Filtering With Peat

[LoriF]

Just a curiosity question. Would filtering with peat create an ammonia spike?

 

[nurglespuss]

Shouldn't do unless (possibly);

A. the peat had some significant bilogical content, and was in the process of deomposition.
B. you added it to an already running filter, and the bacterial composition changed as a result, and needs to adapt/recover.

Thats all I can think of!

 

[LoriF]

Thanks, I was just wondering because I want to use peat to filter with and that thought crossed my mind being as it is organic and will break down.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Boy if i got 5 cents for every time I have posted the info below in a thread, I would be richer than Bill Gates

Peat moss softens water and reduces its hardness (GH). The most effective way to soften water via peat is to aerate water for 1-2 weeks in a bucket containing peat moss. For example, get a (plastic) bucket of the appropriate size. Then, get a large quantity of peat (a gallon or more), boil it (so that it sinks), stuff it in a pillow case, and place it in the water bucket. Use an air pump to aerate it. In 1-2 weeks, the water will be softer and more acidic. Use this aged water when making partial water changes on your tank. Peat can be bought at pet shops, but it is expensive. It is much more cost-effective to buy it in bulk at a local gardening shop. Read labels carefully! You don't want to use peat containing fertilizers or other additives.

Although some folks place peat in the filters of their tanks, the technique has a number of drawbacks. First, peat clogs easily, so adding peat isn't always effective. Second, peat can be messy and may cloud the water in your tank. Third, the exact quantity of peat needed to effectively soften your water is difficult to estimate. Using the wrong amount results in the wrong water chemistry. Finally, when doing water changes, your tank's chemistry changes when new water is added (it has the wrong properties). Over the next few days, the chemistry changes as the peat takes effect. Using aged water helps ensure that the chemistry of your tank doesn't fluctuate while doing water changes.

from FINS

 

[Squidward]

Yes you can use peat in your filter. But it is not the only media that you need to have.
You must still have your sponges or ceramic chips. And then add a small cloth bag with the peat in it.

 

[LoriF]

Boy if i got 5 cents for every time I have posted the info below in a thread, I would be richer than Bill Gates

Peat moss softens water and reduces its hardness (GH). The most effective way to soften water via peat is to aerate water for 1-2 weeks in a bucket containing peat moss. For example, get a (plastic) bucket of the appropriate size. Then, get a large quantity of peat (a gallon or more), boil it (so that it sinks), stuff it in a pillow case, and place it in the water bucket. Use an air pump to aerate it. In 1-2 weeks, the water will be softer and more acidic. Use this aged water when making partial water changes on your tank. Peat can be bought at pet shops, but it is expensive. It is much more cost-effective to buy it in bulk at a local gardening shop. Read labels carefully! You don't want to use peat containing fertilizers or other additives.

Although some folks place peat in the filters of their tanks, the technique has a number of drawbacks. First, peat clogs easily, so adding peat isn't always effective. Second, peat can be messy and may cloud the water in your tank. Third, the exact quantity of peat needed to effectively soften your water is difficult to estimate. Using the wrong amount results in the wrong water chemistry. Finally, when doing water changes, your tank's chemistry changes when new water is added (it has the wrong properties). Over the next few days, the chemistry changes as the peat takes effect. Using aged water helps ensure that the chemistry of your tank doesn't fluctuate while doing water changes.

from FINS

 

[LoriF]

Tell you what, I'll give you your first nickle. LOL Thanks for the great info. I was making my peat soup but it does cloud up the water. I am going to use your advise and start aging and keep it on hand.
One more question for you while I'm here. If I have my aged peat water and the ph and gh are too low, will mixing it with harder water to raise it a little make it unstable? Or will it stay at the measurement as initially mixed?