peat moss experience?

[born2lovefish]

So I put some peat moss from a garden store(no additives) in a mess bag and ran water over it in the sink. I get little tiny black specks and dirt colored water in the sink? Am I doing something wrong or do I make water like this and wait for it to settle before I drain the good off?

Matt

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

What do you want to do with peat? Do you want to use it in your filter to alter water chemistry, or do you want to mix it in your substrate for a more earthy look, or will it be the only substrate in a breeder tank?

HarleyK

 

[born2lovefish]

dealing with water chemistry. I do not want to put it in a filter after what it is doing in a mess filter bag.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

If crude peat is too messy for you, you could try peat granules (LFS, online stores). There are also liquid peat extracts available, but they are not as potent and more costly than peat. Even worse, Tetra ToruMin contains phosphates, which induce algae growth.

Most importantly, you may want to ask yourself if your fish would really benefit from peat. What species are you keeping? What is your tap water chemistry, and what is your target?

HarleyK

 

[saltydog_1]

if you are trying to lower ph and soften your water co2 injection works much better i tried the peat for about 3 months with mixed results (i'm lazy) co2 was set it and forget it once it is dialed in where you want it keep an eye on it periodically and you are done and it can be done fairly inexpensive the preassembled kits are outrageous

 

[born2lovefish]

I'm adding a pressurized co2 tank with regulator, but not a controller. Once I get the rate set I should be ok, right?

 

[saltydog_1]

yes best way to check is ph test do not add co2 without a good ph test kit increase or decrease co2 according to where you want your ph its a little tricky for about a couple of days dialing it in then just check periodically