Peat ?

[fatfishman]

I have just bought a fishtank and the man who sold it to me left a layer of peat in the bottom with somesort of felt over the top for rooting plants. I have started cycling but dont know whether or not to remove the peat at this early stage. I do plan to plant some live plants in the tank.

Is the peat handy for plant growth or could it be more hastle then it is worth ?

 

[crazie.eddie]

The peat is not necessary for plant growth, just makes the water softer and gives it a brownish, almost tea like, color. Remove it now and if you decide you want to make your water softer, just use peat inside your filter.

 

[nry]

Though peat can help plant growth - you used to be able to buy aquarium specific peat for plant growth - all I know is that the tank I used it in had superb plants and little light/no CO2 many many years ago.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Plants need Light, CO2 (day), O2 (night), and nutrients.

I have 2 planted tanks (low tech). My plants get all the nutrients from the left over decaying fish foods, waste, and the minerals in the water.

 

[fatfishman]

Ok thanks but my peat is underneath a layer of felt with sand on top it hasnt seemed to change the water color very much. Could it still alter water conditions even if the water is not real passing through it ?

And also i am nearly done cycling so if i do remove it now would i need to restart the cycling process ?

 

[nry]

Cycling is for the filter - personally I would leave the peat down but if you want to remove it then providing the filter is not off for too long (an hour or so should be OK) the cycling process will be fine. Adding loads of plants will negate the need to cycle in many ways anyhow (plants will take up ammonia, nitrIte and nitrAte).

 

[fatfishman]

Ok thanks. so you think the peat should be ok the and will help plant growth.

 

[nry]

Yes and yes.