms of peat to use, and how to prepare it etc. If it is actually possible to use it, can anyone give me a brief overview of what I should be doing!?

That would be most appreciated!

[crystalreds]

There is the liquid form which is expensive to use in the long run and also the actual peat (pebbles-like). As it floats, what I did was to secure the peats in a net and have it as part of my media in the canister filter. It does soften the water.

[joydiv]

What i did was to boil the peat moss, squeeze the water content out and use it to cover the base fert. After that I top it up with a layer of gravel. I have never had peat as the top layer as it will be messy with water movement and rescaping.

[medicineman]

Dried Indian almond leaves (ketapang) in tea bag is a good alternative to using peat if your goal is cheap blackwater extract. Just hang the bag into your tank (or put in the filter). The tannins etc in it supposedly creates a bacteriostatic condition which is beneficial to some fish.

[Tetra Lover]

Dried Indian almond leaves (ketapang) in tea bag is a good alternative to using peat if your goal is cheap blackwater extract. Just hang the bag into your tank (or put in the filter). The tannins etc in it supposedly creates a bacteriostatic condition which is beneficial to some fish.

Hi medicineman,

Can the ketapang leave be used for CRS tank? Will it benefit them? I know the tannins acids will brown the water but if it is good for CRS, I do not mind.

[stoker]

First thing peat will reduce the pH and not as such soften the water. Ketapang leaves can be used with crs but as it reduces the pH to make it acid there will be a problem in the shell growth with inverts. The pH should be 7.0+ for this to happen