should i bother using peat?

[clutterydrawer]

I'm setting up a new tank and have read that the fish i want to keep (sparkling gouramis) much prefer soft, acid water and that it's advisable to use peat in the tank....would it really make a difference? and do i have to mess about with peat or could i just put lots of bogwood in to get the same effect?

ta

 

[Nuttygal! :0)]

I'd just go with bogwood! Of course, that's just my opinion, but that's what I would do!

 

[CFC]

Bogwood wont really have much affect on your water unless it is already fairly soft so if you want to go down the softer water route then peat or R/O water are your only safe options.

This is a very good page on the use of peat and how it works

http/hjem.get2net.dk/Best_of_the_Web/peat%20page.html

 

[MAM]

Funny, I was just about to start a thread asking about how to use peat and what to actually buy when I stumbled across this thread (for my killifish setup). Great link CFC, that answered all my questions.

 

[Kinda Fishey]

Hey Clutterydrawer
I've used peat as a bottem cover for killies, and am now using it for a couple pair of bettas.
For the bettas I just use enough to cover the glass bottem . For the killies I used more.
My water is well water , about 7.5 to 8 , probably hard. I don't find that the peat changes the PH very much.
I really believe the peat imparts some medicinal (?) , quality to the water.
I've never used it with a strong filter , just an airstone or inside filter. It gets stired up sometimes , but it looks natural , and the fish do well in it.

Most Important........put the peat ( the fine powdered kind, not spangham moss), in a clean bucket, then fill with water. let it soak until all the peat sinks to the bottem , Usuallythe better part of a week. You may want to pour some of the brown water off and resoak.........Then......put in the aquarium.
Luck with your fish
KF

 

[Kinda Fishey]

I forgot to say, FWIW, I wouldn't keep any fish in soft , acid water, any longer than needed. only if it was absolutley nessacary for breeding , or health.
I think you will have a lot less fungus and sickness in just tap water. Just my oninion
Luck
KF

 

[abstract]

many of these fish come from soft, acidic water....there will be absolutely no harm from prolonged expsosure unless, of course, your pH drops too low

EDIT: by the way, my water is extremely soft already with near-neutral pH...i use driftwood in all of my tanks and have almost no issues in months (pH is generally around 6.4-6.8 before water changes...

 

[pica_nuttalli]

yeah, some of us start out with tap water that's low and soft... it all depends on the environment.