Peat Moss

[BadBadger]

So i've been doing some reading up on zaire river biotopes and i've found someone saying they used pure peat moss as substrate.
The guy doesnt say much about it so i did some more searching on it, but now im a bit confused cause all i can find is articles about gardening

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BigC]

Being a breeder of killifish for many a year, I use peat moss quite a lot. I would mainly use this for breeding Notobranchius sp and South American annuals. I wouldn't advocate just placing copious amounts of peat moss into your tank as this will turn the water very acidic very quickly.
First of all you need to boil the peat to sterilise it. Place it inside a stocking/s and soak in a bucket of water for around 2-3 weeks. empty and replace the water on a regular basis to rid it of most of the debris and tannins. Then I think you can safely utilise the peat for your purpose so long as your not intending to keep species of fish which enjoy a more alkaline water environment.
Regards
C

 

[BadBadger]

Thankyou BigC.
The species im looking at stocking require a PH of 6 as minumum to 7.5 as maximum.
What PH levels are you getting from the tanks you use peat moss?
Also, when you've used it have you mixed it with any other subsrate?

Thanks

 

[BigC]

Peat is a hard material to quantify in as much as its effect on pH reduction. there is no data table to tell you that if you use this much peat it will drop your pH by x amount.
By the time I use the peat that I have soaked then the pH reduction is minimal, and as I'm removing the egg laden peat and replacing with new alongside waterchanges then this is virtually constant at around 6.8. But this would also depend on the water you are using wither it be Municipal Tap, RO or Rainwater or a permutation or combination of all those mentioned. I personally don't actually use the peat as a substrate but more of a temporary spawning medium.
Regards
C

 

[BadBadger]

Ok mate, thanks for your help.
well it looks like i could be safe on the PH side of things.
From what i've read it also tans the water slightly. Have you noticed?

Thanks

 

[BigC]

It will tan the water to a certain degree (blackwater) but if you soak and re-soak like I have mentioned you will reduce the amount of tannins contained therein and your water will be much clearer. Just dont expect it to be totally GIN clear though.
Regards
C