Peat In Filters

[ddm18]

Hey,

I've just bought myself a Fluval 204, my first external filter! I've been meaning to move over to external filters (from UGF/internal) for a while, but haven't got round to it until today. Anyway, I'm thinking that I might get some peat for it, as it seems that all of my fish would benefit (gouramis, barbs, tetras and cories).

My question is this: Is the kind of peat that you put in a filter the same stuff as you might buy in a garden centre for plants? If so, can I just use that, because it will be much cheaper than buying Fluval branded peat!

Any advice/experiences?

Edited because I can't spell.

 

[kitties1]

You can get a blackwter extract that mimics the conditions of peat. It is safe for all tetras and such. I use it my ten gallon with my neon tetras and african butterfly. It colors the H2) yellowish but it isn't murky. They have responded to it very well.
http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...ial&Np=1&N=2004

OR
If you are really intent on the actual peat go here for the right stuff.
http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...ial&Np=1&N=2004

I wouldn't trust garden center stuff cause it is often treated with fertilizers and other chemicals. You may also want to check into the peat that is used for amphibians and reptiles.
http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...ial&Np=1&N=2006
i have a tiger salamander that is housed in a terrarium with this peat. I bought it at a local pet store. since amphibians are able to absorb things through their skin I need to use a safe form of peat. I am not sure though if it is safe for salamander if that means it is okay for an aquarium. That is the only problem I see with this stuff other than the fact that MY filter is not large enough to accomodate it and I would have to put it in a special filter media bag or it would get all over my tank and screw up my impellar.

hope this helps.

 

[CFC]

As said unless you can be absolutely certain that the peat from the garden centre is 100% organic peat and has no fertilisers or pesticides added then i wouldnt risk it, you can by peat specially designed for filters from any good lfs, its a bit pricey but still cheaper then replacing all your fish and having to sterilise your tank.

 

[ddm18]

Fair points. Thanks both of you.

I don't tend to cut corners, but at the same time, I don't like to be ripped off!!!

Thanks again.

 

[fishface33]

you can buy fluval peat made for your fluval filter (thats what i did)

 

[silver]

CFC......
would my Silvers and new Clown Loaches (just wee babies) benefet from this "peat"......also, I've looked at EVERY LFS around here and I can't seem to find it?? Am I looking in the wrong section.....the media section!!!!!?

 

[Tropjunky]

well yes sorta the stuff u get in a garden center has other non-fish friendly stuff in it so get it from ur lfs