Peat Moss usage

[Dayvydp]

I'm not sure if there is a thread discussing this, but I'd like some advice on using peat moss for setting up a planted tank. Do i need to mix or use anything, and is there a specific brand of peat moss that's good fr aquarium use

 

[Matt724]

not sure, but peat moss is usually used to lower pH and add natural tannins to the water

 

[Dayvydp]

Yeah I've read about that, but i just wanted to know if there was a way to use it as a substrate for plants

 

[scream-aim-fire]

use miracle grow organic choice ( it dosnt have any ferts added) thats what most people use, you will take this and make about a one inch layer in the bottom of the tank (do all of this before adding water) then use whatever substrate that you wanted to cover the soil like sand or small pea gravel, you dont want to make this layer very thick i think not much more than an inch. you can then plant the tank or i waited til my tank was filled, then fill it very slowly with water so that you dont disturb the substrate too much. the reason for the soil under the substrate is to replace co2 and other ferts that you would normally have to add to a planted tank, over time the soil is suppost to break down and create co2.

 

[chonhzilla]

I used some peat moss about a year ago when I started up my tank. I just rinsed the peat, then put it down before the substrate. I can say it helped for the most part as far as getting me plants to grow a bit faster, it grew blxya japonica just fine. Some people say it helps new plants root faster, when it is used in the substrate. Just make sure you soak it before you put it in because peat loves to float around.

 

[Dayvydp]

What would be a cheap substrate for plants? I'm trying my luck with peat moss, and it's becoming a mess. Though my fish like it, I dont like the look of the tank