Carbon vs Peat

[ddm18]

Hope that makes sense. Basically - I'm trying to decide whether to replace my carbon (that I use at the moment - because I like the way it leaves the water clear) with peat (which I think would make the fish happier?)

Any comments, as usual, more than welcome. As long as they're not mean.

 

[maestro]

Peat is used to soften the water and lower the ph (it will only work if you dont have hard water) and add tanins to the water

Carbon is used as chemical filtration to soak up impurities in the water

So they do different things, one is not better than the other.

Personally i use neither

 

[WILDER]

I use carbon all the time in all my three tanks, as it keeps the water crystal clear and the tanks don't smell as much with it, don't use peat why do you want to fetch your ph down is it for breeding.

 

[ddm18]

Sorry - obviously I didn't explain myself properly - I wasn't looking for the right or wrong choice - just what most people use, and their reasons, if they have any.

 

[jflowers]

I voted carbon. But I only use it ocassionally and then only for 10 - 14 days to get rid of discolouration and I have it ready in case I need to remove medications from the water. I dont use peat as I dont have fish that need soft acidic water.

Jon

 

[ddm18]

Hmm. I have tetras and barbs, which (I think I'm right in saying) prefer soft, acidic water. Wilder, it's not for breeding, just that I'd like them to be as happy as possible. Also, as I understand, it would make them brighter and more colourful. I've used carbon for ages, and the fish don't seem to dislike it as such, which is why I've never changed it (if it ain't broke, don't fix it!)

 

[clutterydrawer]

neither, ever. not necessary. actually i put some carbon in occasioanlly to remove medication.

 

[WILDER]

You do replace the black carbon every six weeks.

 

[ddm18]

Yes, yes. I actually replace them about every two months, but that's because I'm tight! It's pretty much replacement time again, which is why I've started thinking!

 

[WILDER]

I buy the big jumbo one's and cut them up saves abit of money on three tanks.

 

[lucky62]

neither, ever. not necessary. actually i put some carbon in occasioanlly to remove medication.

agreed

 

[freddyk]

Also, as I understand, it would make them brighter and more colourful.

This is a myth. Fish that are kept in a well maintained tank, free of stress, will show the best color. Carbon removes impurities that may be in the water, but it also removes some of the desirable trace elements, so there are pro's and con's to using it. In my experience there was no noticable difference in the tank or fish with or without it, so I haven't bothered in many years. Peat has limited effect on the water unless you use a lot of it, it's not worth the visible effect, IMO.

 

[clutterydrawer]

also i don't use carbon cos I heard it can remove some of the things plants need...and i have a lot of plants.

 

[lucky62]

also i don't use carbon cos I heard it can remove some of the things plants need...and i have a lot of plants.

I used carbon all the time when I was younger , I thought I had to , but when I began to maintain plants I soon learned I was throwing money away on liquid fertilizers , I use carbon after treatments of illness only [use it very rarely ].
Good tank maintenance , like water changes and filter media cleaning is all that really needs to be done in that respect , IMO.


But use it if you like .

 

[Fish Buddy]

Carbon removes fish pee and other impurities to make the water look crystal clear. Peat moss on the other hand will only act as a mechanical filter-taking out the large floaty objects in your tank. It will also lower the pH because it is organic and disscolour the tank water a 'tea' colour. If you are used to the clear water you get now you might find it a shock to have it disscoloured and wish you never put it in.
Your fish might like it a little more to have a lower pH but...