Aquarium Peat And Blackwater Extract

[Chops126]

Hi there,

I was hoping to add some peat to my 50 gal. planted tank. My tank is patterened on a South American biotope and I would like the water chemistry to be in line with this. The fish I have also "prefer" water that is acidic and has all the stuff found in peat extract (Rams, Black Neon Tetras, and Corys).

I've used peat in the past and had it in my canister filter and found that it worked well getting my PH lower - my local watersource has a PH of 8 and higher.

I wanted to add another canister to my tank primarily as a peat filter and as additional biological filtration (I'm looking for the smallest canister I can find). How much peat should I use in the filter? I know that too much peat in the filter, or a filter that is too strong may "dose" the water with too much peat and I'll end up having to do too many water changes just to control the water chemistry and keep it from getting too acidic and/or having too much peat extract in the water.

Another option I have is to just add peat extract or blackwater extract to the water everytime I do a water change. I'm happy with having my one canister and I think it does the job (Eheim Professional 2222)- I think that adding a second cansiter might also cause a bit too much "current" for my fish. BTW, there are only 2 available brands of peat/blackwater extract here (Tetra and Sera). If I do this, during my water change should I add it to the new water I'm going to add to the tank (I "prepare" my water a day before letting it sit for a day to let the chlorine seep out) or should I add it directly to the tank after the water change?

Which would be the better option?

Thanks

 

[mark.w.jones]

The 2nd canister would be a bit of an overkill in terms of filtration but would allow you to over stock to a certain extent. It would also help maintain a more consistant pH which is really what you are looking for. A swinging pH is not a good thing. THe KH of your water also needs some consideration as it is this buffers the water and prevents rapid change of pH. If your water's KH its too high then you are fighting an uphill battle with trying to lower the pH as a a very high KH can lead to a markedly alkaline pH.

Anyhow, I feel you need to find out your waters KH first, there are cheap liquid test kits for this. Then let us know what it's at. I think that peat in a separate canister is a better long term option + easier to maintain than having to soak bags of peat in your water change water for a number of days before adding to your tank.