Peat Filtration

[saz326]

I will be setting up a 125 litre with external filtration for south american cichlids (namely bolivian rams) and dithers.
It will be planted etc.

I am unfortunate enough to have pH 8 coming from the tapwater, with high KH buffering anything I try to do to it. I am using RO water to rbing the GH & KH down.

Would like to use peat filtering to reduce the pH and KH. Does anyone use it, and would they recommend any specific brand of granule (am looking for value for money here!)

Do pepole tend to make their own peat extracts by boiling the peat, or do they ismply bung it in the filter?


Thanks

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Having messed with peat in the past, I now use catappa leaves (almond) and alder cones.

 

[cools32]

Hello 'Saz'

I agree with 'two tank', and from my own experience it is better to use Almond Leaves and Alder Cones. I place Almond Leaves directly in my aquarium, and after initially floating on the surface these fall to the bottom after a couple of days. The Alder cones I put in a mesh bag (you can use old stockings / tights) and store them in one of the trays in my external filter. You can also Boil alder cones and produce a 'tea' that you can add directly to your aquarium water. (Use a handful of cones and add around a Litre of boling water.. leave to cool then add as much as you wish to your aquarium).

I have found that placing Alder Cones directly in to the aquarium, allows them to go all 'mushy' after a few days, which is unsightly.

Would also advise you to use sand rather than Gravel... and CO2 may also reduce your PH.

You need to re-mineralise your R/O with a product such as Micro Libe.

I too live in a Hard Water area, and have to make a weekly journey to purchase R/O for my softwater tanks.

Good luck with your Bolivian Rams.. which are very under rated in my opinion.

Every Good Wish

Mark